A diagnosis of early breast cancer can feel like a shock to your system and trigger a wave of emotions that can range from fear to sadness and everything in between. As you try to regain consciousness, remember that you already know what to do next. Here we lay out the steps to survival.
Early-stage breast cancer occurs when the cancer has not yet spread beyond the breast and axillary lymph nodes. It is also considered ductal carcinoma in situ (when cells lining the milk ducts become cancerous) and stage 1 (small local tumor) to 3a cancer (cancer in adjacent lymph nodes).
1. Breathe in and center yourself
“It takes time to process the information when you hear you have breast cancer,” says registered nurse Susan Brown, senior director of health information and publications at the Susan G. Komen Foundation; a breast cancer organization in the USA. “You may have to listen to the diagnosis more than once. You may want to ask the doctor to identify and write down the findings so far. You may also need to learn some new vocabulary, so take a breath.”
READ MORE: 11 Symptoms of Breast Cancer in Women That Are Not Lumps
Be gentle with yourself and remember that a diagnosis of early breast cancer is not a death sentence. “The five-year survival rate for stage 1 breast cancer is 100 percent,” says Dr. Shari Goldfarb, an oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. “The earlier you diagnose and treat, the better your outcome, and most women with stage 1 breast cancer will be cured of their cancer.”
2. Get information from reputable sources
Both experts we spoke to agreed that knowledge is power — just be careful where you get it from. For example, many women start by researching breast cancer online, but there is a right way and a wrong way to do it. “Don’t just go to Dr. Google because there’s a lot of misinformation out there,” Brown said. “Take time to gather reliable information.” A good rule of thumb is to look for reputable sources with .org or .gov at the end of the site’s web address, as these sources are usually the most current, says Dr. Gold color.
3. Keep a journal or notebook for your thoughts and questions
Before your first visit with an oncologist or breast cancer surgeon, consider writing down questions such as:
- What type of cancer do I have?
- What stage is it at?
- What is my prognosis?
- What does the treatment include?
- What does it mean for my life?
Continue keeping the diary between doctor visits, especially if you experience side effects from medications and other treatments. “We can often alleviate many of these symptoms. “So the sooner you tell your doctor what you’re experiencing, the better,” says Dr. Gold color. Hot flashes, diarrhea, constipation, and nausea are all common side effects of cancer treatment. Documenting your symptoms can motivate you to contact your doctor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms. “For example, if you get pain in your mouth two days after chemotherapy, we can prescribe something to relieve it before your next visit so that you don’t have to suffer for another two weeks,” she says. “Don’t let things fester.”
READ MORE: 8 breast cancer myths you NEED to stop believing
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4. Establish a support system
“There used to be a stigma around cancer, but not anymore,” says Dr. Gold color. “They didn’t do anything to get it. You’re just unlucky and you’re going to need good support in this situation.” Take some time to think about who your support system should be, whether that includes your partner, other family members, friends or colleagues – or all of the above.
Too many women avoid telling their boss and colleagues about their diagnosis, but Dr. Goldfarb says it’s important to share the news with them, too, because they may find themselves calling in sick more often or just not feeling well at work. “When people understand what’s going on, they’re more helpful and supportive,” she says.
“They didn’t do anything to get it. You were just unlucky and will need good support in this situation.” —Dr. Gold color
And even if your team only consists of one or two people, having an attorney who can help you gather information and write questions can take some of the burden off your shoulders. “Perhaps they can attend appointments with you as a second set of ears to take notes or ask questions you may forget to ask,” Brown says.
READ MORE: “I beat ovarian cancer and breast cancer at the same time.”
Where to find support groups
Building a support system can also include reaching out to others who have had a similar experience. “This can be done through a support group online or in person,” says Brown. “These groups share information and encourage members to advocate for themselves.”
For example, CANSA has several different CANSA support groups; From WhatsApp groups to Zoom, face-to-face and Facebook groups where patients, friends and family can find support and friendship and share information. You can find a full list of groups and how to join here Here.
Remember to ask your doctor about anything you read or hear that concerns you, rather than taking someone else’s advice as fact. Brown likens it to announcing you’re pregnant and then hearing nothing but horrific labor and delivery stories. “If someone gives you something to think about, clarify it with your doctor immediately so you don’t worry unnecessarily,” says Brown. “Another person may not even have the same type of cancer as you, or perhaps they had it years ago, but because treatment is constantly changing, what they say may not have any impact on you.”
READ MORE: What you should know about breast cancer as a young woman
5. Consider getting a second opinion
An early breast cancer diagnosis is a physical and emotional diagnosis, and you need to feel comfortable with the care you receive, says Dr. Gold color. Even when the diagnosis and treatment plan are consistent, many patients find that a second opinion helps them make peace with their diagnosis. “The first person you meet is not always the right one,” says Dr. Gold color. “This is an important and serious diagnosis, but it is also important to feel like you are being well looked after. If the first person doesn’t agree, a second opinion can give you peace of mind.” Brown adds that it may not be necessary to seek another expert’s opinion if you have a common type of breast cancer, but occasionally one may Person has an unusual type of breast cancer, something a pathologist doesn’t see very often.
Even when the diagnosis and treatment plan are consistent, many patients find that a second opinion helps them make peace with their diagnosis.
Whatever the reason – even if it’s just that you feel better if another doctor reviews your test results – the doctor or hospital where your biopsy was done can help you, another source to find. “Sometimes you can even find a different doctor within the same facility,” says Dr. Gold color. “As an oncologist, I see fewer patients, but I see them much more often. That’s why it’s so important to find someone you connect with and remember that it’s a long-term relationship.”
She suggests finding someone who approaches breast cancer holistically: “There are a lot of emotions involved. Even though early breast cancer can probably be cured, it is a traumatic experience for you.”
READ MORE: My experience with breast cancer at age 27
Finally…
It is impossible to control an early breast cancer diagnosis and all that comes with it. So focus on the things you can control. “It’s important to read about it and talk about it,” says Dr. Goldfarb – because they will remind you that most women diagnosed with early breast cancer become survivors. “That’s why regular mammograms and self-exams are important – they lead to earlier diagnoses.”
The key, she says, is to stay positive and surround yourself with positive people. “It’s hard and hits you in different places, but I’m always amazed at how optimistic people can be even in difficult situations,” says Dr. Gold color. “It will help you get through the journey.”
This article by Ana Pelayo Connery was originally published by Women’s Health US
