If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, it's crucial to ask your doctor and other healthcare providers any questions you may have. This is so that you fully understand your diagnosis, treatment options, and what to do during your recovery.
Because this can be a difficult time, bringing a family member or close friend to your appointments is helpful. People with cancer need emotional support at every stage of their journey, helping them to stay as physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy as possible.
In unfortunate cases, breast cancer can sometimes be misdiagnosed. If you believe that you or someone you know has been a victim of misdiagnosis, it is advisable to seek help from a qualified medical malpractice lawyer. A skilled attorney can help you pursue compensation for economic damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and the emotional distress caused by the misdiagnosis.
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After your breast cancer diagnosis, don’t be afraid to ask your doctor the following questions:
1. What Stage is My Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer staging depends on factors like breast cancer type, tumor size, and location, and whether cancer has spread to other areas of your body:
| Stage 0 | The disease is noninvasive, meaning it hasn't spread from your breast ducts to other parts of your breast. |
| Stage I | There are cancerous cells in nearby breast tissue. |
| Stage II | The cancerous cells have formed a tumor or tumors. |
| Stage III | There's breast cancer in nearby tissue and lymph nodes. |
| Stage IV | Cancer has spread from your breast to your bones, liver, lungs, or brain. |
Your doctor will determine your breast cancer stage based on a combination of physical exams, imaging tests (such as mammograms and ultrasounds), and biopsy results.
2. Where Exactly Do I Have Cancer?
Breast cancer often originates in the mammary glands or ducts, and the location of the malignant lumps can vary. Here's a breakdown of where breast cancers commonly appear:
| Part of the Breast | Likelihood of Occurrence |
| Upper outer quadrant | 50% of breast cancers develop in this area, extending into the armpit. This region's tissue is typically thicker than other parts of the breast. |
| Nipple area | 18% of breast cancers occur in the vicinity of the nipple. |
| Lower outer quadrant | 11% of breast cancers appear in this quadrant, which is the lower right area of the breast. |
| Lower inner quadrant | About 6% of breast cancers develop in this lower right area of the breast. |
Individuals must be aware of the normal appearance and feel of their breasts. This knowledge can help them identify any changes or abnormalities requiring medical attention.
3. What Are My Treatment Choices?
Treatment options for breast cancer depend on various factors, including the stage, type, and location of the tumor and overall health. The most common treatments include:
| Treatment Options | Explanation |
| Surgery | Surgical procedures remove cancerous cells from your body. The two main types of surgery to remove breast cancer are Lumpectomy and Mastectomy. |
| Chemotherapy | This may be recommended before breast cancer surgery (neoadjuvant) or after surgery (adjuvant). Before chemotherapy, solid tumors may be tested by genomic testing to predict their response to specific drugs, helping to avoid unnecessary side effects. |
| Hormone therapy | This therapy works on breast cancers that are hormone receptor-positive, and most breast cancers are in this category. Hormone therapy drugs treat breast cancer by starving cancer cells of the hormones they need. |
| Radiation therapy | This therapy destroys or slows the growth of cancer cells by targeting them with high-energy X-rays or other types of radiation designed to damage their DNA. |
| Targeted therapy | This is commonly paired with other treatments, such as chemotherapy, to help control cancer that has spread or to prevent breast cancer recurrence. |
| Immunotherapy | This is a viable option offered for treating patients with inoperable, metastatic breast cancer with one of two genetic features: microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR). |
4. Are There Any Complications From Breast Cancer Treatment?
The treatments mentioned above may not only affect cancer cells. They also can affect healthy cells and can change how you feel, causing several side effects, including:
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weakness and fatigue
- Mouth sores or dry mouth
- Taste changes from cancer or chemo treatments
- Hair loss
- Weight gain
- Early menopause
- A higher risk of infections
- Bleeding
- Diarrhea
Your healthcare provider may recommend specific medications and other treatments to manage these symptoms and alleviate potential side effects.
5. Will Treatment for My Breast Cancer Affect My Ability to Have Children?
Breast cancer treatments can affect fertility in different ways:
- Some treatments can cause temporary infertility or make it more difficult for you to get pregnant.
- Some treatments cause irreversible menopause, and you're no longer able to get pregnant.
- Some treatments, like radiation therapy, don't affect fertility at all.
Your healthcare team can refer you to a fertility specialist to discuss these possibilities and help you make an informed decision. In case of a confirmed misdiagnosis of breast cancer causing harm, such as loss of fertility, it may be necessary to consult with our medical malpractice attorney specializing in cancer misdiagnosis cases to pursue legal action.
6. What's My Risk of Getting Other Cancers After Breast Cancer Treatment?
Studies have shown that women who are 10 years past their breast cancer diagnosis have a higher risk of developing a second primary cancer compared to the general population. Recent research also indicates that the likelihood of breast cancer survivors developing a new, unrelated cancer is 18%.
Remember, while the risk of developing a new cancer after breast cancer treatment exists, it's important not to let this overshadow the progress you've made in your breast cancer journey. Focus on your health and well-being, and work closely with your healthcare team.
7. What Should I Do to Recover Faster?
Breast cancer survivors are recommended to generally look after their health after treatment. They can start simple by incorporating the following in their lifestyle:
- Exercise
- Eating a balanced diet
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Getting good sleep
- Reducing stress
- Avoiding tobacco
- Limiting the amount of alcohol you drink
Recovery is a gradual process, and it is essential to be patient and kind to yourself along the way. Work closely with your healthcare team to develop a personalized recovery plan that takes into account your unique needs, preferences, and any potential limitations related to your cancer treatment.
8. Are There Any Support Groups for Young Women or Mothers with Breast Cancer?
Support groups are tailored to specific breast cancer stages and experiences. Consider contacting the following organizations:
- Breast Cancer Network of Western NY
- Adelphi University Breast Cancer Support Program
- Glens Falls Hospital Community Services
- Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester Support Groups
- Wilmot Cancer Institute Breast Cancer Support Groups
- Support Connection Breast and Ovarian Cancer Support
Seeking support is a sign of strength, and connecting with others who understand your experiences can be incredibly valuable during your breast cancer journey. Don't hesitate to reach out to multiple organizations to find the best fit for you.
9. Can I Get a Second Opinion from Other Doctors?
A second opinion is a common and acceptable practice, especially when faced with a complex diagnosis like breast cancer. It also may be helpful when:
| - Your health insurance requires a second opinion. - Your diagnosis isn't clear. - You have a lot of medical conditions. - You have a life-threatening condition. - You have many treatments to choose from. - You're not responding to treatment. - You want peace of mind. |
A second opinion is not about doubting your current doctor's expertise but gathering additional information and perspectives to make the most informed decisions about breast cancer care.
10. Can Breast Cancer Be Misdiagnosed?
Yes, breast cancer can be misdiagnosed. It occurs when the doctor incorrectly identifies the symptoms and test results as a condition other than breast cancer, potentially leading to harmful treatments and allowing the breast cancer to progress. Examples of misdiagnosis of breast cancer are as follows:
| - Mistaking advanced-stage breast cancer symptoms for a benign cyst - Diagnosing inflammatory breast cancer redness as just a skin rash - Identifying nipple discharge as dermatitis instead of Paget's disease - Concluding large breast mass was a fat necrosis, not a tumor - Misinterpreting biopsy report as showing benign fibroadenoma rather than DCIS |
If something doesn't feel right about your diagnosis or treatment plan, don't hesitate to ask questions, seek additional opinions, and consult a medical malpractice lawyer if you have been misdiagnosed.
Get Compensation After a Breast Cancer Misdiagnosis
Our seasoned medical malpractice lawyers can always lend their hand.
Speak to a Breast Cancer Malpractice Lawyer
At the Porter Law Group, our team of proven medical malpractice lawyers delivers ideal results. We take pride in helping families rebuild after unfavorable circumstances.
We operate on a contingency basis – meaning you do not need to pay us anything unless we win your case. Through this approach, we can better support families during their times of need.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of medical malpractice, please reach out to us for a non-obligatory free case evaluation. You can also contact us at 833-PORTER9 or info@porterlawteam.com to schedule a consultation.
