Breast Cancer

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

No one knows for sure what causes breast cancer. You are at a higher risk for getting this cancer if you started your menstrual periods before age 11, or if your periods ended after age 54. You may also develop the disease if a close family member had breast cancer. Early signs of breast cancer include bleeding or clear discharge from your nipple, breast swelling, or a lump in the breast. A mammogram is a test that can find breast lumps that are too small to feel during a breast self-exam. Breast cancer may spread to the lymph nodes, bone, lungs, and liver. Treatments may include surgery, radiation, and anticancer or hormone medicines. The chances of surviving breast cancer are better when the cancer is found early.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Take your medicine as directed:

Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists.

• Chemotherapy:
  
  
  • This medicine, often called chemo, is used to treat cancer. It works by killing tumor cells. Chemotherapy may also be used to shrink lymph nodes that have cancer in them. Once the tumor is smaller, you may need surgery to cut out the rest of the cancer.
    
    
  • Many different chemotherapy medicines are used to treat cancer. You may need blood tests often. These blood tests show how your body is doing and how much chemotherapy is needed. Chemotherapy can have many side effects. Caregivers will watch you closely and will work with you to decrease side effects. Chemotherapy can cure some cancers. Even if the chemotherapy does not cure your cancer, it may help you feel better or live longer.
  
  
• Pain medicine: You may need medicine to take away or decrease pain.
  
  
  • Learn how to take your medicine. Ask what medicine and how much you should take. Be sure you know how, when, and how often to take it.
    
    
  • Do not wait until the pain is severe before you take your medicine. Tell caregivers if your pain does not decrease.
    
    
  • Pain medicine can make you dizzy or sleepy. Prevent falls by calling someone when you get out of bed or if you need help.

Follow-up visit information:

Keep all appointments. Your caregiver may want to see you every 3 to 6 months for the first three years, then every 6 to 12 months for the next two years, then every year after that. Your cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation, may change if the cancer keeps growing or if symptoms worsen. Write down any questions you may have about breast cancer and how it is being treated. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

Activity guidelines:

Exercise is important in your recovery from breast cancer. Ask your caregiver when you can start exercising and how often. Start slowly and build up your pace gradually.

• Types of activities: Start with activities such as walking short distances, tending plants, or gardening. If you feel up to it, use a treadmill or a stationary bike. Match your activity to the amount of energy you have. Rest if you feel tired.
  
  
• Benefits of exercise: Exercise may decrease the side effects of breast cancer treatment, such as nausea (upset stomach), vomiting (throwing up), and weakness. It improves your mood and may decrease your feeling of depression. It also helps you lose weight.
  
  
• When to stop exercising: Stop exercising if you feel pain in your chest, have trouble breathing, or if you feel dizzy. Do not exercise if you have a fever or if you had anticancer medicines through an IV in the last 24 hours.

Breast examination:

Check your breasts for lumps and other changes every month. Examine your breasts after your monthly period. Call your caregiver if you notice any breast changes. Ask for more information about how to do self-breast exams.

Mammogram:

You may need a mammogram every 6 to 12 months to check how you are doing after breast cancer treatment. It can be done yearly if the cancer does not return. Have your mammogram done within the first 2 weeks following your menstrual period.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• You cannot make it to your radiation or chemotherapy visit.
  
  
• You are vomiting (throwing up) and cannot keep food or liquids down.
  
  
• You are so depressed you feel that you cannot cope any longer.
  
  
• You have chest pain or trouble breathing that is getting worse over time.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your cancer or treatment.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• One of your arms swells up and is painful.
  
  
• You suddenly feel lightheaded and have trouble breathing.
  
  
• You have new and sudden chest pain. You may have more pain when you take deep breaths or cough. You may cough up blood.
  
  
• Your arm or leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Breast Cancer (Aftercare Instructions)