Why should I book a consultation? Can’t I just google stuff?

When it comes to breast health and breast cancer, it’s not just getting the information- it’s understanding it.  It can be terrifying to google stuff, and you might not know what to believe.  

Why should I meet with you if I’m going to see my provider anyway?

Many people find that office visits are more productive when they come prepared to discuss their concerns. Having a working knowledge of breast physiology, diagnostic imaging, common breast concerns and cancer risk factors will ensure that your visit is a productive one, where your concerns are heard. Many patients find a breast center visit to be “information overload” which can make a stressful situation more anxiety-provoking. Educating yourself is a good start, but getting information directly from a specialist is the best way to prepare for your appointment.

Do you take insurance?

Not at this time, but this may change in the future.

I am not female assigned at birth and/or I don’t identify as female. Do I still need to know this stuff?

Breast health care is important for everybody, because everybody has breast tissue. However we are more than our body parts, and the education we are entitled to should not be restricted or not optimized due to a person’s sex or gender.  Anybody can get breast cancer.  Anybody can have breast symptoms.  But not everybody gets the same information.  Everybody should practice breast self-awareness.  Not just women and/or women assigned at birth. 

How do I know that I’ll get what I need from this appointment?

Let me present two scenarios for you:

Scenario #1:  you are scared when you discover a new breast symptom, and immediately you start researching your symptoms online.  You find out some scary information, but you decide to press on, trying to prepare yourself for what should happen next.  You are apprehensive about an upcoming appointment with your provider to discuss this symptom, so you frantically try to research more information prior to your meeting.  When you meet with your provider, you can feel the pangs of disappointment which turn into rage as seemingly unrelated questions keep coming about your OBGYN health, weight, psych history.  You try to offer some of the information that you learned online, only to have your provider become patronizing and/or dismissive.  Times up!  I hope you got what you needed out of that 15 minute appointment.  

Scenario #2: You meet with a breast health educator before you develop a problem, and you find out what to expect at an appointment in the future. You will also go into that appointment knowing what the provider is considering during that appointment.  I can explain what information could play a role in determining the root cause of your condition, so that you are not blindsided during the appointment.  I can give you an overview of the standard course of evaluation of a breast problem, as well as the factors that play a role in determining your breast cancer risk.  Most importantly, I can help you to feel assured that you are going into an appointment as an equally informed partner, so that you don’t hesitate to seek evaluation.  Knowledge is power, and being educated is vital.  

I have a lump, can you evaluate me?

This appointment is not appropriate if you are seeking evaluation for any new breast symptoms or changes. 

These include but are not limited to:

• skin changes

• skin thickening

• skin color

• texture changes

• nipple discharge

• inverted nipples

• lumps

• bumps

• pain

• swelling

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, I recommend that you undergo a physical exam and/or breast imaging with a licensed healthcare provider (NP, Midwife, PA, MD, DO) without delay.