Living With Breast Cancer

Women diagnosed with breast cancer are often overwhelmed by information, treatment options, life changes and emotional stress. A new patient coordinator works closely with nurses and other Breast Cancer Program staff to make sure you get all the appointments, tests, treatments, services and support you need.

Cancer Support Services

We understand that a cancer diagnosis is a life-changing experience We offer a full range of cancer-specific support services to address your emotional and physical needs, along with financial concerns, spiritual wellness, fertility and more. Locations can vary, but patients at any of our cancer centers can access support services at other Cancer Network locations. For more information, talk with your physician or nurse. Additionally, ABCD, or After Breast Cancer Diagnosis, is an organization that pairs newly diagnosed women with mentors who help women get through treatment and beyond. 

Returning to Work

Returning to work during breast cancer treatment is a personal decision. There is no “right” timeline, and whatever balance keeps you healthiest (physically and mentally) is valid. How you feel during treatment can be unpredictable. It is important to plan for flexibility and work with your employer. You do not have to provide your employer with details; it is enough to say that you are having cancer treatment. Options to help you include:

• FMLA: Unpaid leave, but your job is protected
• ADA accommodations: Flexible hours, remote work, rest breaks
• Short-term disability: Partial income replacement
• State programs: Some states offer paid family or medical leave

Your ability to work during and after treatment varies by treatment. Every patient is different, as are the physical and emotional demands of your work. Make your plans based on what will give you and your body optimal recovery time. Here are some guidelines.

• Surgery: Most people need two to six weeks off, depending on the type of surgery they have had. Because pain, limited arm movement and fatigue are common early symptoms, desk work may be possible sooner than physical jobs. Don’t overdo it because that can slow healing.
• Chemotherapy: Working through chemotherapy is often challenging due to chemotherapy side effects. You may consider working part-time or fewer hours. Some people take full leave during chemotherapy. Other considerations include:
  • Remote or hybrid work
  • Scheduling work around infusion cycles — working when you feel well
  • Lowering the cognitive load when possible
• Radiation therapy: Many people work while getting radiation therapy — part-time or full time with adjustments to their schedule as needed. Be aware that treatment-related fatigue can build over weeks, and daily therapy can be draining. You may also have skin irritation or pain that makes it difficult to work as usual.
• Hormone therapy: You can work during hormone therapy since many drugs are long-term. You need to be aware, however, that common side effects — joint pain, hot flashes, trouble sleeping, mood changes or brain fog — can affect your productivity. You may need to ask your care team to adjust your medications.

Pain and Symptom Management

Breast cancer–related pain and symptoms can come from:

• The tumor itself
• Treatment side effects (surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy)
• Side effects that build up over time (fatigue, nerve pain, stiffness)

Most symptoms are manageable, often with a mix of medications, physical strategies and supportive care. If you have troublesome pain or symptoms related to your breast cancer or treatment, tell your care team right away. If severe pain or symptoms occur outside of clinic hours, consider treatment at our 24-Hour Cancer Clinic.

High-Risk Breast Cancer Program

Women with a strong family history of breast cancer (or any women who are concerned about breast disease) will benefit from knowing more about their real risk. Our experienced team of counselors will assess your risk factors and help you understand your true risk status. They work with you to develop a personalized health plan that can help reduce your risk of breast cancer. This service includes:

• Documentation of your family health history and personal medical history
• Thorough clinical breast examination
• Consultation with the Cancer Genetics Screening Program (including genetic counseling and BRCA testing when warranted)
• Nutritional counseling
• Individualized recommendations and education

Breast Cancer Cognitive Evaluation Service

Cognitive changes or changes in your ability to think may occur because of the cancer itself or cancer treatment. Chemotherapy, in particular, may cause cognitive problems because it travels through the bloodstream. In addition to killing cancer cells, chemotherapy also affects healthy cells throughout the body, including the brain. 

Having cancer and undergoing chemotherapy can make you feel tired and cause physical discomfort. Some patients also experience emotional changes when faced with cancer and cancer treatments. These factors can also affect your thinking abilities. The problems can range from mild to severe. They may be temporary or persist over time, and might include:

• Learning and memory
• Concentration
• Multi-tasking
• Problem-solving
• Managing daily activities and other cognitive functions 

Treating Cancer and Preserving Quality of Life

In addition to treating your cancer, your overall quality of life is very important to us. The Breast Cancer Cognitive Evaluation Service is unique in the region and helps women face cognitive problems related to breast cancer or breast cancer treatment.

Before chemotherapy begins, the neuropsychologist conducts simple tests to obtain baseline information on your cognitive abilities. The evaluation takes about 60 to 90 minutes and is considered a standard part of treatment for all breast cancer patients who will receive chemotherapy.

To determine if cognitive changes occur during or after treatment, the neuropsychologist also conducts regular follow-up evaluations. If changes are noted, there are many therapies available to help improve your cognitive function and quality of life.

For more information on the Breast Cancer Cognitive Evaluation Service, please call 414-805-0505 or 866-680-0505.