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.
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.
A radical mastectomy is the most