In 2010, over 207,000 cases of breast cancer were diagnosed in women, causing this type of cancer to remain the most diagnosed cancer in women along with lung cancer.  As many as 12% of women in the United States will expect to be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, a fact which is very scary for women to consider.  However, despite these staggering statistics, breast cancer rates in the United States have decreased by approximately 2% per year in the years of 1999 to 2006.

 

If you have recently received a diagnosis of breast cancer, you are most likely feeling scared, overwhelmed, and unsure of the road that lies ahead for you.  While most newly diagnosed women automatically flash to the worst-case scenario, you must keep in mind that not every case of breast cancer is the same.  Setting up an appointment with an oncologist for a consultation will allow you to ask all the questions you want, while receiving pertinent information about your cancer, what to expect, and the course of treatment your Phoenix oncologist suggests.

 

At the first appointment with an oncology specialist, most women are so overwhelmed and nervous about the appointment, which is to be expected.  With that being said, consider bringing a friend of family member with you to the appointment.  Many newly diagnosed women report that the first appointment was such a blur and happened so fast that they couldn’t remember all the information the doctor gave, and didn’t have a chance to ask all the questions because of nerves.  Even if a friend or family member is accompanying you to the appointment, it still is a good idea to write down all the questions you have, and to have your companion write down the information as the oncologist gives it.  Also, at your first visit with a Phoenix oncologist, be prepared to supply any information you have regarding your medical history, as well as a list of any current medications.

 

If your oncologist suggests beginning radiation therapy for treatment of your breast cancer, they will schedule another appointment after the initial oncology evaluation, which is a simulation session.  At this time, you can expect a CAT scan of the treatment area.  Your oncology nurse or oncology technician will also mark the skin above your treatment area, which will assist them in the radiation treatments.

 

While this time is very stressful and scary, take the opportunity to educate yourself on the progression of breast cancer, the rule of the oncologist, any treatments you will be having, as well as the road to recovery.  Becoming the best advocate for yourself, and fully knowing all the steps involved, will help you to take back some of the control.