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
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
- Tips to Save on Medical Travel Expenses
- Airline Travel During Chemotherapy
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.
Cope With Side Effects of Treatment
Cancer treatments can cause side effects, which in turn, need to be treated or prevented. You don't have to just grit your teeth and suffer - here are common side effects and ways to get help for them. Here's some advice on ways to care for yourself and recover from side effects of chemo and radiation for breast cancer.
- Chemotherapy-Induced Anemia: Symptoms, Treatment, When To Get Help
- Neutropenia - Side Effect Of Chemotherapy And Radiation Treatment
- Thrombocytopenia (Low Platelet Count) – Symptoms, Treatment, and Self-Care
- Aranesp - Darbepoetin Alfa – Drug To Boost Red Blood Cell Production
- Procrit - Epoetin Alfa – Drug To Boosts Red Blood Cell Production
- Neupogen (Filgrastim) – Treatment for Low Neutrophil Count (Neutropenia)
- Neulasta (pegfilgrastim) – Treatment for Low Neutrophil Count
- Mucositis – Prevention and Treatments for Mucositis
- Triple Mix – Treatment for Oral Mucositis
- Caphosol – Artificial Saliva – Prevention and Treatment of Oral Mucositis
- Nausea tips - use ginger to help during recovery
- Chemobrain, a Side Effect of Chemotherapy
- Fingernail Disorders During Breast Cancer Chemotherapy
- Chemotherapy and Photosensitivity
- Top 10 Ways To Cope With Hot Flashes Caused by Treatments
