Living With Breast Cancer

One of the most aggressive cancers in women is breast cancer. So far, in 2021, there have been about 281,500 new breast cancer cases in the United States, according to BreastCancer.org. October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. And since nearly 13 percent of women will develop invasive breast cancer in her life, it’s essential to learn about the disease and what to expect if diagnosed.

Educate Yourself

When you’re first diagnosed with breast cancer, you likely have questions about what breast cancer is and why you developed it. Breast cancer is cancer that starts in the breast and can grow in men or women. In most cases, cancerous cells multiply, causing a tumor in the breast. If left untreated, breast cancer cells can enter the blood or lymph system and spread to other parts of the body.

Breast cancer is most common in women aged 55 and older, and it also tends to be more common in women with a family history of breast cancer or specific genes such as BRACA1 or BRACA2. Some additional risk factors that may increase your risk of breast cancer include excessive alcohol use, never having children, obesity, and the use of some birth controls.

For additional resources on breast cancer, ask for resources from your doctor or check out online resources from reputable organizations such as the American Cancer Society or the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Consider Your Treatment Options

Different treatment options are available depending on the stage of cancer and your overall health. Treatments are either local, meaning they treat the breast without affecting the rest of the body, or systemic, in which they target cancer cells anywhere in the body. Before deciding on a treatment, it’s best to consult with your doctor to learn which option is best for you.

Surgery- Most women with breast cancer will undergo surgery during treatment. Common surgery is to remove as much cancer as possible, relieve symptoms, or reconstruct the breast once cancer is removed.
Radiation- Radiation treatment uses radiation to kill cancer cells, and it’s typically used with other treatments, such as after surgery.
Chemotherapy- Chemotherapy is when you’re given anti-cancer drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemo can be given orally or injected into veins. Not every person with breast cancer needs chemo and is usually given before or after surgery in advanced cancer scenarios.
Hormone Therapy- Estrogen, progesterone, and other hormones can affect breast cancer. In those cases, a doctor may suggest hormone therapy, usually after surgery, to prevent cancer from coming back.
Immunotherapy- Some types of breast cancer are treated using immunotherapy when medicines stimulate a person’s immune system to kill cancer cells.

Find Support

When you’re diagnosed with cancer, it’s common to feel alone, especially if you don’t have friends and family who have been through a similar situation. While it’s okay to spend time processing independently, many people living with breast cancer find comfort in connecting with others who have breast cancer. Having people in your life who have lived with breast cancer can give you a first-hand account of what to expect. Talk to your doctor about local support groups or find a nearby group through the American Cancer Society.

Aside from formal support groups, make sure you’re surrounding yourself with supportive friends and family who have your best interest in mind. Your loved ones don’t have to have experienced cancer in the past to empathize and care for you.

Stay True to Yourself

When you’re first diagnosed with cancer, it’s easy to lose yourself in the diagnosis. Suddenly, it feels like everything revolves around doctor’s appointments, treatment, and recovery. While you need to take extra care of yourself during this time, it’s also crucial to stay true to who you are and remember you are more than your cancer.

Try to set time aside to do the things you love. Spend a few hours reading a good book, visit with your family, or take a walk around your neighborhood. The more you can stay connected with your life before cancer, the easier it’ll be for you to maintain your emotional and mental well-being.

How Visiting Angels Can Help

If you or an aging loved one is living with breast cancer and needs assistance around the home, the team at Visiting Angels Atlanta East can help. Our compassionate caregivers can assist with light housekeeping, meal preparations, medication reminders, personal grooming, mobility assistance, and transportation. Our Atlanta East office serves those in Atlanta, Buckhead, Decatur, Vinings, and the surrounding Georgia communities. If you’d like to learn more about our at-home services, you can complete this online form or give us a call at 404.358.5877.