58 WORDS YOU SHOULD KNOW: BREAST CANCER
Being diagnosed
with breast cancer is devastating, and processing the news and coming to accept
your diagnosis will take time. When you’re finally ready to move forward,
you’re faced with learning a whole new vocabulary to understand the disease.
Don’t worry: We’re here to help. Hover over the words to define and decode
breast cancer terms around diagnosis, treatment, and recovery, and take back
control of your health.
with breast cancer is devastating, and processing the news and coming to accept
your diagnosis will take time. When you’re finally ready to move forward,
you’re faced with learning a whole new vocabulary to understand the disease.
Don’t worry: We’re here to help. Hover over the words to define and decode
breast cancer terms around diagnosis, treatment, and recovery, and take back
control of your health.
DIAGNOSIS
If you or your
doctor finds a lump in your breast, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have
cancer. In fact, most breast lumps turn out to be noncancerous. But you’ll want
to know for sure because it’s easier to treat early-stage breast cancer before
it has the chance to spread. The only way to rule out breast cancer is
diagnostic testing.
doctor finds a lump in your breast, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have
cancer. In fact, most breast lumps turn out to be noncancerous. But you’ll want
to know for sure because it’s easier to treat early-stage breast cancer before
it has the chance to spread. The only way to rule out breast cancer is
diagnostic testing.
TESTING
Diagnosing a breast
lump usually begins with imaging tests that can help your doctor get a better
look at the lump. Even if you already had a mammogram, your doctor may want to
do another. Mammograms can sometimes identify cysts, precancerous changes in
the breast, or tumors that are too small to feel. Sometimes it’s hard to tell,
so your doctor may order an ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to
get a more detailed look at the lump.
lump usually begins with imaging tests that can help your doctor get a better
look at the lump. Even if you already had a mammogram, your doctor may want to
do another. Mammograms can sometimes identify cysts, precancerous changes in
the breast, or tumors that are too small to feel. Sometimes it’s hard to tell,
so your doctor may order an ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to
get a more detailed look at the lump.
After examining the
images, your doctor will probably want to perform a biopsy of the lump. A
biopsy is a procedure in which small tissue samples are removed from the breast
for examination under a microscope. You might feel anxious at the thought, but
don’t panic. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, 80 percent of
breast biopsy results come back negative for cancer.
images, your doctor will probably want to perform a biopsy of the lump. A
biopsy is a procedure in which small tissue samples are removed from the breast
for examination under a microscope. You might feel anxious at the thought, but
don’t panic. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, 80 percent of
breast biopsy results come back negative for cancer.
Your doctor will
use a needle to remove tissue samples from the abnormal area. A fine needle
biopsy uses a very tiny needle to get the sample. Sometimes, a slightly larger,
hollow needle (core needle) is necessary. A vacuum-assisted biopsy uses a probe
to remove tissue samples. Any one of these outpatient procedures can be
performed under local anesthetic. Usually, a small marker is placed inside the
breast at the site of the biopsy. That way, if you need surgery later on, it
will be easier to find.
use a needle to remove tissue samples from the abnormal area. A fine needle
biopsy uses a very tiny needle to get the sample. Sometimes, a slightly larger,
hollow needle (core needle) is necessary. A vacuum-assisted biopsy uses a probe
to remove tissue samples. Any one of these outpatient procedures can be
performed under local anesthetic. Usually, a small marker is placed inside the
breast at the site of the biopsy. That way, if you need surgery later on, it
will be easier to find.
It doesn’t take
long to perform a biopsy, but you won’t get results right away. After the
procedure, the tissue sample will be sent to a pathologist, a doctor who is
trained to analyze cells for signs of disease. They’ll perform a thorough
examination of the cells under a microscope and create a pathology report for
your doctor. It may take a few days or a few weeks to get the results, which
will tell you whether or not you have cancer.
long to perform a biopsy, but you won’t get results right away. After the
procedure, the tissue sample will be sent to a pathologist, a doctor who is
trained to analyze cells for signs of disease. They’ll perform a thorough
examination of the cells under a microscope and create a pathology report for
your doctor. It may take a few days or a few weeks to get the results, which
will tell you whether or not you have cancer.
If the report says
the cells are benign, you don’t have cancer. Examples of benign lumps are
cysts, fibrocystic changes, and fat necrosis. You may still need to receive
treatment for these causes, but you can rest easy.
the cells are benign, you don’t have cancer. Examples of benign lumps are
cysts, fibrocystic changes, and fat necrosis. You may still need to receive
treatment for these causes, but you can rest easy.
If the report
indicates that the tumor is malignant, that means it’s cancerous, and has the
ability to spread throughout and beyond the breast.
indicates that the tumor is malignant, that means it’s cancerous, and has the
ability to spread throughout and beyond the breast.
TYPES OF BREAST
CANCER
CANCER
You may think that
all breast cancer is the same, but there are many types. Each has specific
characteristics and corresponding potential treatments.
all breast cancer is the same, but there are many types. Each has specific
characteristics and corresponding potential treatments.
If your pathology
report indicates DCIS, you have ductal carcinoma in situ, a non-invasive,
pre-cancerous condition. That means cells lining the ducts appear like cancer
cells, but they haven’t spread through the duct. You’ll need some treatment
because they have the potential to invade, but it’s almost always curable.
report indicates DCIS, you have ductal carcinoma in situ, a non-invasive,
pre-cancerous condition. That means cells lining the ducts appear like cancer
cells, but they haven’t spread through the duct. You’ll need some treatment
because they have the potential to invade, but it’s almost always curable.
Cancer that begins
in the milk ducts is called invasive or infiltrating ductal carcinoma (IDC).
This is the most common type of breast cancer. When it begins in the milk
glands, it’s called invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC). Both types have the
ability to spread to the rest of the breast and beyond, so treatment is
necessary.
in the milk ducts is called invasive or infiltrating ductal carcinoma (IDC).
This is the most common type of breast cancer. When it begins in the milk
glands, it’s called invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC). Both types have the
ability to spread to the rest of the breast and beyond, so treatment is
necessary.
Your breast
pathology report will also include information about hormone receptors, which
are proteins found in and on normal breast cells. The proteins tell cells what
to do. Certain hormones trigger activity in the cells. Normal breast cells have
estrogen and progesterone receptors, and cancer cells can also have them.
pathology report will also include information about hormone receptors, which
are proteins found in and on normal breast cells. The proteins tell cells what
to do. Certain hormones trigger activity in the cells. Normal breast cells have
estrogen and progesterone receptors, and cancer cells can also have them.
When cancer cells
test positive for estrogen receptors, it means the cancer may be fueled by
estrogen. This type of cancer is called ER-positive. When cancer tests positive
for progesterone receptors, it’s said to be PR-positive. If you have HER2 or
HER2/neu-positive breast cancer, your cells have too much of this
growth-promoting protein. Each of these hormone-positive types respond to
targeted hormone therapy.
test positive for estrogen receptors, it means the cancer may be fueled by
estrogen. This type of cancer is called ER-positive. When cancer tests positive
for progesterone receptors, it’s said to be PR-positive. If you have HER2 or
HER2/neu-positive breast cancer, your cells have too much of this
growth-promoting protein. Each of these hormone-positive types respond to
targeted hormone therapy.
If your breast
cancer is negative for all these receptors, you have triple-negative breast
cancer (TNBC). TNBC tends to strike younger women and African-Americans in
higher numbers than other groups. It’s likely to spread faster than
hormone-positive breast cancers, and has a higher rate of recurrence in the
first five years. TNBC accounts for about 10 to 20 percent of breast cancers,
according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. There are no targeted hormone therapies.
cancer is negative for all these receptors, you have triple-negative breast
cancer (TNBC). TNBC tends to strike younger women and African-Americans in
higher numbers than other groups. It’s likely to spread faster than
hormone-positive breast cancers, and has a higher rate of recurrence in the
first five years. TNBC accounts for about 10 to 20 percent of breast cancers,
according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. There are no targeted hormone therapies.
Inflammatory breast
cancer (IBC) is even more rare. According to the American Cancer Society, only
3 percent of breast cancers fall into this category. Symptoms are different
than those of other breast cancers and include warm, red skin and an orange
peel appearance. It can easily be mistaken for some type of infection, especially
since there’s usually no lump. A delayed diagnosis can allow IBC to spread and
complicate treatment.
cancer (IBC) is even more rare. According to the American Cancer Society, only
3 percent of breast cancers fall into this category. Symptoms are different
than those of other breast cancers and include warm, red skin and an orange
peel appearance. It can easily be mistaken for some type of infection, especially
since there’s usually no lump. A delayed diagnosis can allow IBC to spread and
complicate treatment.
Your pathology
report will also identify the grade of the tumor. Tumors are graded on a scale
of one to three, depending on how fast they’re likely to grow and spread. The
higher the grade, the more aggressive the tumor. Knowing the grade will help
your doctors decide on the best course of action.
report will also identify the grade of the tumor. Tumors are graded on a scale
of one to three, depending on how fast they’re likely to grow and spread. The
higher the grade, the more aggressive the tumor. Knowing the grade will help
your doctors decide on the best course of action.
By now, you’re
probably anxious to know about staging. Staging tells you how advanced the
cancer is—that is, how far it has spread. You usually can’t get this
information from a biopsy report. In fact, your doctor may not be able to stage
your cancer until after surgery. Even then, it may require additional imaging
tests to confirm.
probably anxious to know about staging. Staging tells you how advanced the
cancer is—that is, how far it has spread. You usually can’t get this
information from a biopsy report. In fact, your doctor may not be able to stage
your cancer until after surgery. Even then, it may require additional imaging
tests to confirm.
STAGES OF BREAST
CANCER
CANCER
After a lumpectomy
or mastectomy, your doctor will have a better idea of how far the cancer has
advanced beyond the original tumor.
or mastectomy, your doctor will have a better idea of how far the cancer has
advanced beyond the original tumor.
Lymph nodes are the
part of the immune system charged with collecting fluid and filtering waste
products. They’re located throughout our bodies, including around the breasts
and underarms. Breast cancer is most likely to spread to the sentinel nodes of
the underarm or the internal mammary lymph nodes located near the breastbone.
That’s why lymph nodes are checked when you have a cancerous breast tumor.
part of the immune system charged with collecting fluid and filtering waste
products. They’re located throughout our bodies, including around the breasts
and underarms. Breast cancer is most likely to spread to the sentinel nodes of
the underarm or the internal mammary lymph nodes located near the breastbone.
That’s why lymph nodes are checked when you have a cancerous breast tumor.
Non-invasive cancer
is stage 0. The other stages of breast cancer are:
is stage 0. The other stages of breast cancer are:
stage 1A: The tumor
is 2 centimeters or smaller, and cancer hasn’t spread beyond the breast.
is 2 centimeters or smaller, and cancer hasn’t spread beyond the breast.
stage 1B: Tiny
groups of breast cancer cells are located in the lymph nodes, but there’s
either no tumor in the breast, or it’s smaller than 2 centimeters.
groups of breast cancer cells are located in the lymph nodes, but there’s
either no tumor in the breast, or it’s smaller than 2 centimeters.
stage 2A: There’s
no breast tumor, or it’s smaller than 2 centimeters and there’s cancer in lymph
nodes. Or, the tumor is between 2 and 5 centimeters, but it hasn’t spread to
lymph nodes.
no breast tumor, or it’s smaller than 2 centimeters and there’s cancer in lymph
nodes. Or, the tumor is between 2 and 5 centimeters, but it hasn’t spread to
lymph nodes.
stage 2B: The tumor
is between 2 and 5 centimeters and some breast cancer cells are in the lymph
nodes. Or, the tumor is over 5 centimeters and the lymph nodes are clear.
is between 2 and 5 centimeters and some breast cancer cells are in the lymph
nodes. Or, the tumor is over 5 centimeters and the lymph nodes are clear.
stage 3A: There may
or may not be a breast tumor, but cancer is discovered in four to nine lymph
nodes. Or, the tumor is bigger than 5 centimeters and breast cancer cells are
found in lymph nodes. Or, the tumor is over 5 centimeters and there are cancer
cells in lymph nodes.
or may not be a breast tumor, but cancer is discovered in four to nine lymph
nodes. Or, the tumor is bigger than 5 centimeters and breast cancer cells are
found in lymph nodes. Or, the tumor is over 5 centimeters and there are cancer
cells in lymph nodes.
stage 3B: There’s a
breast tumor, and cancer has invaded the chest wall or spread to breast skin,
lymph nodes near the breastbone, or up to nine axillary lymph nodes.
breast tumor, and cancer has invaded the chest wall or spread to breast skin,
lymph nodes near the breastbone, or up to nine axillary lymph nodes.
stage 3C: There may
or may not be a tumor in the breast, and cancer has spread to breast skin or
the chest wall in addition to lymph nodes.
or may not be a tumor in the breast, and cancer has spread to breast skin or
the chest wall in addition to lymph nodes.
stage 4: Breast
cancer is found in other organs of the body (metastasis). Breast cancer is most
likely to metastasize to the bones, lungs, liver, or brain.
cancer is found in other organs of the body (metastasis). Breast cancer is most
likely to metastasize to the bones, lungs, liver, or brain.
Sometimes, a
post-surgery pathology report includes letters with stages. The meaning behind
them is as follows:
post-surgery pathology report includes letters with stages. The meaning behind
them is as follows:
T describes the
stage of the tumor.
stage of the tumor.
N indicates the
lymph node involvement.
lymph node involvement.
M explains whether
the cancer has metastasized.
the cancer has metastasized.
We can learn a lot
about cancer from biomarkers. Biomarkers are cellular or molecular markers that
can show inherited traits or a link between something in the environment and
health. A genetic mutation is a permanent change in your DNA. You can inherit genetic
mutations from your parents, or they can develop spontaneously. Certain genetic
mutations can increase your risk of developing breast cancer.
about cancer from biomarkers. Biomarkers are cellular or molecular markers that
can show inherited traits or a link between something in the environment and
health. A genetic mutation is a permanent change in your DNA. You can inherit genetic
mutations from your parents, or they can develop spontaneously. Certain genetic
mutations can increase your risk of developing breast cancer.
You’ve probably
heard about BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations. Carriers of these mutated genes are
more likely to develop breast cancer. If you have a family history of breast
cancer, it’s worth genetic testing to find out if you carry these genes, and if
you’re likely to pass them along to your children.
heard about BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations. Carriers of these mutated genes are
more likely to develop breast cancer. If you have a family history of breast
cancer, it’s worth genetic testing to find out if you carry these genes, and if
you’re likely to pass them along to your children.
Oncotype DX is a
genomic test. Using a sample of breast tissue, this test can help estimate how
cancer will grow and spread. This is especially useful when planning treatment
for estrogen-positive, early-stage breast cancer.
genomic test. Using a sample of breast tissue, this test can help estimate how
cancer will grow and spread. This is especially useful when planning treatment
for estrogen-positive, early-stage breast cancer.
Once you receive a
diagnosis, you’ll probably be asking your doctor about your outlook, the likely
course of your disease. To arrive at a prognosis, your doctor will take into
account the type and stage of breast cancer, along with general statistics.
Keep in mind that it’s only a wide-range estimate. Your personal prognosis
depends on many specific factors, including your general health and treatment
choices.
diagnosis, you’ll probably be asking your doctor about your outlook, the likely
course of your disease. To arrive at a prognosis, your doctor will take into
account the type and stage of breast cancer, along with general statistics.
Keep in mind that it’s only a wide-range estimate. Your personal prognosis
depends on many specific factors, including your general health and treatment
choices.
TREATMENT
If you’ve been
diagnosed with breast cancer, you’ll be referred to a breast surgeon or
oncologist to determine your treatment options. An oncologist is a doctor who
specializes in treating cancer. Based on the information in your pathology
report, your doctor will talk to you about which treatments might be best for
you. Besides the type of cancer you have, they’ll take your age and overall
health into consideration.
diagnosed with breast cancer, you’ll be referred to a breast surgeon or
oncologist to determine your treatment options. An oncologist is a doctor who
specializes in treating cancer. Based on the information in your pathology
report, your doctor will talk to you about which treatments might be best for
you. Besides the type of cancer you have, they’ll take your age and overall
health into consideration.
There are many
treatments for breast cancer. In most cases, your oncologist will recommend a
combination of therapies.
treatments for breast cancer. In most cases, your oncologist will recommend a
combination of therapies.
Systemic Treatment
Systemic treatment
is something that treats the body as a whole. Chemotherapy is a systemic
treatment because it affects cells throughout the whole body. Powerful
chemotherapy drugs can kill cancer cells, shrink tumors, and prevent cancer
from spreading. Your oncologist will determine how many rounds of treatment you
should have. When chemotherapy is used to try to shrink the tumor before
surgery, it’s called neoadjuvant therapy.
is something that treats the body as a whole. Chemotherapy is a systemic
treatment because it affects cells throughout the whole body. Powerful
chemotherapy drugs can kill cancer cells, shrink tumors, and prevent cancer
from spreading. Your oncologist will determine how many rounds of treatment you
should have. When chemotherapy is used to try to shrink the tumor before
surgery, it’s called neoadjuvant therapy.
A common breast
cancer drug is Adriamycin, the brand name for doxorubicin. This powerful cancer
killer is delivered intravenously under a doctor’s care. Its bright red color
has earned it the nickname, “the red devil.” It’s used for treatment of many
types of cancer, including all types of breast cancer. Taxol, the brand name
for paclitaxel, is often used for aggressive or advanced breast cancer. These
are just a couple of the many drugs available.
cancer drug is Adriamycin, the brand name for doxorubicin. This powerful cancer
killer is delivered intravenously under a doctor’s care. Its bright red color
has earned it the nickname, “the red devil.” It’s used for treatment of many
types of cancer, including all types of breast cancer. Taxol, the brand name
for paclitaxel, is often used for aggressive or advanced breast cancer. These
are just a couple of the many drugs available.
Chemotherapy drugs
are often combined. Your doctor may recommend several rounds of a drug, then
switch you to another. As you progress through treatment, it’s very likely that
some adjustments will be made based on side effects and how well your body
responds.
are often combined. Your doctor may recommend several rounds of a drug, then
switch you to another. As you progress through treatment, it’s very likely that
some adjustments will be made based on side effects and how well your body
responds.
Chemotherapy has a
lot of potential side effects, but everyone is different. There’s no way to
predict how your body will react until you’re in treatment. You’ve probably
heard someone use the term “chemo brain” or “chemo fog.” It describes an
overall foggy feeling caused by the drugs. Chemo treatment may cause you
problems with your memory and concentration, making everyday tasks difficult.
The extent of chemo brain—and how long it lasts—is different for everyone.
lot of potential side effects, but everyone is different. There’s no way to
predict how your body will react until you’re in treatment. You’ve probably
heard someone use the term “chemo brain” or “chemo fog.” It describes an
overall foggy feeling caused by the drugs. Chemo treatment may cause you
problems with your memory and concentration, making everyday tasks difficult.
The extent of chemo brain—and how long it lasts—is different for everyone.
A bald head is
probably one of the most visible signs of someone in chemotherapy. Because
chemo drugs kill fast-growing cells, alopecia (hair loss) can occur. It’s only
temporary, though. Your hair will grow back when chemotherapy ends.
probably one of the most visible signs of someone in chemotherapy. Because
chemo drugs kill fast-growing cells, alopecia (hair loss) can occur. It’s only
temporary, though. Your hair will grow back when chemotherapy ends.
If you’re in your
childbearing years, chemotherapy can affect your fertility. If you have a type
of hormone-positive breast cancer, hormone-blocking therapy you receive may
interfere with your ability to conceive. Chemo can also trigger early
menopause.
childbearing years, chemotherapy can affect your fertility. If you have a type
of hormone-positive breast cancer, hormone-blocking therapy you receive may
interfere with your ability to conceive. Chemo can also trigger early
menopause.
TARGETED TREATMENT
Targeted therapies
are designed to treat specific types of breast cancer. For example,
hormone-positive breast cancers can be treated with medications that lower or
block those hormones. Herceptin, the brand name for trastuzumab, is effective
in treating HER-2-positive breast cancer. Tamoxifen is an oral chemotherapy
used to lower the risk of spreading or recurring ER-positive breast cancer.
are designed to treat specific types of breast cancer. For example,
hormone-positive breast cancers can be treated with medications that lower or
block those hormones. Herceptin, the brand name for trastuzumab, is effective
in treating HER-2-positive breast cancer. Tamoxifen is an oral chemotherapy
used to lower the risk of spreading or recurring ER-positive breast cancer.
Radiation therapy
is another type of targeted treatment. High-energy rays are aimed at a specific
area of the chest. Before getting radiation treatment, you’ll need to get
“marked.” That is, your doctor will use precise measurements to strategically
tattoo tiny, permanent marks on your chest. They’ll be used to help position
your treatment.
is another type of targeted treatment. High-energy rays are aimed at a specific
area of the chest. Before getting radiation treatment, you’ll need to get
“marked.” That is, your doctor will use precise measurements to strategically
tattoo tiny, permanent marks on your chest. They’ll be used to help position
your treatment.
When a surgeon
removes a lump, but spares the rest of the breast, it’s called a lumpectomy.
Lumpectomy is a great option for women who have a small tumor and no evidence
that the cancer has spread.
removes a lump, but spares the rest of the breast, it’s called a lumpectomy.
Lumpectomy is a great option for women who have a small tumor and no evidence
that the cancer has spread.
A mastectomy is
surgical removal of the breast. It’s called a partial mastectomy when only the
tumor and some surrounding tissue are removed. Removing the entire breast is
called a simple or total mastectomy. When lymph nodes are also removed, it’s
called a modified radical mastectomy. A radical mastectomy also involves
removal of muscles from the chest wall.
surgical removal of the breast. It’s called a partial mastectomy when only the
tumor and some surrounding tissue are removed. Removing the entire breast is
called a simple or total mastectomy. When lymph nodes are also removed, it’s
called a modified radical mastectomy. A radical mastectomy also involves
removal of muscles from the chest wall.
A mastectomy
performed as a preventive measure is called a prophylactic mastectomy. You
might opt to do this if you carry a genetic predisposition to aggressive breast
cancer. Some people having a mastectomy for breast cancer on one side decide to
remove both breasts. Ask your doctor to go over all the pros and cons of a
prophylactic mastectomy with you if you’re considering this procedure.
performed as a preventive measure is called a prophylactic mastectomy. You
might opt to do this if you carry a genetic predisposition to aggressive breast
cancer. Some people having a mastectomy for breast cancer on one side decide to
remove both breasts. Ask your doctor to go over all the pros and cons of a
prophylactic mastectomy with you if you’re considering this procedure.
ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS
Complementary
therapies are those used in addition to standard medical treatment. Many
therapies fall into this category, including acupuncture, massage, and herbal
treatments. It’s important to choose a qualified practitioner and let your
oncologist know what other treatments you’re receiving. These therapies are
called alternative therapy when they’re used in place of standard medical
treatment.
therapies are those used in addition to standard medical treatment. Many
therapies fall into this category, including acupuncture, massage, and herbal
treatments. It’s important to choose a qualified practitioner and let your
oncologist know what other treatments you’re receiving. These therapies are
called alternative therapy when they’re used in place of standard medical
treatment.
Your oncologist may
talk to you about research studies called clinical trials. They’re a way for
researchers to test new treatments and compare them to other treatments, or to
no treatment at all. If you’re in a clinical trial, you won’t necessarily know
what medication you’re taking. Clinical trials generally have very strict
criteria on who can participate and how they’re carried out. They’re often
offered to those with advanced cancer who aren’t benefitting from current
treatment.
talk to you about research studies called clinical trials. They’re a way for
researchers to test new treatments and compare them to other treatments, or to
no treatment at all. If you’re in a clinical trial, you won’t necessarily know
what medication you’re taking. Clinical trials generally have very strict
criteria on who can participate and how they’re carried out. They’re often
offered to those with advanced cancer who aren’t benefitting from current
treatment.
RECOVERY
Cancer and cancer
treatment are hard on the body. It will take time to heal and feel physically
strong again. Much will depend on the treatment you received and how long it
took. Keep in mind that the recovery process is different for everyone. Don’t
compare your recovery time with anybody else’s, and don’t get discouraged if
it’s slow going. Respect your body’s unique timetable.
treatment are hard on the body. It will take time to heal and feel physically
strong again. Much will depend on the treatment you received and how long it
took. Keep in mind that the recovery process is different for everyone. Don’t
compare your recovery time with anybody else’s, and don’t get discouraged if
it’s slow going. Respect your body’s unique timetable.
In the weeks and
months that follow chemotherapy, your hair will begin to regrow. Your taste
buds will return to normal, and your appetite will start to improve. Some side
effects, like chemo brain, may continue indefinitely. If you had chemotherapy,
radiation, or both, you probably experienced extreme fatigue. That won’t change
overnight. Your body is using an enormous amount of energy in its quest to make
repairs and heal.
months that follow chemotherapy, your hair will begin to regrow. Your taste
buds will return to normal, and your appetite will start to improve. Some side
effects, like chemo brain, may continue indefinitely. If you had chemotherapy,
radiation, or both, you probably experienced extreme fatigue. That won’t change
overnight. Your body is using an enormous amount of energy in its quest to make
repairs and heal.
Adjuvant systemic
therapy is treatment started after the initial treatment is over. It’s used to
prevent recurrence and increase the chances for long-term survival. This will
probably include ongoing hormone treatment (oral therapy) for hormone-positive
breast cancers, which will continue to affect your body.
therapy is treatment started after the initial treatment is over. It’s used to
prevent recurrence and increase the chances for long-term survival. This will
probably include ongoing hormone treatment (oral therapy) for hormone-positive
breast cancers, which will continue to affect your body.
It’s impossible to
estimate recovery time after a mastectomy. Pain and discomfort should ease
within a few weeks to a few months if you don’t have reconstructive surgery or
complications. Instead of reconstruction, some women prefer a prosthesis.
Prosthetic breasts are made of silicone, gels, or other materials, and they’re
weighted for balance. They can fit directly on your skin, or inside the fitted
pocket of a mastectomy bra.
estimate recovery time after a mastectomy. Pain and discomfort should ease
within a few weeks to a few months if you don’t have reconstructive surgery or
complications. Instead of reconstruction, some women prefer a prosthesis.
Prosthetic breasts are made of silicone, gels, or other materials, and they’re
weighted for balance. They can fit directly on your skin, or inside the fitted
pocket of a mastectomy bra.
You’ll need
additional procedures over a longer period of time if you choose
reconstruction.
additional procedures over a longer period of time if you choose
reconstruction.
Usually, an
inflatable implant called a tissue expander is inserted under the skin and
muscle following removal of the breast. A saltwater solution is injected over
several months, causing the skin to slowly expand. When the skin reaches the
correct size, the expander can be removed in preparation for reconstruction.
inflatable implant called a tissue expander is inserted under the skin and
muscle following removal of the breast. A saltwater solution is injected over
several months, causing the skin to slowly expand. When the skin reaches the
correct size, the expander can be removed in preparation for reconstruction.
Some types of
reconstruction include:
reconstruction include:
DIEP flap: The deep
inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap is a breast reconstruction
technique. Skin and tissue are cut from the abdomen and reattached to the chest
to create a new breast mound.
inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap is a breast reconstruction
technique. Skin and tissue are cut from the abdomen and reattached to the chest
to create a new breast mound.
TRAM flap: In a
transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap procedure, a flap of skin,
fat, and muscle from the abdomen remains attached to its blood supply. The flap
is pushed underneath the skin and up into the chest. The new mound may or may
not need an additional implant.
transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap procedure, a flap of skin,
fat, and muscle from the abdomen remains attached to its blood supply. The flap
is pushed underneath the skin and up into the chest. The new mound may or may
not need an additional implant.
latissimus dorsi
muscle flap: On your back and below your shoulder is a muscle called the
latissimus dorsi. In this reconstructive procedure, the flap of skin, fat,
muscle, and blood vessels can be moved under the skin to your chest to create a
new breast mound. The blood vessels remain attached to their original position.
muscle flap: On your back and below your shoulder is a muscle called the
latissimus dorsi. In this reconstructive procedure, the flap of skin, fat,
muscle, and blood vessels can be moved under the skin to your chest to create a
new breast mound. The blood vessels remain attached to their original position.
If you had lymph
nodes removed, you’re at increased risk of lymphedema, a condition in which the
lymphatic system becomes blocked and causes swelling. Notify your doctor at the
first sign of swelling. There’s no cure for lymphedema, but it can be
effectively managed.
nodes removed, you’re at increased risk of lymphedema, a condition in which the
lymphatic system becomes blocked and causes swelling. Notify your doctor at the
first sign of swelling. There’s no cure for lymphedema, but it can be
effectively managed.
You’ll need to keep
regular appointments with your team of cancer doctors even if there’s no
evidence of disease (NED). This will probably involve routine blood work and
examination of the breast area. Be sure to tell your doctor about any concerns
or unexplained symptoms. They’ll be on the alert for signs of recurrence.
regular appointments with your team of cancer doctors even if there’s no
evidence of disease (NED). This will probably involve routine blood work and
examination of the breast area. Be sure to tell your doctor about any concerns
or unexplained symptoms. They’ll be on the alert for signs of recurrence.
You’re considered a
“survivor” as soon as you’re diagnosed with breast cancer. Surviving breast
cancer involves more than simply reaching a state of remission. You may start
out longing for a return to “normal,” but with all the physical and emotional
issues that come about, you may find yourself redefining what that means, on
your own terms.
“survivor” as soon as you’re diagnosed with breast cancer. Surviving breast
cancer involves more than simply reaching a state of remission. You may start
out longing for a return to “normal,” but with all the physical and emotional
issues that come about, you may find yourself redefining what that means, on
your own terms.
BEBEAKINBOADE is the fresh voice of African style, offering an informative, inspiring and entertaining mix of fashion,beauty ,entertainment,events ,place, inspirational and much more
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