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Breast Health Center
Tips for Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer Patients | Columbus Regional Health
Tips for Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer Patients
Don’t panic.
Breast cancer is NOT a medical emergency, but it certainly is an emotional one.
Take your time, gather the details of your diagnosis, seek whatever opinions you wish and then
make a treatment decision that is right for you.
Gather all of your information.
Create a folder or 3-ring binder with ALL of your
information: breast imaging reports, lab results, pathology reports, etc. Bring this information
to all of your initial physician consultations. Keep a notebook or journal and take notes at each
consultation.
Don’t be afraid of the internet.
The internet is a great source of information, but it can be
overwhelming. Stick to the well-known and trusted sites.
Bring someone with you to the initial consultations.
There will be a lot of new and
unfamiliar information given to you at the initial consultation. You will be understandably
anxious and a second pair (or more) of eyes and ears will help you remember and process
all of the information later. If you can’t bring someone with you feel free to record our
conversation.
The consultation and treatment process will not always go smoothly.
The treatment of
cancer is complex, multidisciplinary and requires much coordination. While our goal is to
make the process as efficient and streamlined as possible there will invariably be glitches
along the way. Have patience and if you think things are not moving as quickly or as smoothly
as you think they should please let us know.
Don’t keep your cancer diagnosis to yourself.
Often, patients who try
to keep their diagnosis a secret aren’t successful for long. We recommend you share it with your
closest friends and family as they may become upset if you don’t. Also, there are many
support groups available in the community and through Columbus Regional Health Partners
that we can help identify for you.
Everyone’s cancer is unique and requires a unique treatment approach.
You will receive
many opinions and recommendations from family and friends. They mean well but they don’t
know the special circumstances of your diagnosis. Our goal is to develop a care plan that takes
into account all of your special medical information as well as your lifestyle and is one that you
are comfortable with.
Review the Breast Care Manual.
Before your surgical oncology consultation with
breast surgeon Dr. Carlos Vieira
, please review the manual that will be provided to you. It has the information I’ve referenced in this tip sheet and much more. The more you know before the consultation the easier it will be to make treatment decisions.
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