Challenges, Milestones, Setbacks, and Victories
By Pam Stephan, About.com Guide to Breast Cancer
Get support from many sources during and after treatment. There are ways to take care of yourself, cope with side effects, and weather emotional ups and downs. You can learn how to speak with your health care team, in order to get the best care, and navigate the intricacies of insurance. You can survive not only breast cancer, but also treatment, and move into better health.
Getting Support
Diagnosis, treatment, and even survival can be full of challenges and emotions. You don't have to go through this experience alone. You can get support through groups, health care professionals, family, friends, and coworkers. Even other patients and survivors can help advise you and guide you through treatment and into a healthier future.
- Support Groups for Breast Cancer Patients
- Attitude Tools: Build Up Your Hope
- Top 10 Tips to Support a Spouse with Breast Cancer
- Fundraising for Someone with Breast Cancer
- Supporting a Partner with Breast Cancer
- Helpful Reading: Breast Cancer Memoirs
Caring for Yourself
Treatment causes many disruptions in your life and brings side effects along with it. Learn how to care for yourself and deal with the changes you'll face.
- How to Choose the Right Oncologist
- Chemobrain, a Side Effect of Chemotherapy
- Can I Fire My Doctor? How Do I Change Doctors?
- Top 10 Self Care Tips During Breast Cancer Treatment
- Give Yourself Permission To Recover During Treatment
- 12 Ways to Detoxify Your Personal Environment
- Anticancer Diet Boosts Health, Lowers Risk
- How To Eat When Your Appetite is On Vacation
- Tips to Save on Medical Travel Expenses
- Tax Deductions for Medical Expenses
- Airline Travel During Chemotherapy
- Wigs: A Way to Cope With Hair Loss
Breast Reconstruction
After a lumpectomy or mastectomy, you may want to regain your symmetry. If you consult with a plastic surgeon before your surgery, you will learn what options are best for you, and how you can save skin and avoid unnecessary scars. Learn about breast implants, autologous tissue transplants, and tissue flap procedures.
- All About Breast Reconstruction Surgery
- TRAM Flap - Transverse Rectus Abdominus Myocutaneous
- Lat Flap - Latissimus Dorsi
- DIEP Flap (Uses upper tummy skin and fatty tissue)
- SIEA Flap (Uses lower tummy skin and fatty tissue)
- IGAP Flap (Uses lower buttock skin and fat)
- SGAP Flap (Uses upper buttock skin and fat)
- Lumpectomy Repair (Experimental method)
- Nipple and Areola Reconstruction
Anticancer Nutrition
A healthy diet can help with prevention of breast cancer, promote healing, and fend off a recurrence. Knowing which foods to focus on, balanced with regular exercise and good self-care can boost your health. Learn how to make smart choices for food, drink, and exercise.
