Treatment for breast cancer begins within weeks of the diagnosis. A diagnosis of cancer can be emotionally devastating, yet the period between diagnosis and treatment is important for gathering information about your condition, as well as for preparing yourself for surgery and recovery.
Instructions
Prepare for Surgery
1. Meet with your surgeon to discuss how the surgery will be performed, how long it will take to heal and what treatment may be required after surgery. Obtain a second opinion. It is not unusual to seek a second opinion, and may be necessary for your insurance carrier. The second surgeon may confirm the advice you have already received, or you may be given a different option.
2. Ask questions. Learn as much as you can about breast cancer in general and your particular situation. Ask the stage of your cancer and what that means in terms of treatment options, side effects and recurrence of the cancer. Discuss the benefits and risk of breast-sparing surgery (lumpectomy) or total removal of the breast (mastectomy). Ask your surgeon's advice on removing your unaffected breast in anticipation of a second tumor.
3. Explore your options for breast reconstruction before your surgery, if you choose to have a mastectomy. It may be difficult to think beyond removal of the tumor, but reconstruction is an important component of emotional healing for some women. Ask how the breast reconstruction will be performed and the expected length of the recovery period.
Prepare Financially
4. Consult with your insurance company to avoid unpleasant surprises. Learn what your policy will cover and to what extent. Know what your financial obligations will be.
5. Speak with your employer to arrange for sick leave, if you work. Set up sufficient time to recover from the surgery, as well as time off for additional doctor's appointments, tests (before surgery and follow up) and treatments. If chemotherapy or radiation will be necessary, allow time to recover from the sessions, as they can be physically exhausting.
6. Plan ahead. If your insurance will not cover the full expense of the surgery and associated costs, look into establishing payment arrangements before your surgery. After your procedure, you will want to focus on your recovery, not your finances. Pay any household bills ahead of time, if you can afford to do so.
Prepare Emotionally
7. Join a cancer support group. Ask your doctor or hospital for local groups of people who have been through similar experiences.
8. Talk to your family and friends about your feelings and needs. Don't be afraid to ask for help.
9. Seek spiritual support through your church, if you belong to one. Find comfort in knowing that others are pulling for you.
10. Treat yourself to a massage, facial, manicure or other pampering. You are preparing to go through a period of physical and emotional stress, so don't forget to take care of yourself.
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