Newly Diagnosed with Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer
- Breast Cancer Overview
- Newly Diagnosed
- Signs & Symptoms
- Detecting & Diagnosing
- Types of Breast Cancer
- Hormone Receptor Status
- Lymph Node Involvement
- Staging
- Treatment Options
- Breast Cancer Surgery
- Breast Cancer Recurrence
- Breast Reconstruction
- Risk Factors
- Genetics & Breast Cancer
- Breast Cancer FAQs
- Living as a Survivor
What Should You Do After a Breast Cancer Diagnosis?
A breast cancer diagnosis can leave you with many questions about what’s next. Our goal is to help you find answers so you and your loved ones can prepare for your first oncology appointment and the breast cancer treatment process.
What Kind of Doctor Should I See Next?
After a breast cancer diagnosis, you will transition to a cancer care team led by a breast cancer surgeon. Because surgery is a part of most breast cancer treatment plans, patients will meet with one of our breast cancer surgeons shortly after diagnosis to determine the right type of surgery and timing. Willamette Valley Cancer Institute and Research Center (WVCI) partners with the breast cancer surgeons at Oregon Surgical Wellness (OSW).
If a breast surgeon determines the patient needs to see a medical oncologist first, they will refer them to a medical oncologist on the WVCI team. A medical oncologist is a doctor who specializes in non-surgical cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy. They coordinate with other specialists in the cancer center, such as the surgeon and radiation oncologist.
As a breast cancer patient at WVCI, you will have access to both expert oncologists and breast cancer surgical specialists who will carefully review your specific diagnosis and consult with you and the rest of your care team to develop a personalized treatment plan.
Your Breast Cancer Care Team
In addition to the breast cancer surgeon and medical oncologist whom you meet with initially, you will also meet with a radiation oncologist if radiation therapy is a part of your treatment plan.
Other members of the breast cancer care team include:
- Plastic surgeon, if needed for breast reconstruction
- Physician assistants and nurse practitioners
- Nurse navigator
- Social workers and supportive care specialists
What is the role of a nurse navigator?
At Willamette Valley Cancer Institute, your team includes a specially trained nurse navigator dedicated to providing support for you and your family throughout your breast cancer treatment journey. Your nurse navigator serves as a compassionate guide, helping you navigate the healthcare system, complete necessary paperwork, and coordinate appointments and treatments. The navigator also communicates with medical providers in our practice and beyond, advocating on your behalf.
If you’re experiencing side effects, your nurse navigator is a great resource to help you. Whether you’re at the cancer center or at home, feel free to reach out. They can also put you in touch with our social workers, financial counselors, and dietitian as needs arise. Be sure to talk with your nurse navigator regularly to receive the best possible assistance.
Determining a Breast Cancer Treatment Plan
Treatment options are often based on a variety of factors, including:
Type of
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer can begin in different areas of the breast, including the ducts, the lobules, and sometimes the tissue in between. The type of breast cancer you have will play a large role in your treatment plan.
Hormone and HER2 Status
Hormones such as estrogen or progesterone can fuel the growth of breast cancer. This can also lead to an overgrowth of the HER2 protein. Your treatment is based on the presence or absence of these.
Stage of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer stages are typically described as a number on a scale of 0 through IV (4), with stage 0 representing contained, non-invasive cancers and stage IV representing cancer that has spread beyond the breast.
Breast Cancer Treatments
Every breast cancer diagnosis is unique. Because of this, we create treatment plans for each patient individually.
Medical Oncology
Radiation Oncology
Breast Cancer Clinical Trials
Will I Need Breast Reconstruction?
If you are having a mastectomy, you will be asked if you would like to have breast reconstruction. Some patients may have surgery after a lumpectomy to even out the size and shape of the breasts. The decision about breast reconstruction is a personal one and should be considered carefully. Some women prefer to go flat after surgery. Talk to your surgeon about what you want before surgery, so they are clear on your preference.
Your First Oncology Appointment
While every cancer journey is different, support can be beneficial to any patient. We highly recommend that you take a relative or friend with you to your first appointment. Not only will they be there to provide emotional support, but they can also listen and help take notes on all the information you will be discussing. Having an extra set of ears may help you recall details later on.
Take Notes
During your first oncology appointment, you’ll be given a lot of information that may be hard to remember. To ensure you don’t miss anything, we suggest having a notebook to record important information. This notebook can be a place to record notes on how you’re feeling and the schedule of any medicines or supplements you’re taking. It is also a good place to jot down any questions, thoughts, or observations you think of between appointments with your cancer care team. When possible, add a date to your entry so all of your thoughts and notes are organized.
If you prefer a more modern method, consider taking notes on your smartphone or even recording audio clips. Whatever method suits you best is fine— pick one method and commit to using it regularly. Having well-documented information is one of the best ways to maintain open communication between you, your doctors, and your caretakers.
Questions to Ask Your Breast Cancer Doctor
- Do I have any genetic mutations that could affect other family members?
- How soon do I need to start treatment?
- What can I expect at my future appointments?
- Has my cancer affected any lymph nodes?
- Will surgery come before or after other treatments are given?
- What can I do to prepare myself for breast cancer surgery?
- How should I prepare for breast reconstruction?
- What are the expected side effects of my breast cancer treatments?
- Is there anything I can do to avoid losing my hair?
- Are there any activities to avoid? Are there any that I should add to my routine?
- Should I change any current lifestyle choices (diet, exercise, rest, stress level)?
- Are there any supplements I can or can’t take to boost my nutrition level?
Should I Get a Cancer Diagnosis Second Opinion?
It’s important that you are confident about your breast cancer diagnosis. Many patients choose to get a second opinion before beginning any specific breast cancer treatment plans. At Willamette Valley Cancer Institute and Research Center, our physicians provide second opinions on breast cancer diagnosis and treatment options. Many insurance companies will cover a second opinion assessment. However, you should contact your insurance provider for verification of coverage for second opinion appointments.
You are Not Alone in Your Breast Cancer Journey
The breast cancer specialists at WVCI are here to support you every step of the way, providing our patients with everything they need to feel informed and empowered during this time. Visit our Support Services page or read frequently asked breast cancer questions answered by our oncologists for more breast cancer resources. Various national resources may also help.
Breast Cancer Specialists Caring for Patients in Willamette Valley and the Oregon Coast
Ready to Make an Appointment? Choose a Location Convenient for You.
When you’re ready, select the location nearest you to make an appointment with one of our breast cancer doctors.
Springfield - Breast Surgery
3783 International Court, Suite 200
Springfield, Oregon 97477
Springfield - Medical Oncology
Springfield, Oregon 97477