Content Overview
- Learn About The Tests Your Doctor May Suggest.
- Summary
- Breast Cancer Is Not What It Used To Be.
- Take Time Making A Treatment Decision
- Commit Yourself To Doing Everything You Can To Beat Your Disease.
- Think About Your Goals
- A General Overview Of What Happens After A Breast Cancer Diagnosis
- Learn About Your Specific Diagnosis.
- Choose The Best Available Cancer Doctor (An Oncologist).
- Decide Who You Want To Make Medical Decisions.
- Consider Available Treatments.
- Ask All Your Questions Before Agreeing To A Treatment Plan.
- Lumpectomy, a Partial Mastectomy or a Mastectomy.
- If A Mastectomy Is Recommended.
- When A Drug Is Recommended.
- If Radiation Is Recommended.
- If Chemotherapy Is Recommended.
- Get A Second Opinion
- Non-traditional Treatments Should Be Complementary - Not Instead Of
- Learn How To Maximize Your Limited Time With A Doctor.
- Drugs And Treatments Do Not Work In A Vacuum.
- Tools That Will Make The Process Easier
- Take Someone With You To Doctors' Appointments
- IF YOUR DIAGNOSIS IS OF METASTATIC BREAST CANCER OR AN UNUSUAL OR A RARE CANCER.
Advanced Breast Cancer: Managing Your Medical Care: Diagnosis To Treatment Decision
Take Time Making A Treatment Decision
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As a general matter, a decision about what treatment to take does not have to be made immediately. In fact, according to Dr. Peter I Pressman, a noted oncologist specializing in breast cancer: "A sensible goal is to have treatment under way within three to four weeks after diagnosis…. Though growth rates for different types of breast cancer can vary, there is no evidence of a measurable change for any of them in a period of three or four weeks. " To put it another way, there are no breast cancer emergencies.
All too often, a decision about what treatment(s) to undergo is unnecessarily made during the first visit to a cancer doctor. There is less likelikhood of having a regret about your treatment decision if you take time to let the emotions that appear on diagnosis settle so you can make a decision with a more clear head, do some research about potential treatments, and possibly get a second opinion.
Ask the doctor who diagnosed you how long you have to begin treatment. You can then work backwards to set dates by which the various aspects of what needs to happen prior to treatment actually happen.
NOTE: If you become so anxious and frightened that you become unable to think straight or take action, consult with a mental health professional who can help reduce anxiety enough so that you can participate in the decision. (See "To Learn More.")
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