Rare Disease Roadmap: Metastatic Breast Cancer
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- Cancer
- Breast Cancer
- Rare Disease Roadmap: Metastatic Breast Cancer
Journey Overview
Navigate your journey with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) with insights from a leading physician, questions to help you prepare for your appointments, and a guide to the healthcare providers who treat this type of breast cancer.
A Patient’s Journey with Metastatic Breast Cancer
Katherine D.
Diagnosis (DX): Metastatic Breast Cancer
First Symptoms:
- Cancer has spread beyond the breasts
- Often spreads to bones, lungs, liver, and brain
- Fatigue and unexplained weight changes are common
- Most cases are a recurrence of earlier stage breast cancer
- 6% of women have MBC at time of diagnosis
- Risk varies between age groups, race, and ethnicity
- More than 150,000 women in the U.S. are living with MBC
Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Physician’s Perspective
A conversation with Dr. Sandy D. Kotiah, MD
Specialty: Sandy D. Kotiah, MD, is an oncologist at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland.
“The patients who tend to do the best are the patients who push themselves to stay strong and follow through with all their treatment. This is not something you need to do on your own. There are many different providers, specialists, and resources to support you along the way.”Read More
Get to Know Your Care Team
Medical Oncologist
Treatment for MBC is usually overseen by a medical oncologist, a doctor that specializes in the treatment of cancer with systemic therapies like chemotherapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. A medical oncologist will also coordinate care with other members of the care team.
Radiologist
A radiologist is a doctor who conducts imaging tests and evaluates the results. Imaging tests such as CT scans, PET scans, and MRIs are an important part of treatment for metastatic breast cancer. These exams help monitor how the cancer is responding to treatment and guide the next steps in treatment.
Patient Navigator
The healthcare system can be overwhelming. Also called patient advocates, patient navigators guide people with cancer and their families through different aspects of care. These providers can help arrange appointments, work with an insurance company, and help you get the information and support you need.
Other Specialists
Treatment for metastatic breast cancer is different for every person, and the providers you work with will depend on your needs and treatment plan. Other care team members can include a surgeon, radiation oncologist, pathologist, registered dietitian, oncology nurses, an oncology social worker, and others.
The Conversation: Topics to Discuss with Your Metastatic Breast Cancer Care Team
Questions for Your Healthcare Team
Your healthcare providers will be your best source of information about your diagnosis, your treatment, and improving your quality of life. The information you need may vary depending on where you are in your treatment.
- What are the most important things I should know about my diagnosis?
- What are the goals of treating this type of cancer?
- What treatment options do you recommend at this point in treatment?
- What tests or exams do I need? How will we monitor for changes in the cancer?
- What can I do to improve my overall health and prognosis?
- Should I exercise? What type of exercise is safe?
- What foods should I be eating? What should I avoid?
- What symptoms or changes should I watch for?
Questions About How You Feel
Maintaining a good quality of life is an important focus of treatment for MBC. Ask yourself these questions and share your answers with your healthcare team.
- Are you experiencing any pain?
- Are you experiencing fatigue? How are your energy levels?
- Is there anything that is difficult, or has become more difficult?
- How would you describe your stress level?
- How are your moods? Have you noticed a change in moods or how you feel?
- What areas of your life do you have support, what areas do you need more support?
Questions When Starting a New Treatment
Treating MBC is an evolving process. Here are questions to ask when you are starting a new therapy or medication for MBC.
- How does this therapy work?
- What side effects can this therapy cause?
- How is the therapy taken and how often?
- Will I be able to take a break from this treatment?
- How will you know if the therapy is working?
- What does the therapy cost?
- Are there other treatment options if this therapy doesn’t work?
Join the Social Conversation:
#mbc #metastaticbreastcancer #livingwithMBC #livingwithmets
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