You're Allowed to Ask: Essential Questions for Every Stage of Breast Cancer Treatment

"Any questions?" Your oncologist is looking at you expectantly. You know you should ask something—anything—but your mind has gone completely blank. You leave the appointment and immediately think of seventeen things you should have asked. But it's too late. Sound familiar? You're not supposed to know what to ask. You've never done this before. Breast cancer treatment is overwhelming. The medical jargon is confusing. Your brain is foggy from stress, medication, or both. Everyone expects you to be an informed, empowered patient, but you can barely remember your own name half the time. That's where this guide comes in. "You're Allowed to Ask" gives you the questions that matter—organized by every stage of treatment, written in plain English, with space for your answers. No medical jargon. No toxic positivity. Just honest, practical questions that help you advocate for yourself or someone you love when your brain can't do it alone. INSIDE THIS GUIDE YOU'LL FIND: Six comprehensive question checklists covering every stage: At Diagnosis, Before Surgery, Before Radiation, About Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, and Follow-Up Care. Questions for CAREGIVERS in every section—because they need answers too. The awkward questions section—sex, intimacy, mental health, the stuff you're afraid to bring up. Emergency red flags—when to call your doctor versus when to go to the ER. How to actually advocate for yourself—bringing support, recording appointments, asking for clarification. Real survivor wisdom—not medical textbooks, but honest experience from people who've walked this path. WHO THIS BOOK IS FOR: You need this if you just got diagnosed and have no idea what to ask. If you leave appointments confused and overwhelmed. If you're a caregiver trying to understand what's happening. If your mind goes blank when the doctor asks "any questions?" If you want to advocate for yourself but don't know where to start. If you're tired of nodding like you understand when you don't. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Amy Cozart-Lundin is a breast cancer survivor, instructional designer, and founder of Pink9to5, a nonprofit dedicated to providing education and resources for breast cancer patients, caregivers, and survivors who need support. Through Pink9to5, Amy writes about the parts of the journey that don't fit the inspirational narrative—the depression that follows treatment, the grief of losing who you were before, the anger nobody wants survivors to have, and the complicated work of healing that continues long after the pink ribbons are put away. Diagnosed at 43 with mucinous carcinoma (a rare type for her age), Amy underwent a double mastectomy with aesthetic flat closure, radiation treatment, and is currently on hormone therapy. With an M.Ed. in eLearning and Instructional Design and over 10 years in corporate training, she brings both survivor wisdom and educational expertise to patient advocacy. Amy helps cancer patients and caregivers navigate treatment with honesty, agency, and permission to struggle while surviving. She lives in Battle Creek, Michigan with her wife Andrea of 18 years. IMPORTANT NOTE: This book is NOT medical advice. It's a question guide to help you have better conversations with YOUR medical team. Always follow your doctor's recommendations. Think of this as your appointment companion—the thing that remembers when your brain can't. Organized by treatment stage so you only use the sections that apply to you right now. Each checklist stands alone. You don't have to read it cover-to-cover or ask every question. Just pick what matters to you. For everyone navigating breast cancer treatment—you don't have to do this perfectly. You just need to know what questions to ask.