Breast Cancer Symptoms

If you have just been diagnosed with breast cancer, chances are that panic mode is taking over, and you want that cancer out of your body yesterday. In truth, the mutated cancer cells have probably been in your body for years, and you simply did not know.  Although that does not mean you can let it go for years and worry about it later, it does give you a little time to make an informed decision about the health care options that are right for you.  For example, if the disease is caught in the early stages, you definitely need to understand breast cancer local control.

Naturally, you have been devastated by the news that you have breast cancer.  But, before you panic and start planning a memorial service, remember that you are not alone. One in eight women has stood in your shoes. 

Medical science makes breast cancer research a priority. The survival rate for breast cancer has greatly increased in just the past few years. No one is guaranteed the next minute, let alone old age.  But, you have an excellent chance of being cured and living a happy and productive life for years to come.  You will have a health care team that dedicates their lives to the battle against cancer and helping you beat this monster.

While researching breast cancer and trying to find a cure, scientists have found out that there are different types of breast cancer.  Some are slow growing, while others are on the fast track.  How the doctors and you decide to treat the cancer depends on its veracity. 

However, if the doctor says the treatment is for local control of the disease that is good.  It simply means that the cancer is still in the breast area and has not metastasized to other parts of the body or gotten into the bloodstream yet.  Your chances of realizing a cure faster are greater.

But, if it is a fast growing cancer, you will have to get that second opinion, and decide on a course of cancer treatment as soon as possible. You do not want the cancer to leave the breast area and continue to move on, affecting other parts of the body.  You still should not panic, because that will not do you any good emotionally or physically. 

But, you do not have the time to feel sorry for yourself and wallow in your misery either.  Put on a stiff upper lip and help the health care provides get control of this beast.  You can have a meltdown later, after the treatments are over.

The methods the doctor will use to get rid of your cancer will depend on the type of your cancer, family history, and your personal choices.  For example, doctors from the old school of thought and some patients simply want to opt for mastectomy to get rid of the cancer and plan for a breast reconstruction later.

It is important to make the decision whether or not to undergo reconstruction before the cancer surgery for two reasons.  Sometimes, the doctor will opt to remove the cancer and have a plastic surgeon handy to facilitate an immediate reconstruction.  Alternatively, the doctor can try and leave part of the breast or enough skin to help in a plastic surgeon effect a more natural reconstruction.

Some women choose to have a mastectomy and not undergo reconstruction.  Comfortable in their own bodies, and just happy to have the cancer excised, they would rather wear a prosthetic in public, so their clothes fit properly and people do not stare.

Depending on the type of cancer and its size and location, some doctors might suggest a lumpectomy.  During surgery, the cancer and a wide margin of healthy cells is removed to make sure all of the disease has been eradicated.  Just to make sure, radiation may be required to kill of any other potentially undetected mutating cells, so the cancer will have less chance of paying another unwelcomed visit in the future. 
By removing only the lump, it is easier to reconstruct the breast.  Especially for some patients, this option alleviates some of the emotional trauma that naturally accompanies a diagnosis of breast cancer.

In short, treatment for breast cancer is a big deal.  But, thank goodness medical science has greatly improved survival of this devastating disease.  Back in your mother’s day, a breast cancer diagnosis meant they should get their affairs in order.  Many women felt so alone, because breast cancer was not an appropriate subject for conversation.  But, you are not alone.  You will have a team of health care providers dedicated to beating breast cancer.  Know that whatever choices you make in treating your breast cancer are the right ones, as long as you decide that is what is best for you.