The provider that gave me my actual diagnosis was a doctor that I used to work for. She actually called me that Monday evening once she got my biopsy results and said to me, “You know, I hate to give you this news, but it is in fact breast cancer.” She said, “I hate that we have to write this chapter in your story, but if we're going to write it, let's make it a damn good one.” And I feel like from that point, that is what I have been able to do. I found my lump myself. I was just getting out of the shower, putting lotion on, and as I felt my left breast, I felt a pretty large lump on my left side. Two weeks prior, I had my physical with my doctor and while she was doing my breast exam, she actually felt something herself but she said, “Oh, you know, you've been working out a lot. You've probably strained something. You're young. There's nothing to worry about.” But two weeks later, the lump had doubled in size. The next day they got me in for a mammogram and ultrasound, and by that Friday I was having a biopsy. It was pretty scary going through that whole process, being at 35, I've never had a mammogram before, so this was something new for myself. When I was diagnosed, I didn't want a lot of people to know because I had the stigma and the shame of that, you know, being diagnosed with breast cancer is, you know, you're sick. And so I'm not strong. I've definitely gotten rid of that now. But I get, especially with Communities of Color, how we can think that that's actually what that is. But let me tell you right now, that is not the case. One of the things that I would like people to know who are living with breast cancer is that your diagnosis is not a death sentence. You can thrive and you can survive within this world. While I understand that a breast cancer diagnosis is hard and, you know, there's a lot that you have to navigate through, there are so many support systems out here. There is great care. There are people that could teach you how to advocate for yourself and give you the tools, so then that way, you know how to ask certain questions and you know how to direct your care. Just know that it is just a chapter in this book of life, and write it how you want to write it.

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.

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!

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!

Hi. I'm Mai, and this is my breast cancer confession. Breast cancer impacted me most because for the first time in my life, I had to make a decision on whether I wanted kids or not, in an instant of finding out that I had cancer. And from there, I had to rush to the fertility clinics and start making decisions about saving my eggs. I did not even think about kids up until that point. What scares me the most when thinking about my future is that there is still a possibility that I might relapse, and I might get breast cancer again. The silver lining to my breast cancer experience is that we found out when I was only in stage two. So, I thank God so much for a second chance at life. Since all my treatment, I've learned to savor and treasure every day, and I'm so grateful just to be alive.

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.

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.

Amanda: You hear that word. You hear “cancer” and the world sort of stops spinning. It feels like you're in an alternate reality. Amanda: My name is Amanda, and I have thyroid cancer. Yoohnee: I have kidney cancer. Michael: I have prostate cancer. Alexia: I have breast cancer. Teela: My name is Teela, and I am a cancer survivor. Yoohnee: Mentally and emotionally, I took care of myself by seeing a lot of friends, making sure that I spent a lot of quality time with people I love. Alexia: I'm actually a doctor, so I pretty much practice what I preach, in terms of taking care of myself. From the very beginning, I just took on an attitude of 'No matter what happens, I'm going to choose joy.' Like every day, I'm going to find something to be happy about. Michael: I tend to look at the world with a very, very full and positive perspective. Amanda: I looked online a little for other people who have been through similar things, and I just found that it was helpful knowing I wasn't alone. Alexia: Prayer has been a very big part of my journey. Teela: You know, there's the Serenity Prayer. Basically, be able to recognize the things which I have power over, and be able to change them, and recognize the things I don't have power over, and just let them go. Amanda: I am meditating a lot. Teela: Physically, I stay strong by working out. Michael: I play soccer every single week. I watch what I eat. Yoohnee: I slept a lot, and eating whatever I wanted, although it was pretty unhealthy, it was a way for me to feel like I was living my best life. Amanda: I love going on hikes. I'm just trying to do a lot of really healthy and stress-releasing things to kind of get me through until I'm feeling really good. Teela: What is something that I wish somebody had told me when I'd just been diagnosed? The biggest thing is you're gonna get hit by chemo brain, and you're gonna get discombobulated, and again, that is okay. Start writing things down. I always keep a little planner/notebook on me at all times. I also have a notation app on my phone. Michael: I smile a lot more now. You go out in the world and you're trying to infect other people with that goodness and with that positiveness. You get that in return. Amanda: My advice would be reach out to the people that you love, and lean on them. Alexia: As strong and independent as I am, this is not something that I could do alone, and nobody could do alone, so allow people to be there and be present for you, and acknowledge that you need help. Yoohnee: Also, sharing your story, if you can, without any harm to yourself can uplift your voice. And I think that's so important to have control of when you have an illness like this. Teela: You know, every day is very up and down, but all in all, what keeps me going right now is the promise of being able to get to live.

M. Michele Blackwood, MD:Hope is really important. First of all, you have to know that God forbid you get a diagnosis of cancer, particularly breast cancer, many, many, many breast cancers are not just treatable but can be curable. Alex Hayes:Can you explain to me the difference between early breast cancer, advanced breast cancer, and other types? M. Michele Blackwood, MD:Early breast cancer means that the tumor is small, it hasn't spread to lymph nodes, it hasn't spread to other parts of the body. Late diagnosis of breast cancer is that the breast cancer is large, more than five centimeters, so more than the width of your hand, and it's spread to lymph nodes, it could spread to the chest wall, it could spread to the nipple, it could spread to the skin. Late breast cancer takes a lot more work to get rid of it. Alex Hayes:Diagnosing breast cancer early, is that in and of itself something positive that a person should feel optimistic about? Dr. Nina Watson:Yes, most definitely. The key is what we call early detection. Early detection means finding a breast cancer when it's as small as possible and when it's the most treatable, which is actually the goal of screening mammograms. Because oftentimes if we're finding it when there's some type of symptom, those cancers are larger. Mammogram allows us to see the tissue to find those cancers when they are small and make the diagnosis then. Alex Hayes:So for early breast cancer what are some treatment options and how have they evolved over the course of your career? M. Michele Blackwood, MD:So it used to be the mastectomy was the gold standard of breast cancer treatment. Thankfully, that's not the case anymore. There's so many options available to a patient such as maybe no treatment depending on how old she is. Maybe it's just a pill. Maybe it's a lumpectomy. Sometimes we add radiation to it, sometimes we add chemotherapy. Sometimes we do very extensive surgeries, but there's a lot of different types of treatments based on the type of breast cancer that a woman or a man has. Alex Hayes:What would you tell somebody who's just received this diagnosis and they feel very alone? Dr. Nina Watson:First I would say to take things one day at a time. It can be very overwhelming, and it's okay to allow yourself to have those feelings. The second bit of advice I would give is to reach out to a support system, you don't have to be on this journey alone. Alex Hayes:In addition to the range of treatment options available, what else is giving you hope about the future of treating early breast cancer? M. Michele Blackwood, MD:I would say every six months there's a major breakthrough in breast cancer. We have more and more treatments available that are changing lives, that are extending lives, that are getting rid of cancer. I love the idea that you can take a patient who's facing stage two, three, or even four breast cancer and turn around their lives and maybe get them to forget about cancer. Sometimes when they come to see me afterwards years later and there's a small scar in their breast and they say, well which breast was it again? And I said you mean that big thing that we had to deal with five, 10 years ago you can't remember which breast it was? I love that.

Kavita:I did not say the word cancer until several months into my treatment. I could barely write it in a text message. It took me a while to work up to say that word, the C word, the ugly C word. And now I'm in a place I can say it. Cancer, cancer, cancer, cancer. I can say you and shout you from the mountain tops because you will not get me. Anna:I was 27 years old and a one-year newlywed when I found a lump myself, while I was taking a shower. I didn't have any family history of cancer, and within a week I was diagnosed with triple positive breast cancer. And my whole world fell apart. Kavita:I was in denial immediately because I refused to believe that these were my results because my body would not have done this to me. So I refused to believe that any of it was true or that it was actually happening to me. You don't just hear cancer and get to sit down. It's time to get up and get moving. It was a port, MRI, chemo, breast surgeon, plastic surgeon, all these different medications, fertility, and that was the darkest and the hardest part, the diagnosis, and just getting started. Monique:When I found the lump, I did a biopsy. It actually came back benign, but my left breast became very heavy and it also started to hurt. The doctor said, "Let's have one more biopsy and then we'll take it from there." And it came back benign again. So I said, "Okay, but it needs to be removed because it hurts and it's growing." She removed it and she called me a week later and was like, "Okay, the papilloma we removed was benign, but there was a smaller mass behind it and that was developing cancer." Kavita:As a patient, you are going to be your greatest advocate. Many people are just so confused and bogged down by the diagnosis, they don't realize that you have the power to pick your provider team at any point. It's your body. It's your choice. It's your life. It's your cancer. It's your treatment. Anna:I'm almost six years out from cancer. So while cancer is not an everyday part of my life now, emotionally it still plays a role in the way that I cope, in the way that I have learned to navigate the world. When treatment's over, your support system wants to celebrate you being done with cancer. So they say things like, "Oh, the cancer's gone, you're done. Let's get back to normal." But the reality is for the person that's been through it, there is no normal. I am never going to be Anna that I was pre-cancer. It doesn't mean I can't be happy. Doesn't mean I'm not going to find joy again, but I'm a changed person. Kavita:So I've been in remission for a few months now, and I'm very excited about that. And I am learning right now what it means to be what we call a breast cancer survivor. Monique:I am currently in chemotherapy. I'm the only one that's currently going through it. So at the end of the day, I really look like this. So, in the beginning it was really hard to accept the losing the hair, but now I just embrace it.