You have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer. The news is devastating. Even if you have a history of the disease in the family, there is no way a woman can truly be prepared for the news. Unless you have never turned on the television, read magazines, or talked to other women, you know that the road ahead is not going to be easy-to say the least.So, what do you do now? What is going to happen next? How are you and your family going to cope with whatever lies ahead? No one can really know the answer to all of the questions and concerns today. But, there is something you can do, right now-today that will help you face an uncertain future.
Take Charge
The best thing you can do for yourself today is to decide to take charge. Be proactive. Your health care team is working for you, not the other way around. If there is something that makes you uncomfortable, or you do not feel right about the care being received, speak out.
Of course, your family doctor and oncologist are educated and experienced. (If not, find another right now.) However, these people see hundreds of patients every year, and no two women are alike. The professionals may have excellent recommendations, but they are not you. How the cancer is treated and the procedures that are undertaken to kill this cancer are up to you.
Ask Questions
As part of dealing with your cancer, ask questions. Never apologize for wanting to know about your body, health care choices, and what to expect. You have a right to know. If your health care provider does not take the time to give you the answers, you may want to find a team that makes you feel comfortable. Cancer is not cured overnight. In order to cope with the continuing treatment, you need to trust that the doctors, nurses, and technicians have your best interests at heart.
Become Educated
Even though the health care team will give you information about your breast cancer treatment options, you need to become educated. Learn as much as you possibly can about your breast cancer and the treatment options that are available to you. For example, will you need a mastectomy or will a lumpectomy suffice?
Will you need radiation and/or chemotherapy? Will you get really sick, or will you be able to continue working? Will you need help taking care of children or the house? What kind of support system will you need in the coming months?
Do not totally depend on the doctors to give you all the answers. Be proactive and learn all you can about what is going on with your body. Knowing what to expect, good or bad, will give you more strength and confidence to face cancer treatment and recovery.
A Second Opinion
After being diagnosed with breast cancer, it is always a good idea to get a second opinion. Although it will mean more testing, some expense, and a little more time, it will be well worth the effort. With so many different cancer diagnostic tools and treatment options available today, it is important to confirm a diagnosis.
Also, health care providers are not created equal. While one doctor will recommend an immediate mastectomy, the other might feel that a less invasive procedure will remove all of the cancer. Then, it will be up to you. You will have to decide what you want to do with your own body. No one can/should make that decision on your behalf.
Seek Support
Whenever facing a serious diagnosis like breast cancer, it is a good idea to seek support and take a trusted friend or family member with you to doctor’s appointments or treatments. Not only will the moral support help give you the strength to cope, but they can speak for you, if you cannot speak for yourself. They will also be able to remember details or ask questions that you might forget.
For example, if you have to undergo a surgical procedure, it is a good idea to have someone there with you in the hospital. Even though they do their best, health care providers are not going to be by your bedside around the clock.
However, a friend or family member can make demands for your well being or comfort, if the medical staff does not notice your need right away. You will have a voice, even when you are asleep or unable to communicate your needs properly.
In short, the only thing good about being diagnosed with breast cancer is the ability to get treatment and do whatever it takes to save your life. But, even with the increased survivability of the disease, the road to good health will not be an easy one. Therefore, even though you are devastated and confused, the best thing you can do for yourself at this point is to take charge. Speak up, ask questions, seek answers, and make informed choices about what is best for you.