Treatment of breast cancer

Once you or someone you love has been diagnosed with breast cancer, it's time to make some decisions about treatment. These are very difficult and important decisions that will affect your recovery and the risk of the cancer recurring.

Speak openly about your concerns with your doctor and be prepared by writing down a list of questions. Many people find it overwhelming to see the doctor, so keep a journal and take it with you to appointments. Jot down answers at the appointment or right after so you don't forget important information.

Treating cancer generally is divided into 3 categories: surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Frequently, treatment is a combination of 2 or all 3 options.

• Surgical treatment may involve mastectomy, where part of all of the breast is removed; oophorectory, where one or both ovaries are removed; or sentinel node biopsy, where the sentinel lymph node is removed.
• External beam radiation therapy is a common, non-invasive, cancer treatment given over several days, weeks, or months. Side effects include fatigue and skin changes.
• There are several medications available for effective chemotherapy treatment of breast cancer. Fatigue and nausea are among the more common side effects. You may also want to talk to your doctor about how to cope with cosmetic concerns and the effect of treatment on your emotions.
• Another type of chemotherapy, called monoclonal antibodies, is specific to breast cancer.

Be sure you understand the various treatment options available to you. Ask questions about the risk of side effects, what to expect, and how to cope with the nausea and fatigue frequently caused by chemotherapy and radiation.