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
IF YOUR DIAGNOSIS IS OF METASTATIC BREAST CANCER OR AN UNUSUAL OR A RARE CANCER.
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Get A Second opinion
It is advisable to get a second opinion about your diagnosis and proposed treatment from a National Cancer Institute (NCI) certified Comprehensive Cancer Center. You can locate an NCI center at: https://cissecure.nci.nih.gov/factsheet/FactsheetSearch.aspx?FSType=1,2
Once you decide on a treatment, it can be administered by your cancer doctor if you would prefer.
Free air transportation is available to special cancer centers if your treatment cannot be given locally. (See "To Learn More.").
If you cannot travel to such a Comprehensive Cancer Center, you can have the necessary information sent by an overnight carrier or regular post.
Consider Palliative care
If the prognosis is particularly worrisome, consider modifying the treatment goal to preserving your quality of life. A consult with a doctor who specializes in treatment of pain (a palliative-care specialist) can help. Such professionals are trained to consider the patient's entire medical and personal situation and to focus on symptom management and pain relief along with curative treatments.
Think About Cutting edge treatments
If there are no mainstream medical treatments available, find out what new treatments are being investigated in clinical trials. Clinical trials involve cutting edge medicine.
If there are no promising treatments in the United States, research whether there are useful treatments abroad. Learn how to spot a phony treatment. (See "To Learn More.")
Home Care Is Available If Needed
- Much of what used to be done in a hospital can now be done at home thanks to advances in medical equipment and nurses and doctors (yes, doctors) who go to your home.
- Medical devices can provide monitoring information to your doctors over the internet.
- You can hire home health aides through a service or on your own. Must of the cost of home care is covered by health insurance.
To Learn More
More Information
Second Opinion 101 How To Find A Doctor Who Specializes In Pain Management (Palliative Care) Clinical Trials 101 SSI 101: An Overview Home Health Care Home Bound 101 How To Get Free Travel For A Diagnosis Or For Treatment How To Spot A Phony TreatmentRelated Articles
COBRA SSDI: Before You File Your Claim SSDI 101: An Overview (Social Security Disability Insurance) It's Never Too Early To File A SSDI Claim Planning Ahead Travel Outside The United States Travel 101
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