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You have just been diagnosed with breast cancer, and may not know where to turn. Mostly likely, you will have many questions as you face so many unknowns. Please look at the links and information on this page. We hope that this will help you in this new journey.
On this page, you will find the following information and ideas:
Three Ring Binder and
Initial Just Diagnosed Questions
Second Opinions
General Guidelines
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Nutrition and Recipes
Nutrition and Chemotherapy
Check back often as we are continually adding information to our webpage.
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Just Diagnosed with Breast Cancer, Three Ring Binder - Faith Hope Courage
Three Ring Binder
and Initial Questions After Being Just Diagnosed
In order to keep all of your medical information in one place, saving precious time and energy, one of the first things you might obtain is a three ring binder.
You will no doubt have contact with more than one healthcare professionals at this point, (e.g. radiologist, oncologist, surgeon, primary care physician etc.) and will have tests and/or scans done. It is possible for doctors to share information, but it may not be as expeditious as you need. So if you keep copies of your scans; reports; doctors’ notes; your questions, answers, and notes in one place, then you are able to share and provide information immediately.
The link below has an outline and description of suggested binder and section contents.
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Just Diagnosed with Breast Cancer, Second Opinions-Faith Hope Courage Second Opinions
You may feel that you want or need a second opinion regarding your diagnosis and/or your treatment. There are many California and national cancer centers which provide that service, and many can be found on our
Cancer Resources page. It is best to contact the cancer center as soon as possible because they are usually very busy.
Inform your doctor and have an open discussion of why you want a second opinion. You may feel uneasy about this, but remember knowledge is power, and a good oncologist will support your decision.
Contact your insurance company to find out how your health insurance handles second opinions. Usually insurance companies will pay for one second opinion. Also, it may be prudent to find out what the cancer center will charge if you pay out-of-pocket for their services. Even if your insurance company will not cover it, you may feel that the second opinion is important regardless of the cost.
In order to plan ahead you should ask your doctor how to obtain the items listed below if you have had any tests or scans done. The cancer center will, however, provide you with a list required items to bring.
• Original films (e.g. x-rays, MRIs, PET and CT scans)
• Original pathology slides from surgical procedures (biopsies, lumpectomy, mastectomy)
• Copies of blood test results
• Copies of pathology reports
• Copies of reports for PET/CT scans, x-ray, bone scans, MRIs etc.
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Just Diagnosed with Breast Cancer - Faith Hope Courage General Guidelines
Please also check out our
Cancer Resources section to find more information available on the web.
Understanding the Lymphatic System
Breast Self-Examination (BSE)
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Just Diagnosed with Breast Cancer - Faith Hope Courage
Breast Cancer Questions to Ask Your Doctor
When you are first diagnosed, you may be feeling as though you are in a state of shock. Some individuals don’t want to deal with obtaining answers to questions, and just want to be told what to do; others are on a fact finding mission and can’t get enough information or answers. No matter where you are, you have to move forward with doctor appointments, tests and/or scans. We hope that the information below helps you prepare for this.
Because breast cancers are as varied as the individuals affected by them, treatment must be specifically tailored to the cancer and individual. So the importance of an accurate diagnosis is essential because that is what determines the recommended treatment protocol. Your doctor should be able to give you a clear description of your type of breast cancer and it's characteristics, along with the treatment options that are appropriate for your case.
Before seeing your doctor, it is beneficial to prioritize and write down your questions; choose the questions most appropriate for the particular doctor you are seeing (e.g. you would ask your medical oncologist about chemotherapy and hormonal therapy; removal of lymph nodes might be best directed to your surgeon; a question regarding reconstruction would be best discussed with a plastic surgeon; etc.) You may want to check with your doctor’s office to determine if it is helpful to either email or fax your list of questions to their office ahead of time.
It is valuable to your relationship with your doctor to convey that your questions are coming out of a desire to have open communication and understanding between you.
Below are a list of links and downloadable documents which can help you in your communication with your healthcare professionals.
Links
WebMD's Guide to Breast Cancer
Downloadable Pamphlets
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Just Diagnosed with Breast Cancer, Nutrition and Recipes - Faith Hope Courage
Nutrition and Recipes
Find a Farmer's Market in your area by clicking on the USDA National Map of Farmer's Markets or browse the
USDA - Agricultural Marketing Service Home Page.
The American Institute for Cancer Research is the cancer charity that fosters research on diet and cancer prevention and educates the public about the results. Sign up for FREE email recipes.
The George Mateljan Foundation is a non-profit organization with no commercial interests. Their purpose is to show you a healthier way of eating that's enjoyable, affordable, quick and easy to fit your personal needs and lifestyle. Their mission is to offer the latest scientific information about the benefits of the World's Healthiest Foods and the specific nutrients they provide. They also offer practical, simple and affordable ways to enjoy them that fit your individual lifestyle. Sign up for FREE weekly recipes.
Benefits of Drinking Water
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Just Diagnosed with Breast Cancer, Nutrition and Recipes - Faith Hope Courage
Nutrition and Chemotherapy
The Wellness Community Handbook
American Cancer Society
breastcancer.org has informative discussions on their "Going Through Chemotherapy" thread. Instead of listing the tips here, the link is provided so you can also benefit from the online discussion. Click
here to read the thread and benefit from other women's experiences.
You can also find useful information regarding Chemotherapy Guidelines at UCSF Carol Franc Buck Breast Cancer Center. Click on the "Medical Oncology" link on the left bar.
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