I have been diagnosed with breast cancer. What are my treatment options?

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My internist just told me I have DCIS. I am freaking out and don't know what the next steps are.

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Topic Tags:

Next Steps, Newly Diagnosed, Treatment Options, Just Diagnosed

Topic Tags:

Next Steps X Newly Diagnosed X Treatment Options X Just Diagnosed X

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Diseases:

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Jessie Gruman has written a book, AfterShock, to assist people who have received difficult diagnoses:http://www.aftershockbook.com/book_index.php?audience=patients

Additionally, Prepared Patient has compiled a list of resources that may be helpful to you throughout the treatment process.

The Ottawa Health Research Institute's is part of the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute and is affiliated with the University of Ottawa. A Ottawa Personal Decision Guide form which can help people assess their decision making needs, plan the next steps, and track their progress in decision making can be found in an interactive Web-based format or as a PDF file.
http://decisionaid.ohri.ca/decguide.html

The Ottawa Health Research Institute also has the most complete listing of accurate forms that fill in the blanks of the risks and benefits of different treatments for specific diseases.
http://decisionaid.ohri.ca/AZinvent.php

Consumer Reports Health also has a guide to making health decisions.
www.consumerreports.org/health/decision-support/how-to-make-the-best.htm

More resources can be found here:http://www.preparedpatientforum.org/patient411/make.cfm

Jessie Gruman has written a book, AfterShock, to assist people who have received difficult diagnoses: http://www.aftershockbook.com/book_index.php?audience=patients

Additionally, Prepared Patient has compiled a list of resources that may be helpful to you throughout the treatment process.

The Ottawa Health Research Institute's is part of the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute and is affiliated with the University of Ottawa. A Ottawa Personal Decision Guide form which can help people assess their decision making needs, plan the next steps, and track their progress in decision making can be found in an interactive Web-based format or as a PDF file. 
http://decisionaid.ohri.ca/decguide.html

The Ottawa Health Research Institute also has the most complete listing of accurate forms that fill in the blanks of the risks and benefits of different treatments for specific diseases. 
http://decisionaid.ohri.ca/AZinvent.php

Consumer Reports Health also has a guide to making health decisions. 
www.consumerreports.org/health/decision-support/how-to-make-the-best.htm

More resources can be found here: http://www.preparedpatientforum.org/patient411/make.cfm

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PreparedPatient
- 06/02/2011

Answer Summary

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Expert Answers

member8467 (Physician - Internal Medicine (Verified) ) - 11 / 29 / 2010

First off, the type of breast cancer needs to be determined. There are different types of cells in breast tissue that have the potential to become "transformed" into cancer cells. This means that the cells divide and multiply in an uncontrolled way. The result is a "tumor" or growth that can affect surrounding structures, cut off blood supply to vital organs and disrupt normal functions. Depending on the type of cell that has become cancerous, specific treatments will be considered. Next, the oncologist needs to "stage" the extent of the cancer. Is it only in one location? Has it spread to local or distant lymph nodes? Has it spread to other organs? Usually, multiple "imaging" tests will be done to make sure that the cancer has not "metastasized" to other parts of the body. Taking this information together, the type of cell involved and the extent of its spread, the oncologist will present you with some treatment options. These will almost certainly involve some kind of surgery with or without local radiation, chemotherapy or hormonal therapy. Most patients will not need all of these treatments. It is common for patients to seek more than one opinion about their best treatment option.

Shared Experiences

Elynjacobs (Survivor (2 - 5 years)) - 05 / 16 / 2011

First thing to do is to breathe, slow down..you have time to make informed decisions and to find the right team. I have writen a few blogs on this...please take a look, finding the right team is so very important.

http://elynjacobs.blogspot.com/2011/05/empowerment-is-key-to-successful.html
http://elynjacobs.blogspot.com/2011/05/cancer-find-right-team.html Edit If

member5663 (other) - 05 / 22 / 2011

First, you need to slow down by using deep breathing techniques, buy some meditation tapes and get a journal to keep track of your feelings and what you are going through.
That being said, there are number if factors that will determine what your treatment options are, for example:
What stage _____ are you; What grade _____ are you? Have you had your biopsy yet and, if so, did you have clear margins, were any lymph nodes involved, etc. If you need a list of questions to ask your oncologist, please e-mail me and I will send you a list.
I am a two time cancer survivor and a Certified Professional Cancer Coach, just like Elyn. I also work with cancer patients with the goal to get them through this journey and come out the other side thriving and surviving.
Susan Mayer-McHugh
susan@helpyouhealcoaching.com

LaurieA (Survivor (2 - 5 years)) - 04 / 25 / 2011

This is such a complex question, and there is no one answer. An excellent resource ishttp://ww5.komen.org/. The first link on the top of the page is "Understanding Breast Cancer." There are several choices in the drop-down menu, including Questions to Ask Your Doctor. That is divided into sections every step of the way.

Ask your doctor if there is a "Breast Cancer Navigator" or a "Peer Navigator Program" at your hospital, or call the local cancer center. You can also Google "Peer Navigator Program" to find one near you. There are women there who can help guide you through each step and provide resources to help you sift through the decisions you will face.

As you go to your upcoming medical and testing visits, it's helpful to take a list of questions, a notebook to write answers, as well as a supportive friend, spouse or family member with you as a second set of ears.

Join Now to ask a follow-up question or share your experience!
We'll help guide and support you through treatments.

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