Breast Cancer Recurrence and Advanced Disease

by Gordon, Barbara L., Ph.D.; Shaw, Heather S., M.D.; Kroll, David J., Ph.D.; Daniel, Brooke R., M.D.

• ISBN13: 9780822347422
• ISBN10: 0822347423
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2010-08-17
• Publisher: Duke Univ Pr

Summary

At age 42, Barbara L. Gordon was diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer. Two years later, it appeared that the cancer had metastasized. Together with her oncologist and other experts, she has written the book that she wished she had as she faced late-stage breast cancer and the prospect of dying from the disease. Filled with information and advice, and designed to enable informed decisions and improved quality of life, this comprehensive guide gathers in one place authoritative medical information about recurrence and late-stage breast cancer, and it addresses the practical, emotional, and interpersonal aspects of death and dying. This indispensable guide will aid those who have late-stage or recurring breast cancer and the healthcare professionals, loved ones, and others seeking to help and comfort them. It provides information about bull; Types of recurrence, their symptoms, and ways of minimizing the chances of a recurrence bull; Diagnostic tests, potential surgeries, and treatments to manage late-stage cancer bull; Getting the best care, evaluating complementary therapies, and alleviating pain and depression bull; Cessation of treatment and what one may experience as the disease progresses bull; End-of-life issues including dealing with financial matters and legal documents, communicating with loved ones and hospice services, and planning memorial servicesBreast Cancer Recurrence and Advanced Diseaseincludes a glossary of medical terms, appendices on nutrition and integrative health centres, and links to current websites addressing matters such as clinical trials, patients' rights, and covering medical expenses.

Table of Contents

List of Online Resources	p. xi
Preface	p. xv
Acknowledgments	p. xxiii
Introduction	p. 1
Local and Distant Recurrence	p. 5
Common Questions about Recurrence	p. 6
Predictors of Recurrence	p. 9
Recurrence Statistics	p. 20
Reducing Chances of Recurrence	p. 24
Local and Regional Recurrence	p. 34
Distant Recurrence/Metastatic Cancer	p. 42
Immediate Concerns and Best Care	p. 51
Emotional Self-Care	p. 52
Getting the Best Care	p. 56
Researching Your Disease and Treatment	p. 68
Exploring Treatment Options	p. 72
Medical Treatments	p. 83
Physical and Emotional Considerations in Determining Treatment	p. 84
Local Treatment Aimed at Specific Tumor Sites	p. 89
Treatment Aimed at Cancer Cells throughout the Body-Systemic Treatment	p. 93
Monitoring Treatment	p. 110
Supportive/Palliative Treatment	p. 111
Understanding Cancer Development, Treatment, and Emerging Therapies	p. 115
Understanding Cancer Development	p. 116
How Current Treatments Fight Cancer	p. 129
How Targeted Therapies Fight Cancer	p. 134
The Future	p. 145
Complementary, Alternative, and Integrative Care	p. 153
Comparison of CAM and Standard Western Medical Practices	p. 155
Nature's Pharmacy in Cancer Treatment	p. 157
Biologically Based Practices	p. 160
Whole Alternative Medical Systems	p. 168
Exercise and Manipulative Practices	p. 170
Mind-Body Interventions	p. 172
Energy Therapies	p. 173
Considerations in Using a CAM Practice	p. 175
Selecting a Complementary Health-Care Practitioner	p. 180
Managing Pain and Understanding the Dying Process	p. 185
Pain from Metastatic Cancer	p. 186
Describing and Evaluating Pain	p. 188
Attacking the Causes and Symptoms of Pain	p. 191
Euthanasia and Suicide	p. 196
Choices in Dying	p. 200
How We Die	p. 203
Practical Matters	p. 211
Medical Rights	p. 211
Paying for and Managing Medical Expenses	p. 219
Final Arrangements: Will, Durable Power of Attorney, Advance Directive, Memorial Service	p. 245
Emotional and Spiritual Weil-Being	p. 263
Responding to Loss	p. 264
Interrelating with Others: Those You See Occasionally	p. 273
Interrelating with Those Closest to You	p. 276
At Ease near Life's End	p. 283
Reflections on Death	p. 293
Absolute and Relative Risk	p. 297
Diet and Breast Cancer	p. 301
CAM Centers	p. 311
Glossary of Medical and Scientific Terms	p. 317
References	p. 331
Index	p. 345
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