how can a counselor explain breast cancer chemo treatment steps to a thirteen year old

Medication

These drugs are usually given directly into a vein through a needle or as a pill. Chemotherapy for breast cancer frequently is used in addition to other treatments, such as surgery, radiation or hormone therapy.

Procedures

Surgery is usually the first treatment for early-stage breast cancer. Most patients will not need chemotherapy. If you have Estrogen receptor negative (ER-) or a “ HER2-Positive “ tumor, then you will likely need chemotherapy either before or after surgery.

Therapy

A few facts about time to treatment: The average time from the date of cancer diagnosis to the day of lumpectomy surgery is about 32 days. The average time to mastectomy surgery is about 40 days. It can take anywhere from 3 to 12 months from cancer diagnosis to complete your final treatments, and up to ten years if you need hormonal therapy.

Nutrition

Breast cancer chemotherapy sessions can take place at your doctor's office, at an outpatient unit in a hospital or clinic, or at home. How chemotherapy is given Chemotherapy drugs can be given in a variety of ways, including as pills you take at home. Most often they're injected into a vein (IV).

How is chemotherapy used to treat breast cancer?

Do I need chemotherapy before or after breast cancer surgery?

How long does it take to treat breast cancer?

Can you do chemotherapy at home for breast cancer?

How do you explain cancer treatment?

Cancer treatment is the use of surgery, radiation, medications and other therapies to cure a cancer, shrink a cancer or stop the progression of a cancer. Many cancer treatments exist. Depending on your particular situation, you may receive one treatment or you may receive a combination of treatments.

What are the steps in treating breast cancer?

How Is Breast Cancer Treated?Surgery. An operation where doctors cut out cancer tissue.Chemotherapy. Using special medicines to shrink or kill the cancer cells. ... Hormonal therapy. Blocks cancer cells from getting the hormones they need to grow.Biological therapy. ... Radiation therapy.

How would you prepare the child for chemotherapy?

FoodsKeep a bag of snacks and drinks for you and your child. ... Keep hard candies available. ... Encourage frequent sips of liquids to keep the mouth moist and keep your child hydrated.Bring plastic utensils because chemotherapy can cause a weird metallic taste, eating with metal utensils can enhance this.

How do you explain cancer to a patient?

Start from 'suspicion' or 'possibility' of cancer and tell facts accurately after a definite diagnosis is made. Although accurate explanation is necessary, do not bombard the patient with facts without considering the patient's state. Be prepared to explain the facts as clearly and simply as necessary.

What happens after first chemo treatment for breast cancer?

The most commonly reported side effect after receiving chemotherapy is fatigue. 7 Give yourself time for extra rest and sleep in the days after a session. Tell your healthcare provider if your fatigue begins to affect your ability to function or complete basic tasks, like bathing.

What is the treatment for breast cancer at a early stage?

Surgery. Surgery is usually the first step in treating early breast cancer. You may have mastectomy (the entire breast is removed) or lumpectomy (only the tumor and some surrounding tissue are removed).

What is chemotherapy like for kids?

Common side effects of chemo are loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and temporary hair loss. Someone people also might feel tired, bruise easily, and catch infections easily. Medicines are available that can help people feel better if they have side effects from chemo.

What is the process of chemotherapy?

Doctors typically administer chemotherapy in cycles, with rest periods between 1–4 weeks. Cycles have rest periods in between to allow a person's body to recover. An individual might have treatment on one day, followed by 1 week's rest, then another 1-day treatment followed by a 3-week rest period, and so on.

How is chemo given?

Chemotherapy is most often given as an infusion into a vein (intravenously). The drugs can be given by inserting a tube with a needle into a vein in your arm or into a device in a vein in your chest.

How do you explain to children what cancer is?

Explain that the cancer is not their fault and is not contagious. Assure them they will always be looked after, even if you can't always do it yourself. Stop and listen to your children so you know how they really feel.

How do I talk to my child about breast cancer?

9 Tips for Talking to Young Children About Breast CancerPlan what you will say in advance. ... Focus on the positives. ... Provide accurate, clear information. ... Put your diagnosis in perspective. ... Let them know they won't be forgotten. ... Paint a picture of the new normal. ... Explain the visible effects cancer treatment might have on you.More items...•

How do I talk to my kids about cancer?

Tips for talking with children about cancerThink before you talk. ... Pick your time carefully. ... Choose who will talk. ... Find a good place. ... Keep it simple. ... Remember their age. ... Be prepared to answer difficult questions. ... Allow time for your child to absorb the news.More items...

When Is Chemotherapy used?

Not all women with breast cancer will need chemo, but there are several situations in which chemo may be recommended: 1. After surgery (adjuvant ch...

Which Chemotherapy Drugs Are Used For Breast Cancer?

In most cases (especially as adjuvant or neoadjuvant treatment), chemo is most effective when combinations of drugs are used. Today, doctors use ma...

How Is Chemotherapy given?

Chemo drugs for breast cancer are typically given into a vein (IV), either as an injection over a few minutes or as an infusion over a longer perio...

Possible Side Effects of Chemo For Breast Cancer

Chemo drugs can cause side effects. These depend on the type and dose of drugs given, and the length of treatment. Some of the most common possible...

Which Treatments Are Used For Breast Cancer?

There are several ways to treat breast cancer, depending on its type and stage.Local treatments: Some treatments are local, meaning they treat the...

How Is Breast Cancer Typically Treated?

Most women with breast cancer will have some type of surgery to remove the tumor. Depending on the type of breast cancer and how advanced it is, yo...

Who Treats Breast Cancer?

Doctors on your cancer treatment team might include: 1. A breast surgeon or surgical oncologist: a doctor who uses surgery to treat breast cancer 2...

Making Treatment Decisions

It’s important to discuss all of your treatment options, including their goals and possible side effects, with your doctors to help make the decisi...

Help Getting Through Breast Cancer Treatment

Your cancer care team will be your first source of information and support, but there are many places you can get more help if you need it. Hospita...

What is the treatment for stage 1 breast cancer?

Local therapy (surgery and radiation therapy) Surgery is the main treatment for stage I breast cancer. These cancers can be treated with either breast-conserving surgery (BCS; sometimes called lumpectomy or partial mastectomy) or mastectomy.

What are the stages of breast cancer?

Most women with breast cancer in stages I to III will get some kind of drug therapy as part of their treatment. This may include: 1 Chemotherapy 2 Hormone therapy (tamoxifen, an aromatase inhibitor, or one followed by the other) 3 HER2 targeted drugs, such as trastuzumab (Herceptin) and pertuzumab (Perjeta) 4 Some combination of these

What is the treatment for BCS?

Women who have BCS are treated with radiation therapy after surgery. Women who have a mastectomy are typically treated with radiation if the cancer is found in the lymph nodes.

How big is a stage 3 breast tumor?

In stage III breast cancer, the tumor is large (more than 5 cm or about 2 inches across) or growing into nearby tissues (the skin over the breast or the muscle underneath), or the cancer has spread to many nearby lymph nodes.

Can you get radiation therapy before mastectomy?

If you were initially diagnosed with stage II breast cancer and were given treatment such as chemotherapy or hormone therapy before surgery, radiation therapy might be recommended if cancer is found in the lymph nodes at the time of the mastectomy.

Can you get a mastectomy with a large breast?

For women with fairly large breasts, BCS may be an option if the cancer hasn’t grown into nearby tissues. SLNB may be an option for some patients, but most will need an ALND.

Can breast reconstruction be done at the same time as breast surgery?

In some cases, breast reconstruction can be done at the same time as the surgery to remove the cancer.

What is the best way to decide if chemotherapy is right for you?

Assess the potential benefit of chemotherapy. When deciding whether chemotherapy is right for you, your doctor considers: Cancer size and grade. Larger cancers and higher grade cancers are more likely to recur and are more likely to benefit from chemotherapy. Lymph node status.

How does chemo help with breast cancer?

Chemotherapy for breast cancer uses drugs to target and destroy breast cancer cells. These drugs are usually injected directly into a vein through a needle or taken by mouth as pills.

What is neoadjuvant therapy for cancer?

Neoadjuvant therapy is often used for: Inflammatory breast cancer. HER2-positive breast cancer. Triple-negative breast cancer.

How long does it take to recover from breast cancer?

Typically, if you have early-stage breast cancer, you'll undergo chemotherapy treatments for three to six months, but your doctor will adjust the timing to your circumstances. If you have advanced breast cancer, treatment may continue beyond six months.

What is the best treatment for breast cancer?

This is known as adjuvant chemotherapy.

What to expect after chemo?

Ask your doctor what side effects you can expect during and after chemotherapy. If you know what to expect, you can prepare. For example, if your chemotherapy treatment will cause infertility, you may wish to store sperm, fertilized eggs (embryos) or eggs for future use.

What are the health problems that affect chemo?

Certain health problems, such as heart disease or diabetes, may affect which drugs are selected for your chemotherapy. Hormone receptor status. If your cancer cells have receptors for the hormones estrogen and progesterone, your doctor may recommend hormone therapy in addition to chemotherapy. HER2 status.

What is the treatment for stage IV breast cancer?

Treatment for stage IV breast cancer is usually a systemic (drug) therapy.

What is stage 0 breast cancer?

Stage 0 means that the cancer is limited to the inside of the milk duct and is non-invasive. Treatment for this non-invasive breast tumor is often different from the treatment of invasive breast cancer. Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a stage 0 breast tumor. Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) used to be categorized as stage 0, ...

What is the difference between stage 2 and stage 3 breast cancer?

Stage II: These breast cancers are larger than stage I cancers and/or have spread to a few nearby lymph nodes. Stage III: These tumors are larger or are growing into nearby tissues (the skin over the breast or the muscle underneath), or they have spread to many nearby lymph nodes. Treatment of Breast Cancer Stages I-III.

Is lobular carcinoma in situ a stage 0 tumor?

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a stage 0 breast tumor. Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) used to be categorized as stage 0, but this has been changed because it is not cancer. Still, it does indicate a higher risk of breast cancer. See Lobular Carcinoma in Situ (LCIS) for more information.

What type of treatment is used for breast cancer?

Depending on the type of breast cancer, different types of drug treatment might be used, including: Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer. Hormone Therapy for Breast Cancer. Targeted Drug Therapy for Breast Cancer. Immunotherapy for Breast Cancer.

What do people with cancer need?

People with cancer need support and information, no matter what stage of illness they may be in. Knowing all of your options and finding the resources you need will help you make informed decisions about your care.

Why is communicating with your cancer team important?

Communicating with your cancer care team is important so you understand your diagnosis, what treatment is recommended, and ways to maintain or improve your quality of life. Different types of programs and support services may be helpful, and can be an important part of your care.

Why are clinical trials important?

Clinical trials are one way to get state-of-the art cancer treatment. In some cases they may be the only way to get access to newer treatments. They are also the best way for doctors to learn better methods to treat cancer. Still, they're not right for everyone.

Why is it important to discuss treatment options with your doctor?

Making treatment decisions. It’s important to discuss all of your treatment options, including their goals and possible side effects, with your doctors to help make the decision that best fits your needs. It’s also very important to ask questions if there's anything you’re not sure about.

What is complementary medicine?

Complementary methods refer to treatments that are used along with your regular medical care. Alternative treatments are used instead of a doctor’s medical treatment.

What are the services offered by the American Cancer Society?

These might include nursing or social work services, financial aid, nutritional advice, rehab, or spiritual help. The American Cancer Society also has programs and services – including rides to treatment, lodging, and more – to help you get through treatment.

How long does it take to find breast cancer?

Finding your breast cancer (1 – 3 weeks) Most small breast cancers are found on screening mammography and possibly by ultrasound or maybe a breast MRI. You may have detected your own breast lump and sought further help from your physician.

What is the hardest part of breast cancer?

Making good decisions is the most difficult part of having breast cancer. You will feel pressed for time to learn everything and start your treatment as soon as possible. Time is usually on your side. You must work with your team to learn everything about your cancer and treatment options.

How long does it take to get a mastectomy?

The average time to mastectomy surgery is about 40 days . It can take anywhere from 3 to 12 months from cancer diagnosis to complete your final treatments, and up to ten years if you need hormonal therapy. It is a marathon. Conserve your emotional and physical efforts for the challenges ahead.

Do you need chemotherapy for breast cancer?

Surgery is usually the first treatment for early-stage breast cancer. Most patients will not need chemotherapy. If you have Estrogen receptor negative (ER-) or a “ HER2-Positive “ tumor, then you will likely need chemotherapy either before or after surgery.

Can a breast surgeon do a breast biopsy?

Getting scheduled to have an image-guided breast biopsy by a breast surgeon or radiologist can vary. Most NAPBC accredited Breast Centers work quickly to schedule biopsies for those who might have a breast cancer. Our “ Minimally Invasive Breast Biopsy “ lesson ( here) outlines why needle biopsies are the standard of care.

How to treat breast cancer in cycles?

Depending on the type of treatment, it may be given in cycles that allow your body breaks in between. Surgery. You might get a lumpectomy, in which a surgeon removes the tumor and some surrounding tissue from the breast.

What is the treatment for HER2 negative breast cancer?

Everolimus ( Afinitor) is a targeted therapy sometimes given to women with HER2-negative breast cancer along with the hormone therapy exemestane ( Aromasin ). Patients who are HER2-negative but have PIK3CA-mutated advanced or metastatic breast cancer could be treated by the new PIK3 inhibitor alpelisib (Piqray) in combination with fulvestrant.

What is stage 3 breast cancer?

Breast Cancer Recurrence. In stage III, the cancer has spread beyond the breast and into nearby lymph nodes. Usually many lymph nodes have cancer cells, or the tumor is so large it grows into the chest wall or skin of the breast. A combination of different treatments often works best.

Why do people have chemo before surgery?

Sometimes people have chemo before surgery to shrink a tumor and make it easier to remove. It can help destroy cancer cells that remain after surgery. In cases where surgery isn't an option, chemotherapy may be the main treatment. You can get chemo several different ways.

Can hormone therapy help cancer?

The treatment can destroy cancer cells that may have been missed. Hormone therapy can help women with hormone receptor -positive cancers. That means the cancer needs hormones to grow. In these women, medications can prevent the tumor from getting the hormone.

When is chemo given?

Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy (chemo) may be used after surgery (as adjuvant treatment) for some earlier stages of breast cancer. It also may be used by itself for more advanced cancers. Chemo is not given during the first 3 months (first trimester) of pregnancy.

How early can you get chemo for cancer?

These same treatment plans may also be used for women with more advanced cancer. Chemo is generally not recommended after 35 weeks of pregnancy or within 3 weeks of delivery because it can lower the mother’s blood cell counts.

What is the treatment for cancer after surgery?

Treatment after surgery. Depending on the cancer’s stage, you may need more treatment such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and/or targeted therapy after surgery to help lower the risk of the cancer coming back. This is called adjuvant treatment .

What is the procedure to remove lymph nodes under the arm?

This removes many of the lymph nodes under the arm. Another procedure, called a sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), might be an option depending on how far along you are in pregnancy and your cancer stage.

When is radiation therapy needed for breast cancer?

If these treatments are needed, they are usually scheduled after the baby is born. Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy to the breast is often used after breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy) to help reduce the risk of the cancer coming back.

Can you get BCS after surgery?

If the cancer is found in the third trimester, BCS might be an option because there might be little or no delay in radiation treatments, especially if chemotherapy is planned after surgery. Radiation is normally given after chemotherapy treatments are complete.

Is chemotherapy safe for a baby?

Chemotherapy seems to be safe for the baby if given in the second or third trimester of pregnancy, but it isn’t safe in the first trimester. Other breast cancer treatments, such as hormone therapy, targeted therapy, and radiation therapy, are more likely to harm the baby and are not usually given during pregnancy.

What is the treatment for breast cancer?

Common Chemotherapy Regimens for Early-Stage Breast Cancer. There are many different types of. chemotherapy. Treatment with medicines, chemical substances, that kill cancer cells. chemotherapy medicines. These may be given alone, called. single-agent therapy. A type of clinical trial in which only the doctor knows whether an individual is taking ...

What is a regimen in chemo?

chemotherapy. regimen. A treatment plan that specifies the dosage, the schedule and the duration of treatment. regimen will be given. The medicines are put directly into your bloodstream, usually by. vein. A blood vessel that carries blood to the heart from tissues and organs in the body.

What is a regimen given together?

regimen, are given together or in sequence to treat. early-stage breast cancer. Breast cancer that has not traveled beyond the breast or the axillary lymph nodes. This includes ductal carcinoma in situ, stage I, stage IIA, stage IIB and stage IIIA breast cancers. early-stage breast cancer.

How long does chemotherapy last?

Some treatments, mostly pills, are taken daily. Treatment with chemotherapy usually lasts for 3 to 6 months depending on the medicines used. For. early-stage breast cancer.

What is single agent therapy?

single-agent therapy. A type of clinical trial in which only the doctor knows whether an individual is taking the standard treatment or the new treatment being tested. This helps prevent bias in treatment studies. single-agent therapy. But in many cases, a combination of two or more medicines, called a. regimen.

Which chemotherapy regimens kill cancer cells?

The common chemotherapy regimens are: AC: Adriamycin and Cyclophosphamide.

Is combination chemotherapy more effective than single agent?

Treatment using more than one anticancer agent. combination chemotherapy is more effective than. single-agent therapy. A type of clinical trial in which only the doctor knows whether an individual is taking the standard treatment or the new treatment being tested. This helps prevent bias in treatment studies.

Overview

Risks

How You Prepare

What You Can Expect

Results

Clinical Trials