How often you are treated is entirely dependent upon your specific diagnosis, and your treatment plan.  Chemotherapy may be taken once a day, once a week, or once a month.  Treatment with radiation therapy varies as well.

How your body responds to treatment is also dependent upon your specific situation.  Hair loss, fatigue, nausea, dryness or discomfort in the mouth are common side effects of chemotherapy.  Fatigue, inflammation of the mouth, and skin sensitivity may occur with radiation therapy.

During treatment, especially for those undergoing chemotherapy, it is crucial that you get the right nutrients.  Some tips from the American Cancer Society on eating well:

·         Eat something light before receiving chemotherapy

·         Be sure to include protein as part of your balanced diet

·         If you find it difficult to eat, do the best you can and eat small, frequent meals or snacks

·         Avoid fried or greasy foods

·         Choose foods that are easy to chew and swallow

·         Drink at least eight ounces of water or hydrating liquids a day

Finally, because cancer patients often have trouble keeping weight on, a diet higher in calories and fat than normal may be appropriate to maintain healthy weight and nutrient intake.

·         Someone who has experience treating breast cancer

·         Someone who is part of your insurance plan and has access to your preferred hospital

·         Someone you feel comfortable with—ask yourself if you have a preference in gender or ethnicity, whether you want a doctor who remains focused entirely on your physical health or one who also tends to your emotional needs as you are treated

·         Someone referred by friends or family members

After you choose a doctor, you’ll choose a treatment plan.  Here are just three of the options as described by the Susan G. Komen website, and what they accomplish:

·         Chemotherapy—kills cells that rapidly divide; cancer cells are in this category

·         Radiation therapy—uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells; usually used in conjunction with surgery (lumpectomy) to target any remaining cells left in the affected area

·         Surgery—removes the tumor from the breast; there are two options, lumpectomy or mastectomy.  A lumpectomy removes just the tumor and some of the surrounding tissue.  A mastectomy removes the entire breast.

You may find yourself wondering if you should seek out a second opinion.  This is a good idea if you don’t think you’ve explored all possible options for treatment, if you feel your doctor does not have a solid grasp on your illness and treating you, or if your insurance plan requires it.  Check with your insurance company to make sure your second doctor visit is covered.  Also tell your doctor that you are seeking a second opinion; this is a common practice and your doctor should be supportive.  Be sure to bring or have sent to your second doctor, all test results, records, and X-rays.