Preparing for your breast cancer treatments
We are committed to helping you feel prepared for treatment.
We understand that this may be an uneasy time for you as you are about to start treatment, but we are here to help you feel confident and supported through it all.
When you come to us for your breast cancer treatment you get access to multidisciplinary teams of cancer specialists, supportive care services, and the latest integrative treatments and clinical trials.
Our collaborative approach to your treatment
Our breast cancer specialists take a collaborative approach to treating your breast cancer, combining the latest in medicine, science, and research to get the best possible results for you.
We want you to play an active role in your care
We want you to feel comfortable sharing your perspective on how it’s going. And if there’s ever a point during your treatment when you feel like things are not going as you expected, please reach out to your Nurse Navigator or surgeon’s office so that we can quickly address your concerns and make you more comfortable.
National Cancer Database Outcomes
Spectrum Health meets or outperforms the state and national levels year after year for many cancer therapies.
Guiding you through your treatment appointments
We will make sure that you know about the treatments that are planned for you and when they will happen. We also want to make sure that you feel:
Informed – Your doctors and care givers will always explain exactly what’s going to happen beforehand and why it’s being done.
Comforted – We will always do our best to make you feel physically and emotionally comfortable during your treatment and after it’s over.
Supported – Your care support team will always be there to answer your questions and guide you through the process every step of the way.
If at any point you don’t feel any of the above, please let your Nurse Navigator know and they will work to fix that right away.
We provide resources for you along the way
There’s comfort in being around people who are going through a similar journey as you and sharing experiences. We have relationships and connections with local resources and support groups and we encourage you to see how they can connect you with others and make you feel even more supported.
What to expect throughout your breast cancer treatment journey
A clear path
Each step of your treatment plan will be clearly written and explained so that you’ll know how to best prepare for and manage your treatment.
One point of contact
You will be assigned a personal Nurse Navigator as your consistent point of contact. They are dedicated to seeing you through your treatment and are available by phone or email whenever you need them.
Clear communications
Your physician will always provide specific details about your treatment and progress. If at any point you do not feel like you have the information you need, you can call your physician or Nurse Navigator at any time.
Support as needed
We can help you find medical supplies, wig and salon services, support groups, community resources, and help with any food or housing needs that come up during your treatment.
Helpful questions to ask during your treatment
Our medical experts can help address any concerns that come up during your care. Here are some questions you may want to consider asking your doctor or specialist during your treatment:
Before
- How will I feel after treatment? Will I be able to do all my usual activities, or will I need to rest?
- Are there any reactions I should look for that could indicate there’s a problem?
During
- How long should it take after my treatment until I’m feeling better?
- Can you look at my appointments with me and explain what’s next?
After
- Do I seem like I’m on track with therapy? Am I where I should be right now?
- I forgot what the therapist told me to do after my session. Can you remind me?
What to do if you feel that something isn't right.
We want to hear about everything you’re feeling. Questions, concerns, and changes in your expectations can come up at any time during your treatment. At any point you may find yourself wanting to:
- See another doctor
- Get a second opinion
- Try another treatment
- Explore other options
- Escalate the process
If that’s the case, please speak to your doctor or Nurse Navigator and they will do everything possible to address your concerns. Our goal is to help you, even if this means making a change in our approach.
Discover More Questions
Clinical trials for breast cancer
Clinical trials are ongoing studies that we conduct to find new ways to treat breast cancer. If you are interested in hearing about the current clinical trials we are conducting, and want to consider participating, please speak to your doctor.
Your breast cancer care program
We are here for you no matter where you are in your breast cancer journey.
Whether you have just received your diagnosis, are in the middle of treatment, or have completed your course of treatment, there are many ways we can still support you and help you feel and do better. Please call us to make an appointment today.
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