Cancer & Choosing the best treatment for you:
When evaluating different treatments, the best
treatment for your cancer should always be your first concern. But
there are other things to consider, too.
Before making your final decision, ask yourself
these questions:
Will I have to travel to receive
treatment? Depending on where you live, you may have to travel to
another city to receive treatment. Some treatments will require
you to travel more often than others. If your treatment will require
you to travel more, you may want to consider moving closer to your
treatment center. Al-Enaya can help you find a temporary place to
live while you are undergoing treatment.
Do I have the chance to participate
in a clinical trial? In a clinical trial, you have the opportunity
to be one of the first patients to try a promising new breast cancer
treatment and contribute to research on breast cancer that could
someday help other women. On the other hand, a new treatment may
not be any more effective than standard treatments. Ask your doctor
about the pros and cons for you.
What kind of social support do
I have? Do you have someone to drive you to and from treatment?
Is someone able to stay at home with you while you recover? Some
kinds of treatment may require more support than others.
Which treatment regimen am I most able to follow? For example, if
your schedule is flexible enough for a clinic visit every day for
six weeks, lumpectomy with radiation therapy might be a good option
for you.
However, if your lifestyle does
not allow you to have daily radiation therapy, mastectomy might
be a better option. Also consider issues such as child care, body
image after treatment.
Nutritionists
help evaluate your diet and help you plan your meals during and
after treatment. Physical therapists can help you keep your muscle
tone and restore your ability to move around if there are any changes
to your body from treatment. Psychologists, psychotherapists can
help you talk through your feelings. Pharmacists mix the complicated
medications and check that you are getting the correct dosages.
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