Being diagnosed with breast cancer can come as quite a shock. You know that you now have to navigate breast cancer treatment, and you know that's not likely to be easy. Indeed, breast cancer treatment can be hard in some ways, but there is good treatment available for many cases. A few solid pieces of advice, such as the following, can serve you well as you begin this journey.
Don't use alternative medicine as a substitute for conventional care.
Alternative medical practices, like acupuncture and aromatherapy, can be really helpful as supplemental breast cancer treatments. They can help ease your pain and keep you mentally well throughout the treatment process. They may even help strengthen your immune system. However, they are no substitute for the evidence-based care provided by medical doctors. If you choose to use alternative therapies in the treatment of your breast cancer, use them in conjunction with western medicine.
Get more than one opinion.
There are multiple surgical approaches for breast cancer treatment. There are also various immunotherapies and several different chemotherapy drugs. Each doctor, to some degree, has their own approach. So, before you undergo a major treatment such as a mastectomy or lumpectomy, get a second opinion from at least one other cancer doctor. You can then decide which doctor's approach best lines up with your own needs and preferences. This can help you feel more in control of your own treatment, which is empowering.
Don't do it alone.
Breast cancer is a particularly scary diagnosis because it feels so personal. It can be hard to talk about the challenges of your diagnosis and care with people in your life who have not been through it themselves. That's why joining a support group is such an important part of breast cancer treatment. You don't have to do this alone, and in fact, getting support in the right place can keep you in a positive mindset that's better for healing.
Keep going until the end.
Many breast cancer treatment plans are comprehensive and involve several steps. For example, your doctor may want to do a lumpectomy followed by two radiation treatments and a round of chemo. It can be tempting to give up, but you must stay the course. Comprehensive care is very effective.
With the advice above, you should be able to navigate breast cancer treatment like a pro. Talk to your breast cancer treatment doctor and support group for more help.
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