The following is a brief overview. For more information on understanding and coping with a breast cancer diagnosis, please consult the websites listed on our organizations page.
Coping with a breast cancer diagnosis is overwhelming. Your whole world is turned upside down, you have a million questions and you're suddenly thrust into a world full of unfamiliar terms. So that you're prepared for what's ahead, here is a guide to help you regain control, gather information and cope with the diagnosis.
Contact your doctors
Your primary care physician or your gynecologist. One of them will provide you with two important pieces of information:
A list of names and numbers of doctors who specialize in treating breast cancer.
A referral (check with your insurance company to find out if you need this)
Tests you'll need to get done
Because cancer can spread to other places within your body, your doctor will want you to undergo several tests. They help doctors determine the stage of your cancer and how to treat it. He/She may recommend the following:
Know the basics of your diagnosis — the location of the cancer, the symptoms (if any), the tests you've taken, and the results of those tests. This will help you and your doctor make the right treatment decisions for you.
Ask questions
Now is the time for you to be your own advocate. Give yourself complete freedom to ask anything you want. It's usually a good idea to write down your questions and bring them in with you. You might not remember everything otherwise especially considering the emotional nature of what you'll be discussing.
These resources refer to websites maintained by third parties over whom Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation has no control. As such, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation makes no representation as to the accuracy, completeness, adequacy, or any other aspect of the information contained on such websites.
