After a diagnosis of breast cancer, you may feel overwhelmed with decisions. Finding the right doctor will help make the rest of your decisions a little easier. The American Cancer Society website tells patients to consider these qualifications:
· 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.
