From Diagnosis to Recovery: The Breast Cancer Journey

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to spread the word about this disease, the importance of getting screened, and the journey of treatment and follow up care. If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, it is important to take care of yourself and to focus on both your physical health and your emotional well-being.

Stages of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is categorized into stages that help guide treatment decisions. Here is a brief overview: 

• Stage 0: This is non-invasive and limited to the inside of the milk duct. Treatment often involved monitoring or local excision. 

• Stages 1-3: These stages typically involve a combination of surgery, radiation, and systemic therapies such as chemotherapy. This approach may vary based on the specific characteristics of the cancer and the patient’s overall health. 

• Stage 4: At this advanced stage, the cancer has spread beyond the breast to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body. Treatment may focus on managing symptoms and prolonging life, often involving systemic therapies. 

Exploring Treatment Options

Local treatments:

1. Surgery: The goal is to remove as much cancer as possible. Surgery can also relieve symptoms in advanced stages. 

2. Radiation therapy: This uses high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells. It is typically recommended post-surgery or for localized treatment of advanced cancer.

Systemic Treatments: 

These therapies travel throughout the body to target cancer cells: 

1. Chemotherapy: Often used before or after surgery to eliminate the remaining cancer cells. 

2. Hormone Therapy: Used for hormone receptors that fuel cancer growth. 

3. Targeted Drug Therapy: These drugs specifically attack cancer cells with certain characteristics.

4. Immunotherapy: This approach helps the immune system recognize and fight cancer cells. 

Navigating through breast cancer treatments requires a supportive team. This may include: 

• Oncology Nurses: Who provide care and education throughout treatment. 

• Social Workers: They offer emotional support and help connect you to resources. 

• Nutritionists: They provide dietary advice tailored to your needs during and after treatment. 

• Rehabilitation Specialists: They can assist with recovery post-surgery or during treatment. 

• Family: They will be your number one supporter during the stages of treatment, getting educated alongside you and being your emotional support. Your family will make dietary changes with you during treatments and be with you during all the recovery stages.

  
  

Support extends to personal aspects of care. Spiritual counseling, psychological support, and having a trusted companion to accompany you to appointments can be important. 

Create a Survivorship Care Plan 

Discuss with your healthcare team to develop a survivorship care plan that includes: 

• A summary of your diagnosis, treatments received, and any tests performed. 

• A schedule for future follow-ups and tests for early detection of potential long-term effects. 

• A list of possible late or long-term side effects from treatment. 

• Recommendations for diet, physical activity, and lifestyle modifications to support ongoing health. 

In conclusion, educating yourself about the various treatment options for breast cancer is vital for making informed decisions that align with your values and needs. It is equally important to remember that you are not alone on this journey. Connecting with the people around you can offer help and compassion as well as support and encouragement. Jemez Public Health is here to assist you with education and care tailored to your needs.

For more information or support, contact Jemez Public Health at (575) 834- 7207.