Day to Day Living Beyond Breast Cancer

Tufia C. Haddad, M.D., is a medical oncologist specializing in breast cancer. She sees patients with all types and stages of breast cancer, striving to promote their understanding of their cancer and empowering them to become partners in managing their health. She has a special interest in survivorship care and works together with clinicians from many different specialties -- including integrative medicine, women's health, cancer psychology, primary care and others -- to provide holistic care for complex problems. Her research focuses on identifying novel strategies to transform cancer care with an emphasis on using telehealth tools and artificial intelligence. Dr. Haddad is the Medical Director of Digital Product and Platform Strategy, Center for Digital Health, and co-Chair of Platform and Digital Innovation, Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center.  Kathryn J. Ruddy, M.D., M.P.H., is a medical oncologist specializing in breast cancer. She has particular expertise in treating younger women with breast cancer, helping them navigate the side effects of cancer treatment and address survivorship issues such as fertility preservation and future pregnancy. Dr. Ruddy also has expertise in male breast cancer and survivorship concerns unique to men. She is active in research focused on prediction and prevention of toxicity in patients with cancer. Dr. Ruddy is the Director of Cancer Survivorship for the Department of Oncology at Mayo Clinic.  

TABLE OF CONTENTS
  9 Preface

13 CHAPTER 1 A NEW NORMAL

14 Coping with your emotions

22 Transitioning to follow-up care

24 You’ve got this

27 CHAPTER 2 WATCHING FOR SIGNS OF CANCER RECURRENCE

28 Understanding cancer recurrence

37 Supplemental screening

40 Dealing with uncertainty

42 CHAPTER 3 STAYING HEALTHY

43 Follow a healthy diet

46 Strive for a healthy weight

49 Stay active

52 Prioritize good sleep

54 Don’t smoke or vape

56 Avoid alcohol

57 Get regular health screenings

60 Maximize healthy benefits

61 CHAPTER 4 LINGERING OR LATE SIDE EFFECTS

62 General side effects

72 Sides effects of local or regional treatments

80 Side effects of systemic treatments

90 CHAPTER 5 LIVING WITH METASTATIC BREAST CANCER

91 Treatment for metastatic breast cancer

95 Your emotions (and how to cope)

100 ‘My cancer is back’

105 Finding acceptance

107 CHAPTER 6 MAXIMIZING QUALITY OF LIFE WITH PALLIATIVE CARE

107 Palliative care is not hospice care

111 CHAPTER 7 CLINICAL TRIALS

112 What is a clinical trial?

112 Phases of investigation

113 Who should participate in a cancer clinical trial?

114 How can you find a clinical trial?

115 What questions should you ask before agreeing to participate?

116 CHAPTER 8 INTEGRATIVE THERAPIES

117 Mindfulness

121 Acupuncture

125 Massage

127 Hypnosis

128 Medical cannabis

131 CHAPTER 9 SEXUAL INTIMACY

132 How treatment may affect your sexual health

134 Restoring your sexual wellness

138 Boost your body image

140 Reconnect with your partner

142 Dating after breast cancer

146 CHAPTER 10 FERTILITY AND PREGNANCY

147 Contraception

150 Pregnancy after cancer

154 Fertility options

159 CHAPTER 11 FAMILY AND FRIENDS

160 Easing back into family life

165 Supporting your children

168 Reconnecting with friends

173 A period of adjustment

174 CHAPTER 12 WORK AND MONEY

175 Returning to work

180 Finances in survivorship

188 Know your rights

192 CHAPTER 13 FOR PARTNERS

193 Give yourself time

194 Take care of yourself

200 Stay supportive of each other

203 Move forward together

204 CHAPTER 14 STOPPING TREATMENT

205 Leaving a legacy

207 Hospice care

209 Resources

000 Index