Just Diagnosed with Breast Cancer?
Thank you for turning to us during this challenging time. We understand the myriad of emotions and questions you may be facing right now, and we’re here to offer you support, guidance, and understanding.
This guide is your starting point, crafted to provide you with essential information and introduce you to our carefully vetted resources. Our goal is to help ease your journey, offering clarity and comfort as you navigate the path ahead.
Please remember, this is just the beginning. For more comprehensive information, support services, and ways to connect with others in the community, visit us at vbcf. org. Should you seek more personalized assistance, our Resource Coordinator is at your service and ready to provide you with the help you need.
Need a Printed Copy and Comfort Pillow?
If you didn’t receive a mailed version of this guide, we’d be happy to send you a free printed booklet along with our soft comfort pillow, designed to offer gentle support after surgery.
Being Diagnosed with Breast Cancer
Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis can be a daunting experience, enveloping you in a whirlwind of emotions and uncertainties. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed, but taking the first step to understand your condition marks the beginning of reclaiming control over your health and future. This section is designed to equip you with clear, straightforward information about breast cancer, including its diagnosis, types, stages, and the variety of treatment options at your disposal. Remember, embarking on this journey doesn’t mean you have to walk it alone. You’re not expected to absorb everything at once. This guide is here to walk with you, one step at a time.
Need help? Contact our Resource Coordinator.
1-800-345-8223
Overview of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast grow uncontrollably. These cells usually form a tumor that can often be seen on a mammogram or felt as a lump. Breast cancer is not a one-size-fits-all disease; it comes in several types and stages, which help determine the best treatment approach.
Types of Breast Cancer
• Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): The most common type of breast cancer, starting in the milk ducts and spreading to other parts of the breast tissue.
• Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC): Begins in the lobules, where breast milk is produced, and can spread to other parts of the breast and body.
• Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS): A non-invasive cancer where cells inside the ducts have turned cancerous, but they haven’t spread to surrounding tissue.
• Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS): Potentially pre-cancerous cells, LCIS is an indicator of increased risk of developing breast cancer later.
• Hormone Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer: Most breast cancers are fed by the hormones estrogen and/or progesterone. This is why taking hormone-blocking medication after this type of breast cancer is so important: blocking the hormones can keep the cancer from coming back.
• HER2-Positive Breast Cancer: Cancer that tests positive for a protein called human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), which promotes the growth of cancer cells. This type tends to be more aggressive but may respond well to targeted therapies.
• Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: This type lacks three common receptors known to fuel most breast cancer growth — estrogen, progesterone, and the HER-2/neu gene — making it more challenging to treat.
Stages of Breast Cancer
Staging ranges from 0 to 4, providing important clues about the cancer’s size, spread, and aggressiveness, aiding in determining the most effective treatment strategy.
• Stage 0: Non-invasive cancers where abnormal cells have been found but have not spread.
• Stage 1 to 3: These stages indicate progressively larger tumor sizes and/or extent of spread to nearby lymph nodes.
• Stage 4: Indicates that cancer has spread beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes to other parts of the body (metastasis).
Common Terms
• Benign: Non-cancerous
• Malignant: Cancerous
• Metastasis: The process of cancer spreading from its origin to other body parts
• Receptor Status: Indicates the presence of hormone receptors on cancer cells, influencing treatment decisions.
Treatment Options
Your treatment plan will be as unique as you are, tailored to the type and stage of your breast cancer, as well as your overall health. Each treatment comes with its own set of side effects and risks, which you should discuss with your healthcare team. These can range from fatigue and hair loss to more specific effects depending on the treatment type. Common treatments include:
• Surgery: Removal of the cancerous tissue from the breast. Types of surgery include lumpectomy (removing the tumor and a small area of surrounding tissue) and mastectomy (removing one or both breasts, partially or entirely).
• Chemotherapy: Uses powerful medications to kill cancer cells, often used before or after surgery or as the main treatment for cancers that have spread.
• Radiation Therapy: Targets high-energy rays at the cancer site to destroy cancer cells, typically used after surgery to eliminate any remaining cells.
• Hormone Therapy: For cancers that are hormone receptor-positive, this therapy blocks the body’s natural hormones (estrogen and progesterone) from supporting the growth of cancer cells.
• Targeted Therapy: Focuses on specific characteristics of cancer cells, like protein or gene mutations, to stop cancer from growing and spreading. Your healthcare team can help you weigh the benefits and side effects of each option so you feel confident in your care plan.
RESOURCES TO GET YOU STARTED
1
Dr. Susan Love’s Breast Book
For those looking to dive deeper into understanding breast cancer, this comprehensive guide offers extensive insights into breast cancer care, from diagnosis to treatment and beyond. Pick up a copy at your favorite bookstore or check your local library.
2
CancerCare
1-800-813-HOPE (4673) cancercare.org
Offers counseling for cancer patients, caregivers, and loved ones via telephone across the U.S. Professional oncology social workers provide support, information, and resources to assist in coping with cancer.
3
Triage Cancer
424-258-4628 | info@triagecancer.org www.triagecancer.org A comprehensive support resource offering advice on financial, legal, and insurance issues to ease the cancer journey, with tailored resources to manage cancer’s financial aspects effectively.
Remember, this guide is here to support you by providing basic information. Your healthcare team is always the best source for advice tailored to your specific situation. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and share your concerns with them. Together, you can create a treatment plan that works best for you.
Exploring Clinical Trials
Clinical trials can offer newly diagnosed breast cancer patients access to promising new treatments while contributing to future advances in care. These research studies test the safety and effectiveness of innovative therapies, with participants typically receiving either the current standard treatment or the standard treatment plus a new drug or approach. If the new treatment proves especially effective, researchers may end the trial early to offer it to all participants. Exploring clinical trials can be a hopeful step, and this section is here to help you understand the process and how to find options that may be right for you.
Understanding Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are research studies that involve people and are the final step in a long process that begins with lab research. These trials help determine whether new treatments are safe and effective for people with different types and stages of breast cancer. Some trials study new drugs, while others look at combinations of treatments, new surgical approaches, or methods for managing side effects.
Why Consider a Clinical Trial?
• Access to New Treatments: Participants can access new therapies before they are widely available.
• Contributing to Research: By participating, you contribute valuable information that can help improve cancer care for others. We only have the treatments we have now because people participated in clinical trials to bring those treatments to the public.
• Personalized Care: Clinical trial participants often receive highly personalized care and close monitoring from a dedicated healthcare team.
Finding a Clinical Trial
• Talk to Your Oncologist: Your doctor can help determine if a clinical trial might be a good fit for your diagnosis and treatment plan.
• Research Online: Databases like ClinicalTrials.gov allow you to search by location, treatment type, and breast cancer subtype.
• Contact Research Centers: Many hospitals and cancer centers have clinical trial offices that can help connect you with studies currently enrolling participants
Considerations Before Joining
• Eligibility Criteria: Trials have guidelines for who can participate, such as cancer stage, type, or treatment history.
• Potential Risks and Benefits: Ask your care team and trial coordinator about possible side effects and what to expect.
• Logistics and Support: Consider location, time commitment, and whether support is available for travel or other costs.
Making the Decision
Deciding whether to join a clinical trial is personal. It’s okay to take time to weigh the benefits and responsibilities. Talk openly with your healthcare team, loved ones, and the study staff. Participation is always voluntary, and you can leave a trial at any point if it no longer feels right for you.
Exploring clinical trials may not be right for everyone, but for some, they offer a valuable opportunity to access new care options while helping shape the future of breast cancer treatment.
Resources to Get You Started
1
ClinicalTrials.gov
888-346-3656
www.clinicaltrials.gov
A customizable search engine managed by the National Library of Medicine. It allows users to learn more about clinical studies around the world and how to get involved.
2
BreastCancerTrials.org
888-282-7089 www.breastcancertrials.org
A non-profit service that encourages individuals affected by breast cancer to consider clinical trials as a routine option for care.
3
Resource
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Learn more about clinical trials.
EMOTIONAL & PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT
A breast cancer diagnosis can stir a whirlwind of emotions, from fear and anger to hope and determination. It’s important to remember that there’s no “right” way to feel, and every emotion you experience is valid. Every feeling that surfaces is a genuine part of your experience, underscoring the importance of emotional care alongside your physical health.
Understanding Your Emotions
It’s normal to go through a range of emotions after a diagnosis. You might feel overwhelmed by uncertainty about the future or frustrated by changes in your body. Remember, you’re not alone. Many have walked this path before you, and there’s a community ready to embrace you with understanding and support.
Seeking Support
• Talk to Someone: Whether it’s a loved one, faith leader, or counselor, sharing your thoughts and feelings can be incredibly therapeutic. Consider joining a support group where you can connect with others who truly understand what you’re going through.
• Professional Guidance: Sometimes, speaking with a licensed mental health professional can help navigate the complex emotions of a breast cancer diagnosis. Therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists specialize in helping individuals cope with the emotional aspects of cancer.
• Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practices such as meditation, yoga, and deep-breathing exercises can help manage stress and improve your overall sense of well-being.
Building Your Support Network
Creating a network of support is crucial. This network can include:
• Healthcare Team: Open communication with your doctors and nurses can provide reassurance and clarity.
• Family and Friends: Loved ones can offer practical help and emotional support.
• Support Groups and Online Communities: Connecting with others facing similar challenges can reduce feelings of isolation and provide valuable insights and encouragement.
Introducing Patient Navigators
In your journey through breast cancer treatment and care, Patient Navigators can play a pivotal role. They guide you through the healthcare system, ensuring you have the support and resources you need. Whether coordinating care, accessing resources, or providing emotional support, a Patient Navigator is a valuable ally in navigating the complexities of your treatment and care. Depending on your treatment center, this role may be filled by a Nurse Navigator, a Social Worker, or another trained professional.
Here’s how Patient Navigators can help:
• Explaining Medical Information: Making complex medical terms understandable.
• Coordinating Care: Helping schedule appointments and manage your treatment calendar.
• Accessing Resources: Connecting you with the right support groups, financial assistance, and more.
• Emotional Support: Offering a compassionate ear and guidance through challenging times.
To find a Patient Navigator, start by asking your healthcare provider or contacting your local health system. Many cancer treatment centers and hospitals have Patient Navigators on staff, ready to assist you.
Taking Care of Yourself
Incorporating self-care into your routine is vital. Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, whether that’s a leisurely walk, indulging in a hobby, or simply taking moments to be still. These practices can significantly uplift your spirits and overall well-being. Not only can these activities help you feel better, but there is a lot of research to back up their benefit on treatment.
Finding a Support Group
Many organizations offer resources ranging from counseling services to support groups and workshops focused on emotional health during cancer treatment. Don’t hesitate to reach out and explore these options. Additionally, contacting your healthcare team or health system can be a great first step to finding a support group near you. They often have lists of local resources and can recommend groups that meet your specific needs and preferences.
Need Help?
Contact VBCF’s Resource Coordinator at 1-800-345-8223 or help@vbcf.org for assistance finding a Patient Navigator or Support Group. We are here to guide you through your options and connect you with the resources you need. You can also visit our website at vbcf.org/find-support to find resources and organizations to help you find the support you need.
