Treatments for breast cancer and how to live with breast cancer

TREATMENTS

Treatment of breast cancer will typically involve surgery followed by a combination of chemotherapy, hormonal therapy and radiation. Treatments however do vary depending on the patient and depending on the stage of cancer.

• Surgery

  Lumpectomy-removal of cancerous tumor and possibility removal of lymph nodes

  Mastectomy-removal of whole breast

• Chemotherapy

  Medicines that interfere with cancer growth and division, intended to reduce and kill tumors.

• Radiation Therapy

  X-rays or high energy rays applied to the tumor and surrounding areas to destroy cancer cells.

• Hormonal therapy

  Hormonal therapy is a very effective treatment against breast cancer that is hormone-receptor-positive. Sometimes called “anti-estrogen therapy,” hormonal therapy blocks the ability of the hormone estrogen to turn on and stimulate the growth of breast cancer cells.

LIVING WITH BREAST CANCER

Dealing with breast cancer can be difficult not only for the pt, but their family. Having the diagnosis of cancer is difficult, but also seeing physical changes such as loss of hair due to chemotherapy, adapting to new lifestyle changes can equally be difficult. Sometimes women have found being around others going through the same thing helpful. Support groups can be helpful not only for the pt, but also for their family.

• To find support groups in your area, click this link to the breast cancer organization.

• This website lists support groups for survivors.

• Estronaut lists resources such as numbers to call.

Others have found support through their spirituality, family, friends, as well as private counseling.