No one can prepare you for the moment that you are diagnosed with breast cancer. However, as survivors and thrivers ourselves, we can use our experience to come together and offer the best tangible guidance as you navigate the first 30 days of your diagnosis.
This period is vital for setting the stage for your upcoming treatment journey and your precious emotional well-being. This is our structured approach to managing these first crucial days.
Addressing Emotional & Mental Health
Your Feelings Are Valid
At this time, it is imperative that you give yourself grace as the emotional impact sets in. Allow yourself to experience and process your emotions. It’s normal to feel a range of emotions, including fear, anger, and sadness.
We’ve been there. We have felt it all.
Seek Professional Help
To ease the weight off your shoulders, consult with a mental health professional who specializes in oncology or cancer care. You can also explore practices such as mindfulness, meditation, or yoga to effectively manage stress and support your emotional well-being during this challenging time.
Understanding Your Diagnosis
Information Gathering
It is incredibly important to confirm your diagnosis by gaining a clear understanding of the type, stage and grade of your cancer. Additionally, seeking a second opinion from another specialist can provide reassurance and help you explore all available treatment options, ensuring you make informed decisions about your care.
Personal Education
With knowledge comes confidence, and with confidence comes positive outcomes.
We urge you to research your specific type of breast cancer to understand the various options available. Consulting reliable sources, such as the American Cancer Society or Mayo Clinic, will provide you with accurate and comprehensive information to guide your choices.
Building Your Support Team
Your Multi-Disciplinary Medical Specialists
- Oncologist: Oversees cancer treatment, including chemotherapy, hormone therapy and targeted therapies.
- Nurse Navigator: Provides education, support and coordination of care throughout the treatment journey.
- Breast Surgeon: Specializes in performing surgeries like lumpectomy or mastectomy.
- Radiologist: Specializes in imaging (like mammograms and MRIs) to diagnose and monitor cancer.
- Radiation Oncologist: Administers radiation therapy if/when needed.
- Pathologist: Analyzes tissue samples to determine cancer type and stage.
- Mental Health Professional: Provides emotional and psychological support to help patients cope with their diagnosis and treatment.
- Dietitian/Nutritionist: Helps maintain proper nutrition to reduce inflammation and manage side effects from treatment.
- Plastic Surgeon: Creates a customized aesthetic treatment plan to help reclaim your confidence using cosmetic procedures.
Your Core Support System
- Family & Friends: Reach out to loved ones who can provide emotional and practical support. Seek guidance from those you personally know who have gone through a similar diagnosis.
- Your Appointment Buddy: Medical appointments can be overwhelming, so it helps to have two sets of ears when talking with a healthcare professional. If possible, establish a point person who can join these conversations to help keep everything digestible and organized.
- Support Groups: Join support groups, either in-person or online, for shared experiences and advice. We have established the Thriving Beyond Breast Cancer mental health support group, led by breast cancer survivors and individuals currently undergoing treatment, to offer compassionate guidance to younger patients. Drawing from their own experiences, they provide invaluable support to help others navigate the emotional and mental challenges of the breast cancer journey.
Learn more about our support group →
Organizing Your Medical Care
Create A Plan
Collaborate with your medical team to develop a detailed treatment schedule and timeline, and ensure you keep track of all medical appointments and tests to stay organized and informed throughout your treatment journey.
Manage Your Records
Amidst the chaos, it can be easy to get flustered and disorganized.
Maintain a comprehensive file of all your medical records, test results, and treatment plans, and review your insurance coverage to understand what expenses will be covered during your treatment, ensuring you are prepared for any financial aspects. In some cases, establishing a physical collection of records can help keep you more accountable.
Managing Practical Aspects
Daily Life Adjustments
Saying “cancer treatments are disruptive” is the understatement of the millennium. Aspects of your normal routine will need to be amended as you move forward on your path to remission.
Inform your employer about your diagnosis to discuss potential adjustments to your work schedule. You will also want to delegate household tasks while seeking help with responsibilities as needed to manage your daily life more effectively during treatment. But be careful not to give up too much — a sense of normalcy can provide comfort in these early days.
Financial Planning
This is perhaps the most distressing and frustrating aspect of the journey. However, it is important to assess your financial situation and plan for potential medical expenses. Explore financial aid or support programs available for cancer patients to help manage the costs associated with your treatment.
Thriving Beyond Breast Cancer May Be Able To Assist
Our organization is dedicated to empowering, educating, and uplifting young women who are facing the challenges of a breast cancer diagnosis. Understanding the unique financial difficulties that come with breast cancer treatment, we are committed to providing the support these women need.
Our program offers free expense stipends to help alleviate the financial strain of medical and medication costs, ensuring that they receive the assistance they deserve during this critical time.
Let’s Talk Today →
Focusing on Nutrition and Wellness
A Diet That Supports Your Treatment Plan
Focus on creating a plant-based diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean proteins like fish and poultry. Antioxidant-rich foods such as berries, leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables may help reduce inflammation and support the immune system. Healthy fats from sources like olive oil, nuts and avocados are also beneficial and you will want to limit processed foods, added sugars and processed meats.
It’s essential to avoid alcohol, reduce caffeine and maintain adequate hydration. Depending on your initial treatment plan, you may also want to consider smaller, more frequent meals to help manage side effects like nausea. Consulting with a registered dietitian who specializes in oncology can also provide personalized guidance to optimize nutrition throughout this journey.
Try Your Best To Keep Moving
Gentle, low-impact activities can help maintain mobility, manage fatigue and support your emotional well-being. Walking, stretching and basic range-of-motion exercises — such as shoulder rolls and gentle arm lifts — can promote circulation and prevent stiffness, particularly after surgery.
It’s important to avoid strenuous or high-intensity exercises until cleared by a healthcare provider, especially following treatments like surgery or radiation. Working with a physical therapist who specializes in cancer recovery can provide tailored exercises that help regain strength and mobility safely.
Preparing for Treatment
“How Long After A Breast Cancer Diagnosis Does Treatment Begin?”
The timing for starting treatment after a breast cancer diagnosis can vary depending on individual circumstances and the specifics of the diagnosis. Generally, treatment begins within a few weeks to a couple of months after diagnosis to ensure timely intervention.
Your healthcare team will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan and schedule based on your specific case.
Understand Your Options
It’s important to familiarize yourself with the various treatment options available for breast cancer, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and hormone therapy. Each treatment comes with potential side effects, so discussing these with your doctor is crucial for planning effective management strategies.
Ask Every Question You Have
Don’t hesitate to ask your medical team detailed questions about your treatment plan and what to expect throughout your journey. Additionally, inquire about the resources and support services available through your treatment center, as these can provide valuable assistance and guidance during your care.
Understanding both your treatment and the support available will help you navigate this process more effectively.
The first 30 days following a breast cancer diagnosis are a whirlwind of information, emotions, and decisions. By taking proactive steps to understand your diagnosis, build a support team, manage practical aspects, and focus on your well-being, you can navigate this challenging time with greater confidence, clarity and grace.
About the Author
Bess Hagans is the Chief Executive Officer of Thriving Beyond Breast Cancer. As a survivor and thriver herself, she understands the physical and mental whirlwind that a cancer diagnosis can bring, especially in those first days. Bess strives to use her lived experiences and pragmatic acumen to improve the lives of patients everywhere. “Remember, you are not alone — reach out for support and rely on the expertise of your medical team to guide you through this journey.”
