Treatment Options

Chemotherapy, Surgery, Radiation & Hormonal Therapy

When you meet with your oncology team, it is always important to remember that this is a partnership; a partnership between you and your doctors. It is ok to ask questions, to ask for clarification and to ensure you are 100% comfortable with your treatment options.

Depending on the type of breast cancer you have (Triple Negative, Lobular, Inflammatory, etc. ), and the stage of your breast cancer, your treatment options will vary. In some cases people will start with chemotherapy, while others may have surgery first. In some cases, if your cancer has spread to the bones or organs, surgery may not be necessary. The point is, treatments very and if you read our breast cancer stories, you'll see the wide range of experiences our members share.

Complementary Care

Frequently, people diagnosed with breast cancer will often ask if there are alternatives to the standard treatments options. It is advised that you have these conversations with your medical care team to discuss what is best course of action based on your specific goals and comfort.

We use the word, complementary, intentionally as acupuncture, meditation, and herbs have been a great complement to ease some of the side effects caused by chemotherapy and radiation.

Radiation Therapy

Resources and Experiences

Listen to our one-on-one interview with Dr. Rachel Jimenez on our Podcast.

Dr. Jimenez provides you with a thorough and comprehensive description of radiation therapy. What it is, why it's beneficial, and the long-term risks you should know about in order to manage our health. Stay tuned until the end because we answer your questions of why radiation increases your risk of developing lymphedema if you had your lymph nodes removed.

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE-People who refuse aspects of therapy including radiation. -What to expect when going in for radiation-Planning appointment-What is radiation and why would I need it? -Radiation and skin care-Proton Beam Radiation (the science behind protons; a number of clinical trials exploring proton beam radiation in the breast cancer community to minimize cardiac toxicity). -Risks association with radiation, but we still sign the consent. As a young breast cancer survivor, we ask Dr. Jimenez to explain the 10, 20 and 50 year plan for women who go through treatment.