INGLES

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Treating breast cancer can be a long process and it can be emotionally and physically
trying. McGee offers many support services to help patients through this difficult time.
Some patients feel comfortable talking to a counselor individually, while others prefer a
support group setting. Breast cancer survivors who have first hand experience volunteer
their time to offer advice and support. I'm sure husbands look at you and you don't look
as good as you used to, but you'll come out of it. And if they hold you and snuggle with
you and make sure you know that you're going to be strong through this and everything
will be okay, then it's all right.

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I felt I had to be strong for my children and I denied times when I really didn't feel
100% and that's not fair. To the caregivers, because they're truly wanting to do
something for you and be honest with them and say you know today I don't feel 100%
sure bring dinner over something to that effect. I think that's very important not to deny
your support system when they want to help you and you don't have to be a hero going
through this. There's times that you can ask for help and and receive it gracefully.

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When they are diagnosed, many patients ask how much time to allow for surgery,
followup and recovery. Consider the day of diagnosis as day one. Patients generally see
a surgeon in seven days or so prior to the operation. Patients have tests to look for
evidence of the spread of cancer. Typically, surgery is scheduled within six weeks from
the time of diagnosis. Patients are encouraged to get a second surgical opinion if it will
make them more comfortable. Physicians understand that this is an important decision
and will not be offended. Some patients require preoperative testing because of other
health problems. Others may want to see a plastic surgeon to consider reconstructive
surgery. Minor delays should not change the outcome of the operation. After surgery.
Pathology reports are generally available in four to five days. In some cases, where a
more extensive amount of tissue is taken, it may take longer. McGee surgeons or
associates call individual patients to review the results of their pathology report. After
the pathology review, a medical oncology consultation is scheduled for the patient. If
chemotherapy is a part of the treatment program, it generally begins three or four weeks
after the operation and lasts for three to six months. If radiation therapy is needed, it is
scheduled after chemotherapy. Otherwise, radiation therapy begins three or four weeks
after surgery. Hormonal therapy for patients who are estrogen receptor positive is the
final treatment in the sequence. It starts when chemotherapy and radiation are complete
and lasts for five years or more. Each therapy adds to the effectiveness of the treatment
of breast cancer. However, breast cancer survivors are at higher risk of getting cancer
again. In the years to come, healthcare professionals will want to review annual
mammograms and follow up with clinical breast examinations. Diligent and attentive
care is essential to remain well. I feel absolutely wonderful. I feel great. I feel great.
Now. I really do. I'm active again. It took it. I should say this, it takes a few years to
recover from it. Don't think that right after you have your chemo, all of a sudden you're
going to be better in a day. Your body has a lot of healing to do, so you have to be
patient with yourself. I just wanted to pack a lot in because I wasn't planning on getting
cancer. And when I did, it was a big surprise. And so I thought, wow, I don't know if.
I'm going to get sick again, so I better hurry up and get a lot done. And that's exhausting
to pack it every fun thing you want to do in your life. But there comes a time where you
start to relax and say it's it's OK. But I I feel well, I feel great. I really did.

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I feel great, believe me. I enjoy life far more than I ever thought I could, and I do stop
and smell the roses. I enjoy my grandchildren and I wake up each day and I'm really
glad that. I just try to live at the fullest. I enjoy every day of life.