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Breast Cancer Discharge Instructions


About this topic


Breast cancer is a serious illness. In it, abnormal cells grow and divide more quickly in your breast. This is called a growth or tumor. The abnormal cells may enter nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body. It is the type of cancer most often seen in women. Men can have breast cancer, but it is a rare condition. ‚  

What care is needed at home?


  • Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
  • Make family and friends aware of your illness and how to help.
  • Stay as active as you can, but get enough rest.
  • Quit smoking. Talk to your doctor about use of beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol).
  • Get involved in a support group for breast cancer.

What follow-up care is needed?


Your doctor will ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. Your doctor will order follow-up tests like breast exam, lab tests, x-rays, and scans. ‚  

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs that are best for you. Be sure to follow orders and take all the drugs as told by your doctor. Talk to your doctor about all other drugs, vitamins, or herbs you are taking. ‚  

Will physical activity be limited?


  • You may feel very tired. It is very common after a cancer treatment.
  • You can have normal exercise or follow a workout program.
  • Stay active. Be sure to ask your doctor before starting any activities. Ask what exercise is safe for you.

What changes to diet are needed?


  • Healthy eating habits are important. They will help you get stronger and make you feel better.
  • Treatments may change your sense of taste. This could cause you to gain or lose weight. Eating problems often get better over time.
  • Your doctor can help you make and deal with healthy changes to your diet eating plan.

What problems could happen?


  • There is a chance that cancer may come back. This is a very common concern after cancer treatment.
  • In some cases, cancer may never go away fully. You may need to have ongoing treatment like chemo and other therapies.
  • Some treatments can put you at risk to develop other cancers.

What can be done to prevent this health problem?


Finding cancer early is important. It may make it easier for your doctor to treat your illness. It may also help your overall outcome. Some ways to lower your chance of breast cancer may include: ‚  
  • Screening for breast cancer often, especially when you have a strong family history
  • Changing to a healthy way of life
  • Getting regular exercise and keeping a healthy weight
  • Limiting or avoiding radiation therapy near the chest area

Be sure to talk to your doctor about the use of hormones. Ask your doctor about use of beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol). ‚  

When do I need to call the doctor?


  • Pain does not go away
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Shortness of breath or cough
  • Backaches
  • Belly problems like pain, heartburn, or upset stomach
  • Changes in menstrual cycles
  • Any concerns about your condition
  • Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse

Teach Back: Helping You Understand


The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚  
  • I can tell you about my condition.
  • I can tell you what kind of treatment I will be having.
  • I can tell you what I will do if I have pain, shortness of breath, backaches, or changes in my menstrual cycle.

Where can I learn more?


American Cancer Society ‚  
http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/SurvivorshipDuringandAfterTreatment/index?ssSourceSiteId=null ‚  
National Cancer Institute ‚  
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/breast ‚  
National Institute of Health ¢ ˆ ’ Senior Health ‚  
http://nihseniorhealth.gov/breastcancer/breastcancerdefined/01.html ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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