Breast cancer occurs when there are cancer cells in any of the three parts of the breast – lobules, ducts, and connective tissues. These cells can spread throughout the breast and even to other parts of the body. When you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer, however, your doctor will be intent on mapping out your way forward. Between detailing your treatment options and how to manage all aspects of your health, there are a few changes you might have to make to your life.
1. You Might Need More Tests
Being diagnosed with breast cancer after the initial imaging test is just the beginning. Your doctor will likely need to conduct CT scans, PET scans, biopsies, and blood tests. The aim will be to find out the exact type, location, and stage of cancer that you have. This information is necessary to determine which treatment you should get.
2. You Might Need Different Treatments
The treatment options for breast cancer include hormone-based medications, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted drug therapy, and surgery. While the tests listed above will be used to decide on the type of treatment you need, there are times when you’ll need more than one. When you start treatment, ask your doctor how to tell if it’s not working.
3. You’ll Still Need A Doctor After Treatment
As noted before, being treated doesn’t mean your doctor visits are over. Even if there are signs that your cancer is in remission, your doctor still needs to keep checking on you. These scheduled visits will include tests to check for signs of cancer cells throughout your body.
4. Sleeping Well Will Be Important
Even though cancer treatments can make you tired, the discomfort can make it difficult for you to sleep. Apart from getting relaxed close to bedtime and making sure your bed is comfortable, make sure to avoid caffeine.
Relaxation exercises such as meditation and yoga can help you to get in the right frame of mind as well. It’s also fine to take naps during the day if you need them. The important thing is to get some rest.
If you weren’t very active, you’ll need to take things slowly. Talk to your doctor about which exercises are best for you and don’t be too hard on yourself if you need to take breaks.
6. You Might Need To Change Your Diet
While there’s no specific diet for people with breast cancer, cleaning up what you eat will go a long way to keeping you healthy.
7. You’ll Have To Learn To Manage Side Effects
Depending on which treatment you’re undergoing, you’ll have to deal with side effects. Some of the possible effects include fatigue, nausea, dizziness, mouth sores, and lack of appetite.
Your doctor will be able to help you with some of them but you can also do some things at home to ease them. For example, light snacking can help with nausea and ice chips can ease mouth sores.
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8. Be Prepared For Some Menopausal Symptoms
One treatment option for breast cancer is a variety of hormone-based medications. The main side effect of these drugs is that you could start feeling menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and weight gain. It’s best to discuss possible measures with your doctor.
9. You’ll Need A Support System
People who are dealing with breast cancer and its treatment often need a support system. Whether it’s someone to accompany you to your visits or procedures or help you around the house, you should start planning who you would like around.
A lot may have to change after a breast cancer diagnosis but things will go well as long as you listen to your doctor. You should always make sure you understand the treatments you are going through and never change anything without talking to your doctor first.
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