When you are diagnosed with breast cancer, several emotions surface and mix – anger, asking why you of all people have been afflicted with the disease; confusion, of what to do and what lies ahead; frustration, as there is a feeling of helplessness over the situation and your condition. A million thoughts race through your mind and it is so easy to get lost in these thoughts and be in a rut that could go on for days, weeks, months or even years. Depression may set in a cancer patient, so it is important that as early as when a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, her mind should be focused on making the more important decisions and asking the most important questions that may actually improve her condition.
It is important when you have been diagnosed with breast cancer that you have a support person with you, someone who can be focused, detached and objective throughout the process. While you are engaged in the emotional turmoil that is dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis, you should be supported by someone who will have his or her attention with what the doctor is saying and think of all the questions that should be inquired, so that no stone is left unturned and forgotten.
With having a support person in tow, here are some of the most important questions you should ask a doctor if you have been diagnosed with breast cancer:
Are there risks or side effects involved with these breast cancer treatments?
As someone who will be subjected to any of these treatments, you should get all the information you can about what is in store for you and what to expect from them. You cannot just subject yourself to any and all treatment options available, even if you have the financial means to do so. You are already sick; having your body subject to these treatments may not be something it is still up for. Ultimately, it will be you (and your family) who will decide on which treatment option to pursue, so it is essential for you to know what effects the option you decide on could bring.
How will treatment affect daily living?
Once you have been diagnosed, of course you will have to decide on what treatment option to follow. Any option will ultimately affect your life, and yes, how you live it. What you eat, how you will engage in any physical activity, your sleeping habits, and your diet among others will have to be affected and coordinated by your treatment. Weigh your options and be informed with your support person and your doctor about these details.
Has my condition spread to other organs?
You should know how “far” your condition has gone. Each stage of breast cancer responds to a particular treatment. If you have been diagnosed with an early stage of breast cancer, you may have more options compared to someone who is already on the higher stages. You should also need to be on the lookout if your cancer has spread into other organs so that you will know how to curb possible complications.
How should I prepare for my treatment for breast cancer?
As someone who is diagnosed with breast cancer and will be undergoing treatment, you should prepare on all levels. You should be physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally prepared, or you might end up being more depressed with your condition as ever. In preparing for such event, one thing is for sure: you cannot shut other people out. Having a support person, as mentioned earlier, or a group will definitely make the experience easier and less heavy.
Is there someone I can converse with for support after I finish the breast cancer treatment?
Once you go through the experience of surviving a breast cancer treatment, you will need all the support you need in dealing with the aftermath of the treatment. You may actually undergo surgery and lose a breast or both, so you will need a support group of women who have undergone the same experience. The interaction and just the feeling that you are in unity with these people will make you feel lighter and understood.
Would you object to me getting a second opinion?
Just like in other medical conditions, a breast cancer diagnosis could be shattering to a woman. Some may actually view it as the end of their lives, with just accepting the diagnosis as a very difficult ordeal. You can actually make sure that you will really need to go through this difficult situation if you are really 100% sure that you have breast cancer. One way is to have a second opinion. You as a patient definitely have the right to seek a second opinion, but just for professional courtesy, do inform the doctor who diagnosed you that you will be asking for one.