Learning about a breast cancer diagnosis can be a heartbreaking moment. It’s normal that you might feel shocked, afraid, confused, or all of these simultaneously. Your world likely just came to a halt. Perhaps you have no clue what to do next. That’s totally fine. But here’s something you need to know: you are not alone. Lots of people have been where you’ve been. And lots of them are living whole lives today. There are doctors, nurses, and caring people who can assist you. At the moment, it’s about taking the next tiny step. You don’t need to know everything at once. One of the greatest things you can do today is to ask questions. When you ask, you learn. And when you learn, you feel more in charge. So here are 8 questions that can make you move that next step ahead. These questions are not frightening. They are easy. And they can assist you in knowing what’s going on and what you can do. At Comprehensive Hematology Oncology, we believe that understanding your journey can help you feel calmer and more in control.
1. What type of breast cancer do I have?
This is the most important question you should ask. Not all breast cancers are equal. Some develop rapidly. Some are slow growing. Some will respond well to a particular treatment. Others might require other types of care. Your physician will perhaps use big words such as “ductal” or “lobular.” Don’t panic if you don’t get them immediately. It is all right to request the physician to make it simple. You can say, “Will you tell me that in plain terms?” Being aware of the nature of cancer enables you and your physician to create the best plan to manage it.
2. What stage is the cancer?
Cancer stages are often numbers such as 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4. These describe how large the cancer is and whether it has grown to other areas in your body. A lower number typically indicates that the cancer is smaller and hasn’t traveled far. A higher number indicates that it possibly spread to other areas. But don’t get nervous. Even those with advanced-stage cancer can live several years with proper treatment. Ask your doctor: “What is the stage of my cancer, and how does this affect me?”
3. What do I need to be treated with?
This is a general question. And it’s one most people ask immediately. The good news is that there are plenty of treatments for breast cancer. You may have surgery to take out the lump or the entire breast. Some take medicine by vein (so-called chemotherapy). Others take pills, receive radiation, or other treatments that kill the cancer in special ways. If you need cancer treatment in St. Petersburg FL, you have excellent choices. There are physicians who are caring, experienced, and willing to explain each step. Ask: “What treatments do I need? Will they work? What are the side effects?” It’s all right to take your time and write things down.
4. Do I need genetic testing?
Sometimes, breast cancer does run in families. If your mom, sister, aunt, or grandma had breast or ovarian cancer, your doctor might recommend a test to see if your genes are okay. It’s a gene that’s called BRCA. If you have a change in a BRCA gene, it doesn’t mean you did something wrong. It simply means your body might be more likely to develop some cancers. Your doctor can use this information to help choose the best treatments. It might also help your family determine whether or not they should be tested. If you’re not sure, ask your doctor: “Should I get tested? And who can explain the results to me?”
5. Can I get a second opinion from another doctor?
Yes, you can. And you should, if you want to feel more confident. A second opinion is asking another doctor for their opinion. It doesn’t mean you don’t trust your initial doctor. It just gives you reassurance. Sometimes the second doctor will confirm what the first one said. Sometimes they may present a fresh thought. Either way, you’ll be more confident. There are plenty of good doctors providing cancer treatment in St. Petersburg FL who accept second opinions. They want you to feel safe and supported.
6. Will I have to have surgery?
Most individuals with breast cancer will require surgery. But the type of surgery can be unique for each person. Lumpectomy is when only the lump is taken out. Mastectomy is when the entire breast is taken out. Your doctor will inform you which is most suitable for you. You may also require surgery to see if the cancer has passed to your lymph nodes. Speak to your doctor: “What type of surgery do I need? Will I need assistance afterwards? What is the healing like?” If you’d like, you can ask for breast reconstruction as well. Some women have it, and some do not. That’s entirely your decision.
7. What will treatment be like?
This is what most people are concerned about. You may ask yourself: Will I be ill? Will I lose my hair? Will I be able to work or take care of my children? Will I be extremely tired? These are valuable questions. Everyone is different. Some individuals feel fine most of the time. Other individuals can feel tired or ill after some treatments. Request your doctor to explain to you what you should expect. Then you can make arrangements, request assistance, and care for yourself the best that you can. Remember it’s all right to take a break. It’s all right to say no. And it’s all right to ask someone to give you a hand, even with something small.
8. Is help available to me?
Yes, there is. Breast cancer is difficult to get through. Not only on your body, but on your heart, mind, and life. That’s why help is so crucial. Ask your doctor or nurse: Are there therapists I can speak with? Are there support groups close to me? Is there assistance with rides, meals, or bills? At Comprehensive Hematology Oncology, we care about more than just your treatment. We care about you. We want you to feel seen, heard, and supported through every step of your journey.
A few soft reminders just for you
You don’t have to get it all today. Take one tiny step at a time. It’s normal to be afraid. Everyone is, initially. You may ask anything. Even the same thing repeatedly. Take notes. Have someone accompany you to your appointments if possible. Rest when you need to. Be kind to yourself. Take breaks. You are resilient. Even if you can’t feel that way just yet.
You don’t have to go through this alone
A breast cancer diagnosis is a tough thing. But every day, many people take the first step. They ask questions. They meet kind doctors. They find strength they never knew they had. And you will too. If you need cancer treatment in St. Petersburg, FL, we are here for you. We will treat you like family. We will speak with you in clear, simple words. We will help you build a plan. And we will walk with you, step by step. At Comprehensive Hematology Oncology, we do more than treat the cancer. we care for you as a person. We know this moment feels overwhelming. We are here to make sure you feel supported, safe, and strong. If you have recently received a diagnosis and have no idea where to start, let us assist. Contact us today. You don’t need to do this on your own. We’re here.