Doherty revealed her breast cancer has returned & is now at stage four. Her cancer had previously gone into remission in 2017, & she spoke about feeling “ lucky lớn be alive ” after undergoing treatment .
The heartbreaking battle began with an initial diagnosis in năm ngoái, and Doherty documented much of her journey on mạng xã hội truyền thông .
Doherty also said she initially didn’t tell anyone about her recurrence because she wanted Khủng prove that she was still able béo work .
“ Our life doesn’t kết thúc the minute we get that diagnosis. We still have some living béo do, ” she said .
Advances in Breast Cancer Treatment
After learning her breast cancer spread béo her lymph nodes, Doherty had a single mastectomy và also went through chemo & radiation .
Even with a metastatic breast cancer diagnosis — meaning the disease has spread Khủng other parts of your body toàn thân — there’s reason phệ have hope. A recent study shows women with advanced-stage breast cancer are living longer .
“ We’re getting better và better at fighting back against breast cancer, ” says Nicole D. Figueredo, MD, FACS, Breast Surgeon ; Board-Certified General Surgery with AdventHealth. “ Treatments và technologies have advanced, & we take care mập create a very tailored care kế hoạch that meets your needs và attacks your cancer. ”
In the early 1990 s, women diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer before age 50 typically lived for about 22 months. By 2012, that had gone up lớn 39 months .
It’s estimated that there are more than 150,000 U.S. women living with metastatic breast cancer — an increase of nearly đôi mươi % since 2.000 .
Though it might not seem lượt thích good news that more women have metastatic breast cancer, it’s a sign of progress .Why Does Cancer Come Back?
Some say the second cancer diagnosis is more devastating than the first. It’s understandable béo feel angry, frustrated, sad và uncertain when cancer in yourself or a loved one has recurred .
A cancer recurrence happens when some cells from your cancer remained, despite treatment mập remove them. Thes e cells could be in the same place where your cancer first originated, or they could be in another part of your body toàn thân .
“ When a patient’s cancer goes into remission, it’s a victory for all of us, ” said Dr. Figueredo. “ But then we begin looking at their health through a different lens, watching for potential signs of recurrence. ”
Recurrence is divided into three categories :
- Distant recurrence: This refers to cancer that has spread (metastasized) to areas farther away from where your cancer was first found
- Local recurrence: The cancer reappears in the same place it was first found or very close by
- Regional recurrence: Cancer occurs in the lymph nodes and tissue located near your original cancer
In some cases, recurrence can still be cured. Even if it cannot be cured, treatment may be able lớn slow the cancer’s progress Khủng prolong & improve your chất lượng of life .
Can Cancer Recurrence Be Avoided?
Following your doctor’s orders regarding nutrition, exercise & medication is essential in caring for your cancer và working bự keep it controlled. But sometimes, its progression is something you can’t change .
“ If cancer recurs, you can’t blame yourself, ” said Dr. Dr. Figueredo. “ You may be taking care of yourself & doing everything right, but cancer can be unpredictable & aggressive. We will be here for you through all the ups và downs in this fight. ”Screening is Still the Best Way to Reduce Your Risk
Breast cancer screening is the best way bự find breast cancer early, before it spreads .
The American society of breast surgeons & the ACS recommend, & Dr. Figueredo agrees most women should receive mammograms every two years starting at age 40. Some may need earlier or more frequent screening — for example, if you have a family history of breast cancer, carry a certain genetic mutation or received radiation therapy phệ your chest when you were younger .
Talk with your bác sỹ about the screening schedule that would be best for you .
The cancer programs at AdventHealth offer the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re doing everything you can béo spot breast cancer early. And even if cancer is found, we’re here with compassionate care, hope và the latest treatment options .
For seven ways lớn reduce your risk of breast cancer, visit our post. To learn more about our breast cancer screenings & care, nhấp chuột here ..
Source: https://chickgolden.com
Leave a Comment