Whether you were in the shower performing a self-breast exam when you discovered a lump or you received a positive report from a mammogram or biopsy, the diagnosis of breast cancer can be overwhelmingly devastating.
Fear of the unknown that lies ahead can bring about a whirlwind of anxious thoughts.
The type and stage of breast cancer will determine what your doctor will present to you for treatment options.
Knowing what to expect after a breast cancer diagnosis can help to ensure that you make the best decisions regarding your treatment and prepare you for the road ahead.
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1. Mastectomy
Mastectomy may be the first step in your breast cancer treatment. In some cases, it could be secondary to chemotherapy.
A simple or total mastectomy is the surgical removal of all breast tissue.
A modified radical mastectomy is the removal of all breast tissue and some of the lymph nodes.
The lymph nodes are removed for testing to see if cancer cells have spread.
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A radical mastectomy is the most invasive type of mastectomy with removal of the breast tissue, some muscle and lymph nodes. It is rarely used.
If you have cancer in one breast, you will be given the option to remove the affected breast or both breasts.
Some procedures allow for the nipple and areola to be preserved while others do not.
After mastectomy, the skin that covered your breast and your nipple may have a loss of sensation.
2. Lumpectomy
If you have a cancerous lump in your breast that is less than 4 cm, your surgeon may suggest a lumpectomy.
A lumpectomy is a type of partial mastectomy where your surgeon will remove the lump from your breast and some of the healthy breast tissue surrounding it.
A lumpectomy may be the first or final step in your cancer treatment. Factors like menopause and your personal choice can impact what happens next.
3. Chemotherapy (Chemo)
When people think of cancer treatment, they usually envision the hair and weight loss that are common side effects of chemotherapy. Chemo is the use of anti-cancer drugs to attack and kill cancer cells.
Chemo drugs can be taken orally or through a vein. If intravenous drugs are used, a port may be surgically implanted underneath the skin of your chest.
Chemo drugs can be administered directly through the port and this decreases the number of needle sticks from your nurse.
Your oncologist may recommend administering chemo as the first course of action to shrink your tumor before surgically removing it.
Chemo may also be given after a tumor is removed to kill any cancerous cells that were left behind.
4. Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy can be done several weeks after a mastectomy or after chemo.
During radiation, high-energy particles kill cancer cells that may still be lurking and decrease the chances of your breast cancer coming back.
Radiation can also reduce pain associated with mastectomy or lumpectomy.
Radiation can be delivered to the breast, chest, or under the arms from outside or inside your body through a device.
Radiation can be done for a few days up to several weeks.
5. Breast Reconstruction
After you’ve had a mastectomy or lumpectomy, your surgeon will give you options to rebuild your breast through breast reconstruction.
Some breast reconstructions are performed during mastectomy or lumpectomy while others are performed months to years after the procedure.
Tissue from another part of the body or a breast implant can be used to reconstruct the breast.
The decision to delay reconstruction can be your personal choice. It may be recommended by your doctor to delay reconstruction if you still have more chemo or radiation therapies in your treatment plan.
You may elect not to do reconstructive surgery at all. You can wear a breast prosthesis or opt to wear nothing at all.
A breast cancer diagnosis can be an emotional roller coaster for you and your loved ones.
Having a team of doctors that you trust and can openly communicate with about your options and concerns is important for treatment success.
Attending support groups, talking to a therapist, and supportive family and friends will help you to fight this battle with strength and courage.
Dr. Candace McMillon-Dantley is the health-empowering creator of The Doc Knows and she’s on a mission to motivate you to a life of health. She has a Doctorate in Chiropractic Medicine and a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences. When she’s not health writing, she is health motivating and educating during her interactive presentations on healthy nutrition, self-care and conditions of the body. Her experiences as a business owner, chiropractor, wife and mom of two resonate and relate with her audiences. Connect with Dr. Candace on Instagram @drcandace.
