Breast Cancer Treatment: Knowledge That Will Empower You

It's hard to put into words the fear, shock, and uncertainty you feel when you're diagnosed with breast cancer. Questions like "What do I do now?", "Will I get better?", "What kind of treatment will I receive?" start to run through your mind. But the most important thing to remember is that medical science has advanced a lot today. There are many very effective treatments for breast cancer. Although this journey is difficult, you are not alone. In this article, we'll talk about treatments that can help you and how you can get through it.

How do I choose the best treatment for me?

Before recommending a treatment for you, your doctor will consider several factors. It's like going to a clothing store and choosing the right dress for you. Not everyone will get the same treatment.

Your doctor will consider these factors:

• Type of cancer: There are several types of breast cancer . Treatment depends on the type.
• The stage of the cancer: How big is the tumor? It is also important to know whether it has spread to other parts of the body.
• The nature of the cancer cells: Your cancer cells will be tested to see if they have receptors for estrogen and progesterone or a protein called HER2. If these are present, targeted treatments can be given to them.
• Genetic influences: Some breast cancers are linked to genetic mutations that are passed down through generations.
• Your personal situation: Your age, whether you've gone through menopause, any other medical conditions you have, and your personal preferences also affect this decision.

What are these breast cancer treatments?

Simply put, breast cancer treatment can be divided into two main categories. One is treatment that only targets the cancer, and the other is treatment that affects the entire body.

Type 1: Local Treatments

These treatments remove the cancer right where it is.

• Surgery: Surgery is the first treatment for most people. Sometimes chemotherapy is given before surgery to shrink the tumor.
• Lumpectomy : This involves removing only the part of the breast that contains the cancer. This is also called "breast-conserving surgery."
• Mastectomy: This involves removing the entire breast. There are different methods for both types of surgery.

• Radiation Therapy: This uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells. Many women who have had a lumpectomy are given this treatment to kill any remaining cancer cells. This radiation can be delivered from a machine outside the body, or it can be delivered by small, radioactive seeds that are inserted into the area where the cancer was.

Type 2: Treatments that affect the whole body (Systemic Treatments)

These treatments destroy cancer cells that may be present throughout the body.

Your treatment plan may be a combination of these methods. For example, you may have surgery followed by both chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Side effects of treatment and how to deal with them

Like all treatments, there can be side effects. Some of them go away after treatment is over. Some may appear later. But don't worry , there are ways to deal with almost all of these.

• Nausea and vomiting: Your doctor will prescribe medication for this.
• Fatigue: This is not the same as normal fatigue. Get as much rest as possible. Even light exercise can sometimes help with this.
• Hair loss: This is a common side effect of chemotherapy. But remember, hair will grow back after treatment is over.
• Lymphedema: Swelling of the arm near the breast. If you notice this , tell your doctor immediately . There are ways to control this.
• Skin and nail changes: Dry skin, redness, and nail discoloration may occur.
• Difficulty thinking ("chemo brain"): Some people may experience mild problems with memory and concentration. This is usually temporary.

Treatment and ability to have children (fertility)

This is a very sensitive topic for women diagnosed with breast cancer before menopause. Some chemotherapy and hormone treatments can temporarily or permanently cause infertility or premature menopause.

If you hope to have children in the future, it is essential to discuss this with your doctor before starting treatment . There are ways to preserve fertility:

• Freezing eggs or embryos.
• Taking a piece of ovarian tissue and freezing it.

Talk openly about this. Your doctor will guide you on the best option for you.

How do you deal with side effects that affect appearance?

Staying mentally strong with the changes brought on by treatment can be a challenge, but there are many things you can do to cope.

Hair loss

This is something that affects many people mentally, but you can prepare for it.

• Cut your hair short before it starts to fall out. That way, you won't feel as shocked when large clumps of hair suddenly fall out.
• Use beautiful scarves, hats, and scarves.
• If you want to use a wig, ask your doctor for a prescription for a "cranial prosthesis." That can help you get insurance coverage.
• Tell your family, especially your children, in advance about how your appearance will change.

Swelling of the arm (Lymphedema)

If you see this, don't ignore it.

• Take care not to injure your swollen hand. Wear gloves when working in the garden or around the house.
• Avoid lifting heavy bags or wearing heavy jewelry.
• Use your other hand when giving injections or saline.
• Ask your doctor to refer you to a specialist physiotherapist (lymphedema therapist) for this.

Staying mentally strong

Fighting cancer is a huge challenge, both physically and mentally. It's normal to feel sad, angry, and hopeless. Sometimes, this can lead to depression.

These things will help you stay mentally strong:

• Talk to someone you trust (a best friend, family member, doctor) about what's on your mind.
• Do something that calms your mind, like yoga or meditation.
• Do some exercise, like a short walk.
• Let those who want to help you. Don't try to do everything alone.

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