Dr. Anna Kurzyna:The future for treatment of metastatic breast cancer is amazing, and we're going to be with you on that journey. Dr. Shubhada Dhage:Metastatic breast cancer is cancer that is no longer in the breast alone. The cancer has spread to the lymph nodes or other organs within the body. Dr. Anna Kurzyna:The stigma is, is that the treatment is worse than the disease. That's not necessarily the case. Patients can continue doing what they're doing, get treatment which is highly effective. Dr. Shubhada Dhage:Each individual's therapy is personalized and targeted towards the type of cancer that they have. Dr. Alan Astrow:We look at special markers on the breast cancer cell. Dr. Anna Kurzyna:And then we tailor the treatment to each of those different markers. First off is if the patient's tumor has estrogen receptors and progesterone receptors. Then we generally treat them with hormonal therapy. Dr. Shubhada Dhage:Estrogen causes certain cancer cell types to grow. Blocking the production of estrogen can be an effective way to stop the growth of a cancer cell. Dr. Anna Kurzyna:The next thing we check is a receptor called HER2/neu. Dr. Alan Astrow:It stands for human epidermal growth factor receptor number two. Dr. William Diehl:We designed some antibodies that specifically attach themselves to that protein and kill the cancer cell, so that is what we call a targeted therapy. It only affects cells that over-express that protein. Dr. Shubhada Dhage:Targeted therapies cause less side effects because it's not impacting the normal cells as much as a cancer cell. Dr. William Diehl:And then most recently with what we call immunotherapy. Dr. Anna Kurzyna:Using your own immune system to kill off those cancer cells. Dr. William Diehl:Combination therapy is, as the name implies, when you use several of those different therapies. Dr. Shubhada Dhage:We can utilize these different medications together, allowing women to live longer with metastatic breast cancer and have less side effects. Dr. Alan Astrow:What the patient will expect will depend very much on what type of treatment the doctor recommends. Dr. Shubhada Dhage:You might expect to have symptoms from the therapy that you undergo, or you might not, because every individual experiences the treatment differently. Dr. Anna Kurzyna:Patients are surprised that they're able to maintain their normal life. For a young woman, for example, she can still pick up her kids from school, in some cases still even work a full-time job. It's amazing and it's wonderful when patients realize, "You know what? I can do this." Dr. Shubhada Dhage:There is a very bright future for the treatment of breast cancer. Dr. Anna Kurzyna:Medications for metastatic breast cancer now are just exploding, that prolong survival and patients tolerate very well. Dr. William Diehl:We have been able to identify ways of minimizing treatment but maximizing results.

What's New in Treating Advanced Breast Cancer 1. New therapies help patients live longer. Life expectancy for certain breast cancers has nearly tripled. 2. New drugs have fewer side effects. Targeted treatments attack specific cancer cells without damaging normal cells, so side effects are less severe. 3. Some targeted drugs are helping patients avoid chemo. Studies show new drugs work better than chemo in some patients. 4. Many newer drugs come in pill form. New oral medications are easy to take at home, reducing hospital visits and hassle. 5. Breast surgery is better than ever. By using plastic surgery techniques during breast surgery, surgeons can reshape the breast and remove tumors in the same procedure. 6. The future looks bright. Today, patients have more effective therapies than ever before.

Dr. Alan Astrow:It's always a shock to be told that you have a diagnosis of cancer. Take a deep breath. There's always hope. Dr. Shubhada Dhage:It's also very important for you to have a relationship that's open with your physician. Dr. Anna Kurzyna:Who answers your questions, who gives you respect and gives you the time. You'll know that that's that right doctor for you. Dr. Shubhada Dhage:You must become educated and you must advocate for yourself. Dr. Alan Astrow:Collect as much information as you can. Dr. William Diehl:Until you have a complete picture of what to expect. Dr. Shubhada Dhage:So that you are making those decisions with your doctor. Dr. Alan Astrow:Once you have a sense of the nature of the problem is and you feel you can have more control over it, it becomes much more of a manageable problem. Dr. William Diehl:To stay strong and stay healthy, simply lead as healthy a life as you can. Dr. Shubhada Dhage:Eating properly, getting a proper amount of sleep. Dr. William Diehl:Get some exercise. Dr. Alan Astrow:A good walk every day. Lifting light weights. Dr. William Diehl:Don't smoke, don't drink excessively. Dr. Shubhada Dhage:And having a stress management plan. What one can do is sit for five minutes in a quiet and calm place. You take five counts in for a breath and seven counts out for a breath. And doing that will automatically train your body to feel calmer and better. Dr. Anna Kurzyna:You need to take that time for yourself, be it that 15, 20 minutes to walk, get a massage, go out and meet with people, to keep remembering that there's a whole world outside of that breast cancer. Dr. Alan Astrow:It's helpful to have family and friends support you and be with you throughout the process. Dr. William Diehl:Patients have to be able to draw on the strength of those people who are helping them. The more supportive your system, it's easier for people to overcome the disease. Dr. Anna Kurzyna:The people that have lived the longest have a strong spirituality about them. Dr. Shubhada Dhage:You should consider a mindfulness practice, a meditation practice. Dr. William Diehl:The other big part about being spiritual is that I think it helps people maintain a positive attitude. Dr. Anna Kurzyna:It is very, very rewarding and gratifying when you're dealing with someone who has a metastatic cancer diagnosis and reaching their milestones. Dr. William Diehl:Some of my patients text me. Most of the time, it's with simple questions. But every now and then, people will send me a happy face emoji just to let me know they're doing well. Dr. Anna Kurzyna:Those are things that keep you going. Dr. William Diehl:There's a natural tendency to imagine the worst, and yet the majority of times, the worst does not materialize. Be as hopeful and as positive as you possibly can. Dr. Alan Astrow:With your relationship with your doctor, nurse, and the medical team, you have to have faith and trust you'll get through this.

7 Ways to Make Life Easier With Advanced Breast Cancer Advanced breast cancer treatment can be stressful, but the right strategies can help make your life easier. 1. Find support. You don’t have to do this alone. Ask for help from loved ones, therapists, and support groups. 2. Eat healthy. Fruits, veggies, protein, and lots of water will help your body stay hydrated and build strength. 3. Exercise. When you feel lousy, it’s tempting to stay in bed, but do your best to be as active as you can. 4. Set realistic goals. When your energy is low, acknowledge your small accomplishments and focus on what really matters. 5. Keep a journal. Record questions for your doctor, side effects, mood changes, and other details to stay on top of your treatment. 6. Fight the fog. Brain fog is common wth cancer, so keep a running to-do list, use sticky notes or phone reminders, and find a cognitive therapist to help your brain work better. 7. Put your care in the right hands. The right oncologist can help make advanced breast cancer easier to live with. Turn to Healthgrades to find the best doctor for you.

All About Telehealth for Breast Cancer Telehealth allows doctors to care for people virtually over a phone call, text message, or most commonly, video chat. Although some situations require an in-person visit, telehealth is a great option when you can't get to the doctor's office for your breast cancer. If you're new to telehealth, here's what you need to know. Medicare will cover telehealth visits just like in-person visits, but state Medicaid programs and private insurers vary, so confirm your coverage in advance. With telehealth, even though you're not in the doctor's office, your private health information is still covered by HIPAA, so it will remain confidential and secure. Although your oncologist can't give you a physical exam via telehealth, they can write you prescriptions and offer quality care, especially if you prepare in advance. Before your telehealth appointment:- List any breast cancer symptoms, including dates and severity- Note any side effects from your breast cancer medications or therapies, like nausea, pain, bleeding, or swelling- Record your vital signs if you own a thermometer, blood pressure monitor, or another device- Compile a list of your health conditions and medications- Write down questions you have for your oncologist about any test results- Charge your computer or phone- Make sure your internet is reliable- Download any telehealth apps your specific provider may require- Find a quiet, private space to conduct the call- Be prepared with pen and paper or a note-taking app Turn to Healthgrades to connect with the right oncologist to treat breast cancer via telehealth. And share this video to spread the word!

5 Things You Didn’t Know About Breast Cancer 1. Life expectancy for certain breast cancers has nearly tripled.Thanks to revolutionary new treatments, almost half of patients with stage IV breast cancer live more than five years after diagnosis. 2. Doctors analyze your tumor to find the best treatment.Your tumor reveals details about how your cancer grows, which helps doctors determine the best treatment for you. 3. It’s not necessarily all in the family.While family history is a risk factor, only 15% of breast cancer patients have relatives who’ve also had it. 4. Breast cancer survivors are the largest group of cancer survivors in the U.S.There are almost 3 million breast cancer survivors in the country, and that number is growing. 5. Finding the right specialist can mean a world of difference.Turn to Healthgrades.com to connect with the best oncologist for your breast cancer. Share this video to help educate others about breast cancer!