Follow-up Care of Metastatic Breast Cancer

Executive Summary

Follow-up care for inflammatory breast cancer refers to the after-treatment protocols conducted by the healthcare team to look after any recurrence, manage the side effects, and monitor the patients’ overall health. Both medical and physical examinations are included in the follow-up care of metastatic breast cancer. Watching the recurrence of breast cancer is seen in test reports of follow-up care. The symptoms due to the long term effects of radiation therapy, such as breathlessness, a dry cough, and chest pain, are treated with steroids. The methods of follow-up treatment are often associated with chemo sessions, radiation therapies, and more. It is essential to have a follow-up care plan for Metastatic Breast Cancer as the patient tends to think majorly about breast cancer symptoms and related to them. The doctor will propose checks and testing to check for late effects based on the patient’s metastatic breast cancer treatment symptoms. Managing the side effects while receiving treatment is a critical follow-up care approach. Personalizing the follow-up care plan is essential for patients with breast cancer conducted by the medical care team. Effective communication with the doctor regarding the long term effects of all the treatments will be effective in the future.

Follow-up Care for Metastatic Breast Cancer

Doctors and GP’s have majorly stressed that cancer can cause harm or affect a patient’s body and take a massive toll on the mind. While awareness of cancer is rapidly rising, the methods are often associated with chemo sessions, radiation therapies, and more ​1​. When the tumor hits back or is found in different parts of the body, It suddenly has a lot of consequences mentally, and There is no one-size-fits-all approach to deal with the diagnosis of breast cancer. One must perform and deal with what is suitable for the patient and their circumstances.

About the Follow-up Care of Metastatic Breast Cancer, Many people find it of great help to focus on comprehending their new breast cancer diagnosis, learning everything they can about medication options, and seeking out additional medical views ​2​. Information can offer you a sense of control, which can help you cope with whatever fears you may be facing.

Breast Cancer treatment isn’t only about what’s going on physically; it’s also about your emotional well-being, and the optimum medication plan takes both into account. It’s critical to identify methods for reducing stress and easing any concerns you may have. 

Dealing with metastatic breast cancer entails more than just going to the doctor. It’s a comprehensive approach. Metastatic breast cancer is a chronic disease, and it becomes a part of a patients new reality. A patient has to change their lifestyle after being diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. The physical abilities go down at a rapid pace and become challenging while making state and professional changes. 

The patients go through a lot of anxiety during the treatment while following up how the results have panned out, and this can be hugely taxing on the mind; this condition is Scan-xiety. It’s common to feel anxious when you’re waiting for a significant test result, and I don’t think there’s a quick fix to it.

When a patient is undergoing breast cancer treatment, the most important thing is to have a strong relationship with the caregiver. it is important to have a follow-up care plan of Metastatic Breast Cancer as the patient tends to think majorly about breast cancer symptoms and related to them. It is a massive topic as the caregiver offers love and all the necessary information like vaccination dates, medication timing, prescriptions and what not? Physically and emotionally, the role played by the caregiver is second to none. 

While one is in treatment, the standard of living is a concept that is frequently used in the context of distant metastasis, but it should be used in other contexts as well. Appreciate life, Accept things as they are in the way to lead a life under these circumstances. Enduring something means accepting. This is a marathon and not a sprint. Patients need to be aware that they can do things that aren’t possible now. There is always light at the end of the tunnel, and it can drastically change and go down. Sometimes all it takes is a week, and as a result of this, one must never stop running and challenging themselves, no matter the situation.

References

  1. 1.
    Sisler J, Chaput G, Sussman J, Ozokwelu E. Follow-up after treatment for breast cancer: Practical guide to survivorship care for family physicians. Can Fam Physician. 2016;62(10):805-811. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27737976
  2. 2.
    Ruddy KJ, Herrin J, Sangaralingham L, et al. Follow-up Care for Breast Cancer Survivors. JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Published online October 15, 2019:111-113. doi:10.1093/jnci/djz203