喵咪社区

At 喵咪社区, a team of specialists works together to provide optimal cancer care.

A breast cancer diagnosis can be scary. An estimated 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. However, you won鈥檛 face this challenge alone.

鈥淭he surgical oncologist initially directs the cancer care. They interpret the biopsy results and determine the type of cancer and the stage,鈥� explains Emma Koesters, MD, a plastic surgeon with Keck Medicine who specializes in breast reconstruction.

The surgical oncologist performs the surgery to cut the cancer out. The most common procedure is a lumpectomy, during which the doctor removes the tumor while preserving healthy breast tissue. Alternatively, mastectomy is a surgery to remove part or all of the breast. This doctor will also remove the patient鈥檚 lymph nodes when there is concern that the cancer has spread there.

Reconstructive Surgeon

Patients with breast cancer typically meet with a reconstructive surgeon early on to learn about their options. This doctor works closely with the surgical oncologist to determine what will give the patient the best results. Patients can usually expect both specialists to operate during the same procedure.

Medical Oncologist and/or Radiation Oncologist

Depending on the type and stage of cancer, the surgical oncologist may recommend chemotherapy, radiation therapy or both.

A medical oncologist is the specialist who administers chemotherapy, which involves using medications to target cancer cells. Patients may undergo chemotherapy before having surgery to shrink the tumor and make it easier to remove. Chemotherapy after surgery targets any cancer cells left behind.

A radiation oncologist uses high-intensity beams like X-rays to target cancer cells. Radiation therapy is often used after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence.

During this time, a patient may also be encouraged to consult with a nutritionist to ensure they鈥檙e getting the proper nourishment to help their body manage the cancer treatments.

Genetic Counselor

Patients can expect to meet with a genetic counselor soon after a breast cancer diagnosis. A genetic counselor will administer genetic testing to determine if the patient has a mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, which is associated with an elevated breast cancer risk.

Dr. Koesters says if a patient tests positive for one of these mutated genes, or if breast cancer is prevalent in their family history, those results can strongly impact treatment decisions.

For example, a patient with cancer in one breast may choose to undergo a double mastectomy as a preventive measure.

Fertility Specialist

Patients who want to have children in the future may elect to meet with a fertility specialist before beginning breast cancer treatments.

鈥淐hemotherapy can affect the patient鈥檚 ovaries and reproductive viability,鈥� Dr. Koesters explains. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 why they may consider freezing their eggs before starting treatment.鈥�

Occupational Therapist

Patients can expect to meet with an occupational therapist following surgery. 鈥淪urgery like a mastectomy can impact range of motion in the shoulders, so we focus on building that back up,鈥� Antolin says.

In addition, some patients require radiation treatment after surgery, a procedure that usually requires a patient to remain with their arms above their head for a few minutes. 鈥淥ccupational therapists can help by prescribing exercises, stretching and soft tissue massage to decrease muscle and scar tightness in order to help patients position themselves comfortably,鈥� she says.

Occupational therapists can also help patients improve their independence with activities of daily living such as dressing, grooming and completing household tasks. They can also help patients with pain and scar management post-surgery.

鈥淔or patients who also had lymph nodes removed, we鈥檒l also watch for signs of lymphedema. We teach patients about how to manage the swelling and may recommend they see a certified lymphedema specialist,鈥� she adds.

Finally, Antolin says a physical therapist may get involved to help address issues such as back pain or fatigue.

Patient Care Navigators

Patients can rely on a patient care or nurse navigator to help them keep track of all the various specialists and appointments throughout their breast cancer journey.

鈥淲e also have a weekly multidisciplinary breast clinic here at 喵咪社区,鈥� says Dr. Koesters. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a one-stop shop where patients can meet with each specialty and get a sense of what to expect.鈥�

鈥淚鈥檝e had breast cancer myself, and my doctors and the support staff were always right there with me making sure all the appointments lined up,鈥� says Antolin, who is now cancer-free. 鈥淭he teams at Keck Medicine are on top of it.鈥�

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