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Lighting The Path To Treating Breast Cancer
By Carolyn O'Keefe, Thu Dec 8th
One in eight women will hear her doctor pronounce theunforgettable words: breast cancer. Once upon a time, thosewords were not only frightening, they were taboo. Not anymorethanks to two Bettys and a Nancy. Considered courageously outspoken in 1974, First Lady Betty Fordput in the headlines by announcing her owndiagnosis at a White House press conference. Betty Rollinsfurther demystified the issue by writing her groundbreaking 1976book, "First You Cry," detailing her personal journey throughbreast cancer treatment and concerns of disfigurement. NancyBrinker, a prominent Dallas socialite, took a serious leap inexpanding education by forming the Susan B. KomenFoundation in 1982 to honor her sister who died from thedisease. No longer shrouded, the topic of now has theentire month of October devoted to highlighting survivors,prevention, proactive diagnosis and treatment. Image-consciouscosmetics and jewelry companies proudly align their productswith the disease, once considered something not to be discussed.The two Bettys and one Nancy illuminated the path for all womenmaking crucial health choices. And now, treatmentchoices are more varied and individually-oriented than everbefore, according to the professional advocates at PinnacleCare,the prestigious healthcare advocacy firm dedicated to quality inhealthcare.
As the healthcare system has become increasingly complex andfocused on cost-containment, professional healthcare advocacyhas arisen to highlight patients' needs and choices. In the caseof breast cancer, patients must weigh the relative merits oflumpectomy, mastectomy, preventative double mastectomy,chemotherapy, radiation, subsequent drug therapy and the bestcombination of these. The key decision factors for are: your type ofbreast cancer, stage, grade, margins; your estrogen andprogesterone hormone receptors (positive or negative), whetheryou are pre or post menopausal and whether your HER-2 gene (thegenetic material that regulates cell growth) is positive ornegative. Pulling all the information together is a tough job without theaid of a professional healthcare advocate. The time andemotional toll are immense. However, many people must or preferto do it on their own. So how can an individual crystallize thebest possible treatment for her personal circumstances?PinnacleCare offers ten key pathstones to the right breastcancer treatment for you. Ten Pathstones to the Right Treatment for You 1. Provide medical history. Your past medical history containsclues that your physician must weigh to accurately present yourbest options. As your tests progress, add to your personal fileyour pathology slides, pathology reports, mammogram, MRI andultrasound films. 2. Trust a few reputable sources. Educate yourself, but limitthe time you spend on the internet. Resist the confusion ofblogs and promotional sites. For breast cancer, the Susan B.Komen Foundation
web site is excellent for information on thedisease. To learn about healthcare advocacy, visitwww.PinnacleCare.com to access the Guide to Getting the BestHealthcare ($9.95). 3. Seek a second, and even, a third opinion. Certainly, startwith your internist's recommended oncologists but take it a stepfurther. Give special consideration to physicians who are partof an "integrative center" which incorporates amultidisciplinary team of medical, radiation and surgicaloncologists. Also be aware that physicians who are involved inclinical trials and research are often the most up-to-date oncutting edge medical science. 4. Consider complementary, alternative care. In conjunction withconventional treatment, these practices can substantially aidrecovery. For example, acupuncture can assist with chemotherapyside effects. Contact a reputable cancer nutritionist who canwork with your conventional doctor. Always consult with yourphysician prior to using any alternative products as some mayhave a negative effect or counteract your other medicaltreatment. 5. Pursue the earliest appointments. Be a polite squeaky wheel.Persist to get the earliest possible appointments. Ask to be puton a waiting list for an earlier appointment, get help from anycontacts you may have, and call frequently to see if an openinghas occurred. 6. Confirm and confirm again. Confirm your appointments inwriting, and confirm again by phone the week before theappointment. If a misunderstanding occurs, the best specialistsseldom have wiggle room to squeeze you in, even if it is themistake of their own office staff. 7. Prepare for the appointment. Bring a notebook, an extra copyof your medical records and an advocate. If a service likePinnacleCare is not an option, choose a friend not on the basisof closeness but whose judgment you respect. 8. Recap your discussion in writing. Recap your notes, inwriting, and send them to your advocate for review and then toeach physician. At the time of the appointment, your doctor mayspeak in medical shorthand you misunderstand. It is crucial tounderstand what you have heard and to ensure that yourpriorities and concerns are equally understood. 9. Decide and conquer. Review each recommendation with yourclosest family member and your chosen advocate. Consider askingthese "allies" to communicate your decision and convey yourprogress with interested family members. After all, your job isfocusing on getting well. 10. Proceed with confidence. Once treatment has begun, it iscommon for patients to second-guess theirdecisions. If you have conducted due diligence, as explainedabove, to select your doctor, discuss treatment options, learnexpected progress points and anticipate potential adjustmentsduring the course of treatment, then put your mind at rest.Stick with your team, follow your plan and speak up as concernsarise.
About the author:For more information on healthcare advocacy, consultwww.PinnacleCare.com to learn about PinnacleCare Membership,recommended literature, or how to obtain the Guide to Gettingthe Best Healthcare.
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