It is devastating to a woman when you hear you have breast cancer. However, breast cancer can have a successful survival rate if the cancer is caught at an early stage. First, it is important that you find a surgeon and oncologist that you feel comfortable. Remember, you have the right to a second opinion if the doctor you have been referred to makes you feel uncomfortable. Once you find the right surgeon and oncologist, make sure your doctors agree on the type of treatment you will need to fight the cancer.
There are two types of surgery - lumpectomy or a mastectomy. A lumpectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the lump or tumor from the breast tissue. Mastectomy is also a surgical procedure, but it is a removal of the entire breast. If the cancer is caught at an early stage, a lumpectomy may be an option. Choosing the type of surgery can be an emotional and difficult decision to make. Depending on the diagnosis, it is best to discuss all of your options with your doctors. After surgery, make sure you wear loose clothing to avoid touching the surgical area. If you choose to have a mastectomy, you will need to purchase a mastectomy bra and a breast prosthesis. The bra and prosthesis should be covered if you have insurance.
The next phase of fighting breast cancer is the type of treatment you will need to undergo. The treatments are chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. The number of chemotherapy and the type of chemotherapy will be determined by your oncologist. Chemotherapy is typically given via intravenous. Because chemotherapy is given via intravenous, it is a slow drip and can take between 2-4 hours or even longer. The effects of chemotherapy can cause the following side effects: hair loss, nausea, loss of appetite, neuropathy, fatigue and anemia, change in taste and smell, dry mouth, memory loss, and menopause. There is medicine today that your doctor can prescribe to help ease the nausea affect. Hair loss, unfortunately, can not be avoided. You can, however, purchase a wig to hide the effects of hair loss. These effects will eventually dissipate after the end of treatments.
The common side effects of radiation are fatigue, skin problems, and loss of appetite. The most complaint from patients is the irritation and discoloring of their skin. After a radiation treatment, the skin will be very sensitive. Make sure you wear loose clothing when going to receive treatment. Try to get a driver to drive you home so you don't have to worry about driving yourself. The radiation can and will burn the skin so it is important to keep the area moist. To help keep the skin moist, you can use a radiation therapy lotion to help keep the area moist after each treatment. With radiation, it is recommended that you do not use regular deodorant. Most deodorants have a metallic ingredient that can interfere with the radiation treatment. You can purchase a non-metallic deodorant by Alra. This special made deodorant will eliminate perspiration odor and wetness. The deodorant is gentle and non-irritating to the skin.
It is also important to be involved with a strong support group. This can be a difficult and depressing time in a woman's life. Being around other survivors of breast cancer can help encourage you and ease the emotional roller coaster as you go through each phase of breast cancer.