Breast Cancer (cont.)
What about follow-up care?
Follow-up care after treatment for breast cancer is important. Recovery is
different for each woman. Your recovery depends on your treatment, whether the
disease has spread, and other factors.
Even when the cancer seems to have been completely removed or destroyed, the
disease sometimes returns because undetected cancer cells remained somewhere in
the body after treatment. Your doctor will monitor your recovery and check for
recurrence of the cancer.
You should report any changes in the treated area or in your other breast to
the doctor right away. Tell your doctor about any health problems, such as pain,
loss of appetite or weight, changes in menstrual cycles, unusual vaginal
bleeding, or blurred vision. Also talk to your doctor about headaches,
dizziness, shortness of breath, coughing or hoarseness, backaches, or digestive
problems that seem unusual or that don't go away. Such problems may arise months
or years after treatment. They may suggest that the cancer has returned, but
they can also be symptoms of other health problems. It is important to share
your concerns with your doctor so problems can be diagnosed and treated as soon
as possible.
Follow-up exams usually include the breasts, chest, neck, and underarm areas.
Since you are at risk of getting cancer again, you should have mammograms of
your preserved breast and your other breast. You probably will not need a
mammogram of a reconstructed breast or if you had a mastectomy without
reconstruction. Your doctor may order other imaging procedures or lab tests.
What about support for women with breast cancer?
Learning you have breast cancer can change your life and the lives of those
close to you. These changes can be hard to handle. It is normal for you, your
family, and your friends to have many different and sometimes confusing
feelings.
You may worry about caring for your family, keeping your job, or continuing
daily activities. Concerns about treatments and managing side effects, hospital
stays, and medical bills are also common. Doctors, nurses, and other members of
the health care team can answer questions about treatment, working, or other
activities. Meeting with a social worker, counselor, or member of the clergy can
be helpful if you want to talk about your feelings or concerns. Often, a social
worker can suggest resources for financial aid, transportation, home care, or
emotional support.
Friends and relatives can be very supportive. Also, you may find it helps to
discuss your concerns with others who have cancer. Women with breast cancer
often get together in support groups to share what they have learned about
coping with their disease and the effects of their treatment. It is important to
keep in mind, however, that each woman is different. Ways that one woman deals
with cancer may not be right for another. You may want to ask your health care
provider about advice you receive from other women with breast cancer.
Several organizations offer special programs for women with breast cancer.
Women who have had the disease serve as trained volunteers. They may talk with
or visit women with breast cancer, provide information, and lend emotional
support. They often share their experiences with breast cancer treatment, breast
reconstruction, and recovery.
You may be afraid that changes to your body will affect not only how you look
but also how other people feel about you. You may worry that breast cancer and
its treatment will affect your sexual relationships. Many couples find it helps
to talk about their concerns. Some find that counseling or a couples' support
group can be helpful.
Next: What research is being done to better understand and prevent breast cancer? »
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