During those first few hours and days after being diagnosed with breast cancer, you will undoubtedly have an overwhelming number of questions that you need to have answered. Although many questions asked of the One-on-One volunteers are very difficult to compile in a simple list with responses, below are some questions that One-on-One volunteers are often asked, and responses that may be helpful in dealing with the confusion you are feeling.

The questions you will find below are grouped into special areas. You may want to look through all of the questions by scrolling through our list, or you may click on a specific area of interest and go directly to questions dealing with those types of issues.

Emotional Issues
Before Surgery/Immediately Following Surgery
Additional Treatment
Recovery

You can also get answers to your questions directly from a One-on-One Volunteer by sending an e-mail message. A One-on-One volunteer will respond to your request for information as soon as possible.

Emotional Issues
The emotional issues you must deal with when you are first diagnosed with breast cancer are some of the hardest things you will have to face. Below are some questions you may find yourself asking, along with information One-on-One volunteers have provided to many women just like you.

Why me? Why now?
There really are no good answers to these questions. But they are questions that each of us has contemplated and struggled with throughout our own recovery. There is never a "right time" to have breast cancer. However, finding the breast cancer now, as opposed to later on, may in fact save your life. Breast cancer is most easily treated when it is detected in its early stages. Additionally, dramatic findings in breast cancer research and improvements in breast cancer imaging have tremendously increased your likelihood of recovering from breast cancer. Breast cancer does not necessarily mean the end of your life, but it may mark the beginning of a new life, with a new perspective and a greater understanding of your own strength and determination.

How do I cope with knowing I may die?
Breast cancer is a very serious illness, and the reality of the situation is that despite advances in medical technology, some women do die from breast cancer. However, a large percentage of breast cancer patients, some with quite serious cases of breast cancer, have survived. We encourage you to focus on the possibilities of recovering and not to dwell on the probabilities that may not present an optimistic outcome of the illness. It is extremely important to keep a positive mental attitude so you can work with your doctor toward recovery.

How can I help my children understand what is happening?
How you approach this with your children may depend a lot on their age and maturity. Being honest and as truthful about the situation as possible, without unnecessarily alarming the child, is important. One approach may be to try and talk about breast cancer as a challenge that you must face, not unlike difficult challenges that must be faced throughout life. It is very important to reassure your children that you are being taken care of by highly qualified, skilled professionals who are doing everything they can to make you better. For younger children who don't understand what cancer is, it is also important to explain to them that cancer is not a contagious disease, and that they can not "catch" it from you, nor did you do anything to "catch" it yourself.

How do I help my family cope with what I am going through?
Communication can be a key ingredient to helping your family. As in most families, you are probably accustomed to providing emotional strength and reassurance for your family. However, during this confusing time, it may be difficult to continue in that role. It is important that you and your family stay focused on recovery and overcoming the challenges you are all facing. Additionally, you should encourage members of your family to talk about their fears, anger, or other emotions they may be feeling. If they are not comfortable talking with you about their feelings, there are other resources they can turn to for support. The American Cancer Society provides information that may be helpful in this area.

Will my husband/partner find me unattractive after surgery?
We find that the anxiety most men feel after their wives or partners have had breast surgery is not because they are necessarily less attracted to their wives or partners, but because the men don't want the women to feel uncomfortable with their bodies, or to feel uncomfortable in front of them. You need to share your feelings about this and other concerns with your partner. Open and honest communication is extremely important during this time. If you are concerned that your partner may be having problems adjusting, there are numerous resources you may draw from that can be of help. One good resource is the book "Man-to-Man" written by Andy Murcia, actress Anne Jillian's husband, and Bob Stewart. Your doctor can recommend additional resources.

Before Surgery/Immediately After Surgery
At the same time you are dealing with the intensely emotional issues discussed above, you may also have questions about Surgical Associates, treatment options that are available, and how to care for yourself after your surgery. Below are questions the One-on-One volunteers often get regarding these concerns.

Do Surgical Associates doctors specialize in breast cancer surgery?
Yes, breast cancer has always been an important part of Surgical Associates. Nearly one-third of all visits to Surgical Associates are for breast evaluations resulting from abnormal screening or diagnostic mammograms, a clinical breast problem, or consultation for previously biopsied breast cancer. Surgical Associates doctors have also played a pivotal role in the development of the Saint Francis Breast Center, an important national resource for breast cancer care. In our doctor profiles, you will find personal and professional information on each of our doctors, which may help demonstrate their expertise and commitment to breast cancer care.

Is a lumpectomy a treatment I can consider?
In some cases, breast conserving surgery called a lumpectomy may be an alternative to removing the breast, called a  mastectomy. Your doctor is the best resource for information regarding treatment options that are available to you.

What is reconstructive surgery?
Reconstructive surgery involves reconstructing a breast mound after the breast has been surgically removed. The reconstruction is done by a plastic surgeon who can use various procedures to reconstruct a breast. If you feel you may want reconstructive surgery, it is a good idea to talk with your surgeon prior to having your breast cancer surgery. Reconstructive surgery can sometimes be done during the breast cancer surgery, or it may be conducted anytime after your surgery.

How long will I be in the hospital
The length of your hospital stay will vary, depending on the type of surgery you have. The average hospital stay following a mastectomy is one to two days. You should discuss this with your doctor, who can give you a better idea of how long your hospital stay may be based on your individual needs and care required.

If I have to have a drainage tube, how do I take care of it?
If you are released from the hospital with the drainage tube from your incision still in place, your doctor will carefully explain how you need to care for it and any precautions you will need to take to avoid disturbing it.

Do I take my bra with me to the hospital? What do I wear home?
You will wear your bra to the hospital on the day of your surgery. However, you will not wear your bra when you go home. You may want to purchase a camisole-type garment that opens in the front and can be stepped into rather than pulled over the head to wear home. They are available at some of the specialty shops that have breast prosthetic products. It may be necessary to wear a very loose blouse or top that does not disturb your incision or bandaging. Your doctor may prescribe a prosethetic bra which is specially fitted for you later in your recovery. Often, these prosetheses are covered by medical insurance. Talk with your doctor and also with your insurance company to see if they will cover these special needs.
 

Additional Treatments
Often, women are concerned about treatment such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy which they may receive following their surgery.

What is chemotherapy like?
There are many different kinds of chemotherapy, and different individuals will experience different side-effects from different drugs. New chemotherapy drugs have made chemotherapy much more manageable than it was in the past. Your oncologist, part of the breast cancer treatment team, will be able to address your questions about common side effects patients have to specific drugs, and advise you on ways to help you cope with or reduce side effects throughout your own treatment.

Will I have burns or scaring from radiation treatments?
There are a number of variables that can influence the burning and scaring effects from radiation, including the type of radiation treatments you are having and the type of skin you have. You should discuss your concerns with the oncology radiologist, who is part of your breast cancer treatment team.

Will I loose my hair?
If you are having chemotherapy as part of your treatment, you may lose your hair. The extent of your hair lose will depend largely on the types of drugs you are receiving and your reaction to those drugs.

Recovery
There are also many questions the newly diagnosed patient often has about the process of recovery.

Will I be in pain during recovery?
The pain following surgery varies greatly with the individual, depending of several factors, including your tolerance for pain and the type of procedure that was performed. Most often, women refer to what they are feeling during recovery as discomfort, rather than pain.

When will I be able to use my arm?
Talk with your doctor about specific recommendations regarding using your arm after surgery. Most often, your doctor will encourage you to use your arm while you are still in the hospital, with some restrictions on lifting.

How will I know if something is wrong after the surgery and during recovery?
If you feel something that is happening during your recovery doesn't seem normal, or if you are experiencing discomfort that is disruptive to sleep or other activities, you should call your doctor. One of the most common problems women experience after going home is an accumulation of fluid in the incision area, which may need to be drained by a doctor.

Will I ever get feeling back under my arm?
Sometimes after breast cancer surgery, there will be numbness under your arm. The majority of women do regain feeling in that area over time.