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Information about all aspects of finances affected by a serious health condition. Includes income sources such as work, investments, and private and government disability programs, and expenses such as medical bills, and how to deal with financial problems.
Information about all aspects of health care from choosing a doctor and treatment, staying safe in a hospital, to end of life care. Includes how to obtain, choose and maximize health insurance policies.
Answers to your practical questions such as how to travel safely despite your health condition, how to avoid getting infected by a pet, and what to say or not say to an insurance company.

Breast Cancer: Post Treatment: 6 Months Plus: Medical Care

Summary

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  • Do not be surprised if some symptoms continue.
    • If they do, that doesn't mean they won't go away eventually.
    • There are generally steps to take to reduce the effect of all symptoms. 
  • Lymphedema may still show up. Do what you can to prevent it.
  • Women who have had breast cancer are at increased risk for developing a second breast cancer.
    • Give yourself a monthly breast exam.
    • Get a breast cancer follow-up plan if you don't have one already.
      • Report  all changes noted in the follow-up plan as well asunexpected changes in your health to both your oncologist and your primary care physician. 
      • Keep all appointments noted in the follow-up plan. There is reason each one is there. "Feeling great without symptoms" is not a reason to miss a follow up appointment (nor is a symptom you fear may be a recurrence).
    • Consider:
      • Taking supplements to make up for any nutrients you are not getting in your regular diet. Your doctor or a dietitian/nutritionist may have suggestions about which supplements to take, if any. 
      • Hormonal therapies to prevent a recurrence.
      • Gene testing to decide whether to take additional steps.
    • Adopt a cancer prevention lifestyle. For instance:
      • If you smoke quit. It helps reduce the odds that cancer will reappear. You’ll also reduce your risk of heart disease and other smoking related illnesses.
      • if you are overweight, lose the extra weight.
  • Comply with drug regimens. Save money when purchasing drugs. Store and dispose of drugs safely.
  • Prepare for visits with your doctors. 
    • Keep track of your symptoms, if any. Survivorship A to Z provides a Symptoms Diary to help. (A push of a button turns it into an easy-to-read graph to save precious time with your doctor).
    • Keep an ongoing list of questions and concerns so you don't have to try to remember things when you're under the pressure of a short period of time with the doctor. Survivorship A to Z provides a Prioritizer to help.
  • Take care of your mouth. An infection could spread throughout your body.
  • Consider getting a pet.if you do not have one. Studies show they can help quality of life and possibly even the length of life.
  • Be sure there is  humor in your life - preferably on a daily basis.
  • If your relationship with your doctor is not ideal, try to fix it. If it becomes difficult for you, consider looking for another doctor.
  • Now that you’ve been dealing with the medical system and hopefully recognize how helpful knowledge is to getting what you need, take a few moments to think about what to do if there is a medical emergency, or how to continue medical care if there is a disaster. In case you need it in the future, keep in mind that We provide information about how to maximize time in a hospital, including staying safe. To learn more, click here. 
  • If you haven’t already, now is the time to assure that you keep control of your medical care even if something happens and you become unable to speak for yourself. The documents you’ll need to think about are called Advance Healthcare Directives and Advance Mental Health Directives. They’re free and easy to execute. We provide an article showing how to enforce directives
  • While you’re at it, write a Will if you don’t have one, or check your existing will to be sure it is up-to-date. Survivorship A to Z even has information about how to make sure your will is challenge proof.
  • Although treatment may be over, medical expenses may linger or new ones may be incurred. To learn techniques for coping with financial issues, see: How to Maximize Use Of Your Health InsuranceBreast Cancer Finances and How To Deal With A Financial Crunch.

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