Breast Cancer- The Basics

Welcome back!  New and better treatments are helping women and men diagnosed with breast cancer live longer than ever before. This post is the first in a series of posts dedicated to information on breast cancer resources, which can be found at: https://livingwithcancertakemyhand.com/blog

There are many variables when looking into resources for breast cancer such as disease stage, spread, tumor structure (HER2, estrogen & progesterone receptors) and genes such as BRCA1 & BRCA2.

There is not a “one size fits all’ treatment option with breast cancer. First, ask your cancer treatment team to write out your type of breast cancer. Then create a 6-month calendar with your team that includes your treatment and recovery. This will simplify your search for resources specific to your disease. It will also help you talk with your employer for anticipated time off for treatment.

Stage

Each stage of breast cancer is determined by the tumor size, location, and structure. [More information on stages will be included in the next posts. ]

Tumor Structure

The structure of the cancer cells is an important part in choosing treatment. The tumor structures that are most often looked at are HER2 proteins, Estrogen receptors, and Progesterone receptors:

• HER2 proteins:

HER2 is a protein that grows on the surface of breast cancer cells. It is usually identified at the time of biopsy or surgery. Cancer tumors with a high HER2 amount (HER2 positive) tend to grow faster and are more aggressive. Tumors with lower HER2 amounts are considered HER2 negative. Most breast cancer tumors are HER2 negative.

• Estrogen and Progesterone Receptors:

Estrogen and Progesterone are hormones in most male and female bodies. When cancer cells have estrogen and progesterone receptors on their surface, the cells grow faster if these hormones are present. Treatment goals include limiting these hormones to slow down the growth of these tumors.

Genes

• BRCA1 & BRCA2:

BRCA gene mutations will affect your cancer treatment plan.

Your oncologist will recommend testing. For detailed information, the NCI has created a detailed fact sheet: BRCA Gene Mutations: Cancer Risk and Genetic Testing Fact Sheet – National Cancer Institute. Most health insurances pay for genetic testing. If you do not have health insurance, ask for available grants and scholarships provided by the genetic testing labs. Typically, there is no out of pocket charges for these services.

Treatment Time Frame:

• Mastectomy: A simple mastectomy without complications usually requires a 4-6 week recovery period. Plan to use paid time off or a leave of absence to cover this period. It is unrealistic to anticipate returning to work earlier than this time frame. Mastectomies with reconstruction will require additional weeks for recovery.
• Radiation: Follow up with a radiation oncologist to determine the timeframe for treatment. This includes how soon after surgery to start radiation and how many weeks you will need to dedicate to treatments. Many people return to work and use intermittent time off to complete daily radiation treatments. This will depend on your treatment side effects, schedules, locations, and travel requirements.
• Hormone Therapy: Tamoxifen, Arimidex, Aromasin, and Femara are the most common medications prescribed to reduce hormones. If your cancer tumor cells are estrogen or progesterone receptor positive, it is important to follow up with these medications to prevent the cancer from coming back. These medications are typically prescribed for 5-10 years. Although side effects can vary, most people do not experience a disruption of activity or employment while taking these medications.
• Chemotherapy & Immunotherapy: The timeframe for chemotherapy and immunotherapy is personalized for each woman and man. Your medical oncologist can offer an overall 6-month plan. If your medication comes in a pill, you will still need some time off from work. Oral chemotherapy requires regular doctor office visits, lab work, x-rays. Side effects can occur with both IV and oral chemo and immunotherapy. If you have some additional time off built into your 6-month plan, you will be less anxious if you need to use this time.

I hope this information is helpful. If you would like to continue this conversation, please click on the Subscribe button at the top of the Blog page. I would love to hear your comments as well as resources that have worked for you. Please share this information with your family and friends.

Keeping you in my prayers

Jackie