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 Re: "نحو مجتمع أفضل وصحي ومجتمع لا ينتظر الحلول" --- www.sccdo.org (Re: Dr. Faisal Mohamed)
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Monthly Health awareness topic - Jan 2007: Breast Cancer Navigation Map*
You’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer, and you have so much information to absorb as well as important life-altering decisions to make. Very quickly you’re overwhelmed by it all.
That’s why this map has been created. It will help you at each step along the way. We’ve given you an overview of what to expect as well as suggestions for what you can do to help make the decision that is right for you. However, because your early decisions can affect your later treatment, we suggest that you read through the whole map first. Then, when you feel ready, read the suggested supplementary readings that relate to where you are in your journey.
Remember, just as there are no two people with exactly the same circumstances in life, there are no two people who experience the same journey through breast cancer. Your treatment plan will be as individual as you are.
1. Coping with your diagnosis
Learning you have breast cancer turns everything upside down. Here are two things you can do right away:
A. Reach out and ask for support
talk to family member and friends about what’s happening and how you are feeling. Learn about resources available to you through the cancer clinic, government, and other organizations. Talk to others who have experienced breast cancer.
B. Organize your medical records and information
Get copies of all your test results from your family doctor and learn what they mean. Ask a friend or family member to attend appointments with you to write down the information you are given and to help you remember what was said. You will feel less frustrated and more able to make calm, informed decisions.
“A friend attended all medical visits with me and acted as my ’secretary’. She wrote notes, I listened. It was a great idea as there was too much information for me to absorb, too many questions to keep track of and it was emotionally exhausting. We visited and ‘de-briefed’ after each appointment over a cup of coffee/tea”
Patien, 3 years since diagnosis
2. Preparing your treatment plan
Decision point
Start learning about your type of breast cancer and your surgery options. Your surgery decision affects your later treatment choices and can impact other parts of your life. Learn everything you can now about the pros and cons of each treatment option and then decide what is right for you.
For example, if you choose a mastectomy (removal of the whole breast) you can also choose breast reconstruction surgery now or after your treatment. If you are of childbearing age, now is the time to learn about how treatment can affect fertility.
Your surgeon will recommend a surgery and explain the advantages and drawbacks, but remember there is no single “right” option.
3. Additional treatment therapies
Additional treatment is given after your surgery to help prevent your cancer recurring because it is impossible to be sure all the cancer cells were removed. This preventative treatment is referred to as ADJUVANT Therapy. Depending on your type of cancer and the surgery you choose, you may need one or more of these adjuvant therapies:
Radiation Therapy is an X-ray treatment to the area affected by cancer.
Chemotherapy is an anticancer drug taken as capsules or by injection.
Hormonal Treatment controls estrogen in the body through the use of drugs.
Decision point:
The duration and side effects of Adjuvant treatments and the many different options make this a difficult decision point. Ask questions and learn about your treatment options then make the decision that is right for your.
Remember each option has its pros and cons. Here are some questions to ask yourself:
• How will the treatment schedules affect my life?
• How will I manage side effects?
• How will my quality of life change?
• How comfortable am I with the risk of recurrence?
4. Post-treatment
After your treatment you may experience emotions or changes in your body and energy levels that you were not expecting. It is common to experience a sense of trying to ”find yourself” and to re-evaluate your life and spirituality.
It is important for your healing to pay attention to PHYSICAL and EMOTIONAL CHANGES you may experience and to seek support when you feel you need it. Learn about the resources available to you, such as physiotherapists, complementary health treatments, psychologists and counsellors.
Rest, take your time, and express your thoughts and feelings to family and friends.
5. Living your life
It is common after treatment to worry that your breast cancer will come back. Discuss a Follow-up plan with your oncologist (doctors who specialized in cancer treatments) to provide support, monitor side effects and new symptoms, and detect early signs of recurrence.
Your best strategies to lead a full life after breast cancer are:
1. Learn the breast self-examination technique and do it regularly.
2. Stick with your follow-up appointments and regular mammograms, See a doctor in between appointments if new symptoms appear.
3. Maintain a healthy life style. East a nutritious, vaired diet and maintain a healthy weight. Get regular exercise and make time to relax every day. Limit/quit alcohol consumption and don’t smoke.
4. Most importantly - do what feels right to help you find a renewed zest for life!
*This map was produced by the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (BC/Yukon chapter) with the support of Canadian Cancer Society (BC & Yukon).
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