A Breast Cancer Diagnosis :
What ’ s next ?
By Pamela Popplewell
Getting a breast cancer diagnosis is some of the worst news a person can receive in their lifetime . Mammogram appointments are made as part of a preventative care regimen , and you go for that reason and not expect anything to come out of it . You are told to check your portal in a week and you go on about your day . But then you receive a phone call two days later asking you to come back in the next for another mammogram and a biopsy because yours came back abnormal .
Fast forward to a week later and you receive another phone call . The lady on the other end is extremely nice , makes small talk , and asks you how you are doing and then she gives you the news you never thought you would hear — you have breast cancer . The rest of the conversation is almost a blur as she starts to talk about scheduling , oncologists , testing , etc . It is overwhelming to say the least .
That was my story . That is how I learned I had breast cancer . What I thought would be a normal mammogram in November 2021 , turned into a diagnosis of Invasive Ductal Carcinoma in my right breast , which was later determined to actually be Invasive Lobular Carcinoma , because my cancer began in the glands and was hormone driven , instead of the milk ducts where most breast cancers start .
Learning you have any kind breast cancer can be hard . You have a lot of emotions surfacing at one time — anxiousness , fear , anger are just a few .
But there are ways to cope and help you deal with your diagnosis .
Where to start
First and foremost , get as much basic and useful information as you can . Knowledge is power . The information you obtain will help you to make the best decisions about your upcoming care .
Before your initial appointment with your oncologist , get a notebook and write down your questions and concerns . There are no stupid questions when it comes to your health and your health care , so if it is a concern for you , it is important enough to ask about it . Some of the questions you may want to ask : What kind of breast cancer do I have ? There are several different kinds . Exactly where is the cancer ? Has it spread or can it spread ? What tests and / or procedures will be done ? What can I expect during my treatment , and what are the side effects of my treatment medicines ?
Who all will be involved in my treatment ? This is important because you have access to a large support team , including your general practitioner , gynecologist , dermatologist , radiologist , medical oncologist , therapists , dietitians , social workers and others who are all there to help you on your journey .
Can my children or other family members get this kind of cancer ? How will treatment affect my daily life ? When first meeting your oncologist , you may want to bring a family member or close friend with you . They may remember something that you didn ’ t hear or understand .
Decide what details you want to know about your treatment . Some people want all the facts from beginning to end , while others want to leave details and decisions to their health care team . There is no right or wrong way to proceed , you do what is best for you .
When it comes to telling your family and friends about your diagnosis , it is hard to know where to start . Some people may want to protect their loved ones from bad news by not talking about it , while others feel alone or try to look strong and not share their true feelings . It can be scary , but be assured there are people who want to be there for you and support you . There are also people available to talk to about how you are feeling and what you are feeling . They are part of the support team that you have access to .
18 • SEKY - Southeast Kentucky Life october 2024