Breast Cancer

A diagnosis of breast cancer is life changing. Understanding one very important point, no one dies of breast cancer in their breast, is a very important starting point in choosing your treatment plan. Women and men die of breast cancer when it has spread outside of the breast and settles in distant organs and fails to respond to chemotherapy of radiation. Becoming educated about your personal situation is of the utmost importance.

Right now you are probably asking yourself, “Why me?” Cancer has suddenly intruded on your life and threatened your health and well-being. You have not lost control of your personal health. You will continue to take care of yourself by working in a partnership with the health care professionals responsible for your treatment and safe recovery. By becoming informed, asking questions, and participating in treatment decisions, you will have a positive influence on your own well-being.

I have been diagnosed with breast cancer what should I ask my doctor?

What type of breast cancer do I have?

What is the grade of the tumor? (How aggressive it looks under a microscope?)

What is my receptor status (Prognostic indicators)? (ER, PR, Her-2-neu)

What is the stage of the tumor?

Has the tumor spread outside of my breast?

What are my treatment surgical options?

What is my risk of the cancer coming back with each treatment? (Recurrence)

Can you check my Oncotype DX score?

What is my risk of swelling in my arm? (Lymphedema)

Do I need chemotherapy?

Do I need radiation therapy?

Am I a candidate for the shortened course of radiation therapy ( APBI- Accelerated Partial breast irradiation) ?

What can I do to decrease the risk of my cancer returning?

Do I have the breast cancer gene?

AM I a candidate for clinical trials?

Should I get a second opinion?

What are the Current Treatment Options for Breast Cancer?