New Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Are You Newly Diagnosed with Breast Cancer?
A breast cancer diagnosis can leave you emotional, feeling overwhelmed, and with several questions. Our goal is to help you address some of the questions head-on, so you can properly prepare for your first oncology appointment. The breast cancer doctors at Virginia Oncology Associates hope this guide will make your path to breast cancer treatment a bit smoother.
Document. Document. Document.
Your oncologist will be sharing a lot of important details with you and it can be hard to remember it all. To stay organized, we suggest getting a notebook to keep a record of important information. This can include information such as how you’re feeling and what medicines or supplements you’re taking, to any questions, thoughts, or observations you have regarding appointments and procedures. Try to put a date on everything you write down to keep your thoughts and notes organized.
Maybe audio recordings on your phone work better for you; that’s fine. Just pick one method and commit to using it regularly. Having information well documented can help keep the lines of communication open between you and your doctors.
Here are a few suggestions of things to keep in mind when asking about your breast cancer:
- Information about any genetic connection your family members may need to consider
- Your lifestyle (diet, exercise, rest, stress)
- What to expect during your future appointments
- Are there any activities to avoid? Any you should add to your routine?
- Diet and nutrition recommendations. Are there any natural supplements I can or can’t take?
- Who is involved in the cancer care team?
- What are the breast cancer treatment options, goals, and side effects?
- Are clinical trials an option?
- Is there access to supportive care?
- Is there any suspected lymph node involvement?
- What time frame do I have to make treatment decisions?
Many people find it helpful to bring along a family member or friend to appointments to help ask questions and take notes. Having an extra set of ears may help you recall details later on.
What Kind of Doctor Should I See For Breast Cancer Treatment?
Typically, patients will move from their PCP (primary care physician) or gynecologist to an oncologist. Oncology is the study of cancer, therefore, an oncologist is a doctor who is medically trained to lead the care for patients after a cancer diagnosis. As a patient of Virginia Oncology Associates, you will have access to our breast cancer specialists located around the Hampton Roads area and beyond.
Your oncologist will take time to learn about your specific diagnosis and will consult with your care team to develop a personalized treatment plan for you. Your care team will include several specialists, including:
- Radiation oncologist
- Breast cancer surgeon, with a specialty in oncoplastics
- Plastic surgeon, if needed
- Other breast cancer specialists who can assist with treating potential side effects caused by breast cancer treatments
While surgery may seem like the logical first step, some cases can benefit from a different approach. Visiting with the medical oncologist first will help determine the best treatment for your particular diagnosis.
What Kind of Breast Cancer Do I Have?
Breast cancer can begin in different areas of the breast–the ducts, the lobules, and sometimes, the tissue in between. Some genes, and the proteins they make, play a role in how breast cancer behaves and how it might respond to treatment. The human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 is one such gene. It may also be called HER2/neu or ErbB2. Your HER2 status and hormone receptors are what your oncology team will use to determine your breast cancer type and the type of treatment you may receive.
Approximately 70 percent of breast cancers are hormone receptor-positive. The percentage is even higher among older women. Your oncologist will perform the tests and explain how the results may affect your treatment plan. Be sure to speak with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
Learn more about the different types of breast cancer, the various options for treatment, and how hormone status can affect treatment.
What is the Extent of My Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer stages are typically expressed as a number on a scale of 0 through IV–with stage 0 representing contained, non-invasive cancers and stage IV representing cancers that have spread. The results of the biopsy and images taken will allow your oncologist to determine the extent of your breast cancer. Read more about breast cancer staging.
Which Breast Cancer Treatments Will I Receive?
A breast cancer specialist will discuss treatment options with you. Treatments will be based on a variety of factors, including the type, stage of your breast cancer, and age. Breast cancer treatment options include:
Your breast cancer doctor at Virginia Oncology Associates will evaluate your individual situation and recommend the most effective treatment options.
What Breast Cancer Clinical Trials?
Virginia Oncology Associates can provide access to the latest clinical trials in the Hampton Roads area. Breast cancer research helps uncover various new treatment options, including new breast cancer treatments, and gives many patients the opportunity to receive newly developed therapies or investigational drugs not yet available outside the study.
Talk to your oncologist to find out if you are right for one of our available breast cancer trials.
Your First Oncology Appointment
We highly recommend taking a relative or friend with you to your first appointment as a support partner. They will be there to provide emotional support, but they can also listen and help take notes on all the information you will be receiving. For more information about your first visit with a Virginia Oncology Associates oncologist, visit our web page for New Patients.
After Breast Cancer Treatment
Following breast cancer treatment, your doctors will want to monitor you closely. It’s very important to go to all of your follow-up appointments. These visits give your doctor an opportunity to address your questions and concerns, look for treatment-related side effects, and discuss other follow-up treatments that may be necessary, such as hormone therapy or reconstructive surgery. Remember to bring your notebook (or another documentation method) and a supportive partner to as many visits as possible.
Should I Get a Second Opinion?
Feeling confident about your breast cancer diagnosis is extremely important, which is why many patients choose to get a second opinion before beginning a specific treatment plan. At Virginia Oncology Associates, our physicians provide many second opinions on breast cancer diagnosis and treatment options. Many insurance companies will cover a second opinion assessment, but it is still a good idea to contact your insurance provider to verify coverage.
You are Not Alone
Through this difficult time, the physicians at Virginia Oncology Associates are here to help you every step of the way, including providing our patients with a binder with more helpful tips and what to expect during their breast cancer journey. There are also various community resources that may help you too. Visit our Patient Resources page for more information.