A breast cancer diagnosis can leave you emotional and feeling overwhelmed with several questions. That's understandable. Our goal is to help you address some of these questions head-on, so you can properly prepare for your first appointment with the cancer care team.
Typically, the next step for breast cancer patients is to move from their PCP (primary care physician) or gynecologist to a medical oncologist or surgeon. If possible, it's ideal to schedule with a breast cancer specialist. This is a medical oncologist or a surgeon who works extensively with breast cancer patients.
Watch the video below to learn more about choosing a cancer care team.
Surgery is a part of most breast cancer treatment plans. The timing of surgery will be decided together by your breast cancer surgeon and your medical oncologist.
Compass Oncology's breast surgical oncologists specialize in oncoplastic procedures to give the best cosmetic outcome possible.
Your care team will include several specialists, including a breast cancer surgeon with a specialty in oncoplastic, a medical oncologist, a radiation oncologist, and a plastic surgeon, if needed. The multidisciplinary team at Compass Oncology also includes nurse navigators and other cancer care specialists who can assist with treating potential side effects caused by breast cancer or cancer treatments.
Breast cancer can begin in different areas of the breast. Your breast specialist will discuss whether your breast cancer has hormone or HER2 protein receptors that make it grow and will use this to determine your breast cancer type and the treatments you may receive. Understand more about the types of breast cancer.
Breast cancer stages are typically expressed as a number on a scale of 0 through IV — with stage 0 representing contained, non-invasive cancers and stage IV representing cancers that have spread. The results of the biopsy and images taken will allow your oncologist to determine the extent of your breast cancer. Read more about breast cancer staging.
Breast cancer treatments are based on a variety of factors, including the type, stage of your breast cancer, and age. The breast cancer specialists at Compass Oncology will evaluate your situation along with the other care team members to recommend how to proceed.
Here are some of the most common breast cancer treatments.
There are several different types of medical oncology treatments for breast cancer including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy and immunotherapy. The right treatment plan for you is based on the type and stage of cancer.
Before your first visit, our breast cancer specialists will review your specific diagnosis together so they’re ready to discuss treatment options as soon as you arrive. A nurse navigator helps arrange your appointments, often making it possible to meet your entire care team in a single visit. We use the latest technology to treat every type of breast cancer, and every breast cancer patient at Compass Oncology will receive a personalized treatment plan based on several different factors. Our breast cancer surgeons are certified in oncoplastic breast surgery, helping remove the cancer from the breast while restoring a natural look and shape after surgery.
At your first oncology appointment, you are going to get a lot of information in a short period of time. Here are some useful tips on how you can remember what you're told and keep track of questions you'd like to ask your breast cancer specialist.
To stay organized, we suggest getting a notebook to keep a record of important information. This can include information such as how you’re feeling and what medicines or supplements you’re taking, to any questions, thoughts, or observations you have regarding appointments and procedures. Try to put a date on everything you log down.
If a method other than paper works better for you, then commit to using it regularly. Having information written down (and on hand) can help keep the lines of communication open between you and your doctors.
Feeling confident about your breast cancer diagnosis is extremely important, which is why many patients choose to get a second opinion before beginning a specific treatment plan. At Compass Oncology, our physicians provide many second opinions on both breast cancer diagnosis and treatment options. Many insurance companies will cover a second opinion assessment, but it is still a good idea to contact your insurance provider for verification of coverage.
Watch the video below to learn about the importance of a second opinion for cancer diagnosis and treatment. The oncologists at Compass Oncology are available to discuss your test results, cancer diagnosis, and options for treatment.
Compass Oncology provides comprehensive cancer services and the most advanced treatment options to patients at all of our cancer centers in the region, including surgery, radiation therapy, medical oncology, and access to clinical trials.
Choose a location that's convenient for you to request a consultation.