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HomeHealthNavigating Care Through Every Phase of Metastatic Breast Cancer

Navigating Care Through Every Phase of Metastatic Breast Cancer

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When Managing Metastatic Breast Cancer, Planning for the Future is Daunting and Necessary

Early Metastatic Phase (Acute)

When you develop metastatic breast cancer, or when it’s diagnosed, you’re likely in the acute phase. During this phase, your disease may change rapidly. You may be having more symptoms, and your cancer may be spreading rapidly.

Your care team will carefully monitor your disease, overall health, and symptoms. They’ll focus their care on controlling your symptoms.

Treatments for the acute phase of metastatic breast cancer can include:

  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation
  • Surgery
  • Hormone therapy
  • Targeted therapy
  • Immunotherapy

These treatments aim to control your cancer symptoms and to improve your quality and length of life. They will work to decrease the cancer in your body and stabilize the disease, slowing its progress.

Survivorship Care Plan

You should also talk with your oncologist about creating a survivorship care plan. This document summarizes your cancer treatment plan and outlines your ongoing care.

Your plan might include:

  • A list of the tests you received during diagnosis and their results
  • Information about your cancer’s stage and characteristics
  • A plan for follow-up testing to monitor your cancer’s progression
  • Information about new tests you may need
  • Details about what to watch for and when to talk to your oncologist about late or long-term side effects from your treatment
  • Suggestions for changes to your lifestyle, diet, and activity level

Standard of Care

No two cases of metastatic breast cancer are the same. The standard of care (typical treatment path or best practices) depends on many things, including the type of breast cancer, your health, and the cancer’s characteristics.

Your treatment is tailored to you and your cancer’s characteristics. Your team will consider your previous treatments, their effectiveness, and any side effects that develop.

Stable Phase

Not every person with metastatic breast cancer has a stable phase. For some people, the stable phase lasts a few months to a few years.

During the stable phase, you’ll be feeling a bit better. Your cancer symptoms may have lessened, and you’ll learn to deal with the side effects of treatments, which are controlling your disease.

During this phase, your focus should shift to maintaining and improving your physical and mental health, including dealing with anxiety and depression from metastatic breast cancer. You may continue some treatments, such as hormone and targeted therapies.

Progressive Phase

The progressive phase of metastatic breast cancer is when the cancer recurs or gets worse. The disease becomes unstable and progresses.

At this point, you’ll need to start thinking about your end-of-life decisions and concerns. Revisit your living will and healthcare proxy and evaluate if those decisions still feel right for you. Make any necessary changes.

Important Factors to Consider When Planning Ahead

  • Keep the lines of communication open
  • Talk with your care team about the financial side of cancer
  • Attend to legal considerations when planning your end of life
  • Your caregiver needs support, too

Conclusion

Planning for metastatic breast cancer is essential but hard. Called stage 4 breast cancer, this disease is incurable. Treatments can help with symptoms and prolong life.

Metastatic breast cancer has three phases: acute, stable, and progressive. In the acute phase, symptoms get worse quickly. Care focuses on improving your symptoms and slowing the spread. Work on your coping strategies and create a survivorship care plan.

Symptoms may lessen during the stable phase. You should focus on physical and mental well-being. You’ll be monitored regularly, and you should make healthy lifestyle choices. Creating a plan for end-of-life care is key. Create a living will and appoint a healthcare proxy.

In the progressive phase, the disease worsens. You may need to reassess your goals, focus on quality of life, and move to palliative care. Talk with your care team and loved ones about these decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I know which treatment is right for me?
  • What are the best ways to manage my symptoms during the acute phase?
  • How can I ensure my caregiver receives the support they need?
  • What are the financial implications of metastatic breast cancer?
  • How can I plan for my end-of-life care?
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