The Puzzling Pieces of Breast Cancer
As the mother of five wonderful children, and a two-time breast cancer survivor, I have often wondered why going through cancer treatment is often so disjointed and piecemeal, and why it can’t be more like going through a pregnancy, which is so well-defined and organized.
I remember trying to get pregnant. There were steps: First, I would buy an at-home Clear Blue Easy pregnancy test. When the blue-you-are-pregnant-line appeared, I’d head off to my OB/GYN who would confirm the pregnancy and prescribe neonatal vitamins, follow-up appointments, and later, ultrasounds and blood tests.
With five different pregnancies, I had five very different births—yet each was planned. Post-pregnancy, I was given a list of recommended foods to help me and the baby stay healthy and un-colicky. Today, obstetricians even connect patients with therapists for postpartum depression. My continuum of services was clear-cut and streamlined.
Breast cancer patients need the same defined service continuum. Many of us going through treatment or, who have completed it, have a breast surgeon, sometimes a plastic surgeon, an oncologist and often a radiation oncologist. But our time spent with each physician is limited, and when we need additional help, it’s not always clear to whom we should turn.
For example: If radiation treatment is over and you’re having problems with your skin, do you go to your radiation oncologist or your regular oncologist? If you’re having stomach issues during chemotherapy do you ask the nurse for advice or find yourself a nutritionist? And who is there to help if you’re feeling overwhelmed— tears streaming down your face?
Though the oncologist ultimately, may be thought of as the head of the team, this specialist is only one piece of the treatment puzzle. Linking us to the psychiatrist, the nutritionist, the dermatologist, the massage therapist, the wig specialist and all the other professionals to help deal with the side effects of whatever we are doing to our bodies to help us survive—is equally important. Sometimes women are left on their own to pull the pieces together—at a time when they are the most vulnerable.
And then sometimes, just when you are at your wits end, filled with pain and depression because no relief seems to be in sight, and help arrives— everything falls into place.
It’s almost as good as holding a newborn baby in your arms.
Related Resources
Virtua’s Breast Cancer Navigation Program helps coordinate care and offers support, services, and access to physicians, psychiatrists, and dietitians, social worker sand support groups during all phases of breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and survivorship. Call 1-877-896-6267 for help from a Navigator.
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About Missy Stein...
Missy Stein the mother of five, wife a rabbi, and at the age of 44, on her way to becoming a second-time breast cancer survivor.
You can check out her story on NBC10’s Lifelines:What’s Up with Missy, follow her on Twitter, or friend her on Facebook.
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