Care and Self Advocacy
Breast cancer has the ability to shake you—to disrupt the way you view your body, your health, and your future.
Don't compromise your beliefs.
YOU survived.
It's time now to face life as a breast cancer survivor—
Reclaim your health, courage, and sense of well-being.
Learn what you can to stay well.
Follow Up and Speak Up
Schedule regular follow up care with a breast cancer specialist, your breast cancer surgeon, radiation doctor, medical oncologist, the doctor who administrates your chemotherapy and/or hormonal therapy.
The American Society of Clinical Oncology recommends the following:
- Physical examinations every 3-6 months for the first three years.
- Physical examinations every 6-12 months for two years following; and then examinations annually after that.
- Mammography annually. *Mammograms are always available through Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.
Medication
- Make sure you go to all of your scheduled appointments. Be proactive. If you have to cancel an appointment, do not forget to reschedule it as soon as possible.
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Take all of your medication as prescribed by your doctor both on time and at the correct dosage.
“I don’t like my medication's side effects, can I stop taking it?”
- Tell your doctor or nurse about any side effects you may be experiencing, but do not stop taking your medication.
- If paying for your medication is a problem, tell one of your doctors or nurses. Sometimes there are programs that can help you with your payments.
Speak Up — How to make the most of your clinical visits.
- Write down questions or concerns to talk about with your doctor before your visit so that you don’t feel nervous or rushed.
- If you feel something is ignored that worries you, don't be afraid to ask to speak to someone about the issue.
- Sometimes, chemotherapy or other treatment medications can reduce the amount of estrogen in your body, and vaginal dryness and hot flashes are a result. Don’t be embarrassed to discuss this with your doctor or nurse.