How to Treat Stage II (2) Breast Cancer: All You Need to Know

Yerbba – Breast Cancer
2 Oct 202018:46

Summary

TLDRThis video offers an in-depth look at stage 2 breast cancer, detailing the factors that define it, such as tumor size and lymph node involvement. It explores the multifaceted treatment landscape, including surgery options like lumpectomy or mastectomy, the role of chemotherapy and targeted therapy, and the importance of radiation therapy. The video also addresses the biological markers that inform treatment decisions, such as hormone and HER2 receptor status, and the potential use of multi-gene tumor assays. Additionally, it delves into the practical aspects of treatment, including side effects, management strategies, and the financial considerations of different therapies.

Takeaways

  • πŸ“ Stage 2 breast cancer is classified based on tumor size and lymph node involvement.
  • πŸ₯ Treatment decisions for stage 2 breast cancer consider factors beyond tumor size and lymph nodes, including the tumor's biological characteristics.
  • πŸ” Surgery is often the first step, followed by chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and possibly hormonal therapy.
  • 🩺 Depending on the size of the breast and tumor, a lumpectomy (removing just the tumor) might be possible instead of a mastectomy (removing the entire breast).
  • πŸ’Š Chemotherapy is recommended based on the tumor's biology, such as being estrogen/progesterone receptor negative, HER2-positive, or having a high grade.
  • 🧬 A multi-gene tumor assay helps determine if chemotherapy is necessary, especially for tumors that are HER2-negative, lymph node-negative, and estrogen receptor-positive.
  • 🌑 Radiation therapy may be recommended after mastectomy, especially if one to three lymph nodes are positive, and is almost always given after lumpectomy.
  • πŸ’‰ Targeted therapy, such as trastuzumab (Herceptin), is used if the tumor overexpresses the HER2 protein and can last up to a year.
  • πŸ’Š Hormonal therapy is crucial for tumors that are estrogen and/or progesterone receptor positive, and is taken as a daily pill for five to ten years.
  • πŸ’° Costs of treatment are an important consideration, with insurance often covering most treatments but out-of-pocket costs possible for certain medications.

Q & A

  • What is Stage 2 breast cancer?

    -Stage 2 breast cancer refers to a tumor that is larger than 2 centimeters or has spread to one to three lymph nodes under the arm, indicating a more advanced stage than Stage 1.

  • What factors are considered when making treatment decisions for Stage 2 breast cancer?

    -Treatment decisions for Stage 2 breast cancer consider the size of the tumor, the number of affected lymph nodes, and the tumor's biology, including hormone receptor status and HER2 status.

  • What are the typical treatment options for Stage 2 breast cancer?

    -The typical treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy with or without targeted therapy, radiation therapy, and hormonal therapy.

  • Can you explain the difference between a lumpectomy and a mastectomy?

    -A lumpectomy is a surgical procedure where only the tumor is removed, preserving the breast. A mastectomy involves the removal of the entire breast, and possibly nearby lymph nodes.

  • Why might a patient receive chemotherapy before surgery for Stage 2 breast cancer?

    -Chemotherapy before surgery, known as neoadjuvant chemotherapy, is used to shrink the tumor, making it easier to remove, and also to treat any potential cancer cells that may have spread elsewhere in the body.

  • What is the role of radiation therapy in treating Stage 2 breast cancer?

    -Radiation therapy is used to target any remaining cancer cells after surgery and to reduce the risk of the cancer returning. It may be recommended after a lumpectomy or mastectomy, depending on the specifics of the case.

  • How does the biology of the tumor influence chemotherapy decisions?

    -The biology of the tumor, such as being estrogen and progesterone receptor negative, HER2-positive, or having a higher grade, influences the likelihood of chemotherapy being recommended as it indicates the potential effectiveness of the treatment.

  • What is targeted therapy in the context of Stage 2 breast cancer?

    -Targeted therapy is a treatment that targets specific proteins or genes involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. For HER2-positive tumors, drugs like trastuzumab (Herceptin) or pertuzumab (Perjeta) may be used.

  • What is the purpose of hormonal therapy in breast cancer treatment?

    -Hormonal therapy is used to block the effect of estrogen on breast cancer cells or to lower the amount of estrogen in the body, thereby inhibiting the growth of hormone receptor-positive cancer cells.

  • What are some potential side effects of chemotherapy for breast cancer?

    -Potential side effects of chemotherapy include fatigue, hair loss, nausea and vomiting, low white blood cell counts, and in some cases, skin changes or darkening.

  • How does the cost of treatment for Stage 2 breast cancer impact patients?

    -The cost of treatment can be a significant concern for patients. Insurance typically covers most treatments, but out-of-pocket expenses, including for medications and deductibles, can vary. Patient assistance programs may be available for those who cannot afford their medications.

Outlines

00:00

πŸ₯ Understanding Stage 2 Breast Cancer

The speaker introduces the topic of stage 2 breast cancer, explaining the staging criteria based on tumor size and lymph node involvement. They clarify that a tumor larger than 2 centimeters or one to three positive lymph nodes can classify a cancer as stage 2. The paragraph discusses the initial steps in treatment, typically starting with surgery, followed by chemotherapy with or without targeted therapy, and often radiation therapy. The importance of considering the tumor's biology in treatment decisions is highlighted, with a focus on factors like tumor size, lymph node status, and the potential for breast conservation or mastectomy.

05:00

πŸ’Š Treatment Options for Stage 2 Breast Cancer

This section delves into the specifics of treatment options for stage 2 breast cancer, including the potential for chemotherapy to shrink tumors prior to surgery, thus possibly allowing for breast conservation. It also discusses the role of radiation therapy, which may be recommended post-mastectomy or after lumpectomy, and the significance of lymph node status in this decision. The paragraph further explores the criteria for chemotherapy recommendations, such as tumor biology, receptor status, and the use of multi-gene tumor assays to guide treatment decisions.

10:00

πŸ§ͺ Side Effects and Costs of Treatment

The speaker addresses the side effects and costs associated with chemotherapy, including fatigue, hair loss, low white blood cell counts, and the need for white cell boosters. They emphasize the importance of discussing treatment costs with healthcare providers and the potential for out-of-pocket expenses for medications to manage side effects. The paragraph also outlines the process of chemotherapy administration, the role of medical oncologists, and the impact of chemotherapy on daily life, including the recommendation to have a driver post-treatment.

15:01

🌟 Radiation Therapy and Targeted Therapy Insights

This paragraph focuses on the process and side effects of radiation therapy, emphasizing its precision and the importance of simulation for treatment planning. It discusses the relatively short duration of radiation therapy sessions compared to chemotherapy and the potential for skin reactions at the treatment site. The paragraph also covers targeted therapy, including its administration alongside chemotherapy and its role in treating HER2-positive tumors. The speaker provides insights into the side effects of targeted therapy and the importance of discussing any reactions with healthcare providers.

πŸ’ͺ Hormonal Therapy and Its Importance

The final paragraph discusses hormonal therapy for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, detailing its function to block estrogen from reaching residual cancer cells. It outlines the side effects, such as hot flashes, night sweats, leg cramps, and sexual side effects, and the rare but serious risks like blood clots and bone thinning. The speaker stresses the importance of adherence to hormonal therapy, despite potential side effects, and the availability of patient assistance programs for those facing financial barriers to treatment.

Mindmap

Keywords

πŸ’‘Stage 2 Breast Cancer

Stage 2 breast cancer refers to a classification of breast cancer based on the size of the tumor and the involvement of lymph nodes. In the video, it is explained that a tumor larger than 2 centimeters or the presence of cancer in one to three lymph nodes under the arm categorizes the cancer as stage 2. This stage is significant as it influences the treatment decisions, including the type of surgery and the need for additional therapies like chemotherapy.

πŸ’‘Tumor Size

Tumor size is a critical factor in determining the stage of breast cancer. The video mentions that a tumor larger than 2 centimeters (comparable to the size of two lima beans end to end) is classified as a T2 tumor, which is a defining characteristic of stage 2 breast cancer. Understanding tumor size is essential for planning treatment, as larger tumors may require more aggressive interventions.

πŸ’‘Lymph Nodes

Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped structures that are part of the body's immune system and are located throughout the body. In the context of breast cancer, the involvement of lymph nodes is a significant factor in staging. The video explains that having one to three positive lymph nodes indicates a stage 2 tumor, regardless of the tumor's size, and influences the decision for additional treatments like radiation therapy.

πŸ’‘Surgery

Surgery is a common initial treatment for stage 2 breast cancer. The video discusses two types of surgical procedures: lumpectomy, where only the tumor is removed, and mastectomy, which involves the removal of the entire breast. The choice of surgery depends on the tumor size and the patient's individual circumstances, and it sets the stage for further treatment options.

πŸ’‘Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a systemic treatment used in stage 2 breast cancer to kill cancer cells throughout the body. The video describes how chemotherapy is often given before radiation therapy and is determined based on the tumor's biology. It may be recommended for patients with certain tumor characteristics, such as being estrogen and progesterone receptor negative or HER2-positive.

πŸ’‘Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is a treatment method that uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. According to the video, radiation therapy may be offered to many patients with stage 2 breast cancer, especially after a lumpectomy. It is also recommended after mastectomy for patients with one to three positive lymph nodes. Radiation therapy is an outpatient procedure that aims to target the areas where cancer cells might remain.

πŸ’‘Hormonal Therapy

Hormonal therapy is a treatment for breast cancer that involves the use of medications to block the effects of hormones that can promote the growth of cancer cells. The video explains that hormonal therapy is given to patients whose tumors are estrogen and/or progesterone receptor positive. This treatment can last for five to ten years and is taken in the form of a daily pill.

πŸ’‘Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy is a type of cancer treatment that targets specific abnormalities in cancer cells. In the video, it is mentioned that for stage 2 breast cancer, targeted therapy may include drugs like trastuzumab (Herceptin) and pertuzumab (Perjeta), which are given to patients with HER2-positive tumors. This therapy is usually administered over a year and works alongside chemotherapy.

πŸ’‘Multi-gene Tumor Assay

A multi-gene tumor assay is a test that examines the tumor's genetic makeup to determine its 'personality' and predict how it might respond to treatment. The video explains that this assay is used for tumors that are HER2 negative, lymph node negative, and estrogen receptor positive. The results of this test can influence whether chemotherapy is recommended.

πŸ’‘Cost of Treatment

The cost of treatment is an important consideration for patients with breast cancer. The video touches on the financial aspect of treatments like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormonal therapy, emphasizing that while insurance may cover some costs, patients might face out-of-pocket expenses for medications or treatments. It also suggests discussing costs with healthcare providers and exploring patient assistance programs.

Highlights

Explanation of stage 2 breast cancer and its significance.

Description of tumor size and lymph node involvement in stage 2 breast cancer.

Importance of tumor size alone in determining stage 2 breast cancer.

Role of lymph nodes in staging breast cancer and treatment decisions.

The typical sequence of treatments for stage 2 breast cancer.

Options for surgery in stage 2 breast cancer, including lumpectomy and mastectomy.

Potential for chemotherapy to shrink tumors and alter surgical requirements.

Indications for radiation therapy following mastectomy or lumpectomy.

The influence of tumor biology on treatment decisions for stage 2 breast cancer.

Criteria for recommending chemotherapy based on tumor characteristics.

The role of multi-gene tumor assays in treatment planning.

Targeted therapy options for stage 2 breast cancer, including trastuzumab and pertuzumab.

Duration and side effects of targeted therapy.

Hormonal therapy's role in treating hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.

Details on the administration and side effects of hormonal therapy.

Importance of adherence to hormonal therapy in treatment outcomes.

Cost considerations and insurance coverage for breast cancer treatments.

Practical advice for managing side effects and treatment costs.

Encouragement for patients to engage with their healthcare team about treatment options.

Transcripts

play00:00

hi in this video i'll be talking about

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stage 2 breast cancer

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i'll start by explaining what stage 2

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breast cancer is

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then i'll talk about the different

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treatments and how we make decisions

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about treating stage 2 breast cancer

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[Music]

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so stage refers to where the tumor is in

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the body

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the size of the tumor in the breast and

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then the number of lymph nodes

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or lymph glands under the arm that have

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cancer in them

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one can have a stage two breast cancer

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just based on tumor size alone

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if the tumor is bigger than two

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centimeters it's only about this

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big so two lima beans end to end that's

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a t2

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tumor and that makes the tumor stage two

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you can also have a tumor with a smaller

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tumor size but the lymph nodes are

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positive one to three lymph nodes

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positive

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mean that this is a stage two tumor

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regardless of how small the tumor is

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when we make treatment decisions about

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stage two breast cancer we look at

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things

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other than just the size of the tumor

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and the lymph nodes so if you've been

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told you have stage two breast cancer

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that's actually not a lot of information

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for you in terms of the

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type of treatment you'll be offered so

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let's start with how things usually go

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usually people get surgery first and

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then chemotherapy

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with or without targeted therapy

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radiation therapy will be offered to

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many patients

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and we also give hormonal therapy so

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i've mentioned all the different

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treatment types and then

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the biology of the tumor helps us make

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decisions about what type of treatment

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we consider

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when you have surgery for stage 2 breast

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cancer

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depending on the size of the breast and

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the size of the tumor

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you can very likely keep the breast

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meaning you don't have to have a

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mastectomy which is removal of the

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entire breast

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in other words you can have a lumpectomy

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where we remove

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just the tumor itself now if you can't

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feel it

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how is it a lumpectomy well we'll call

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that a wide local excision

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the tumor can't be felt so

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if you have a small breast and a larger

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tumor

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in a small breast a mastectomy might be

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the best thing for you

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removal of the whole breast here's

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another option

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you can have chemotherapy first to

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shrink the tumor

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and then it might be possible for you to

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have a lumpectomy instead of a

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mastectomy

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so if you hear about getting

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chemotherapy before surgery

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we're trying to shrink the tumor as well

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as treat the rest of the body which i'll

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get to in just a second

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so depending on the number of lymph

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nodes involved

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and the type of surgery you have you may

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be offered radiation therapy

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even if you have removal of the breast

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so we recommend

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radiation therapy after mastectomy

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in people who have one to three positive

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lymph nodes

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so just having a mastectomy doesn't mean

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you'll need radiation therapy

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if you have stage two breast cancer and

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the lymph nodes are negative

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you'll have radiation therapy if you

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have a lumpectomy

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and not necessarily if you have a

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mastectomy there are always exceptions

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and i won't go into those now but you

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can read more about those

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on our yerba blog so we talked about

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surgery and then who would get radiation

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therapy if you're a candidate for

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chemotherapy

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in other words if the biology of your

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tumor the personality if you will

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indicates that chemotherapy will work

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you'll actually get chemotherapy before

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radiation therapy

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chemotherapy decisions are made on the

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basis of not only the stage

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but the biology and i'll just briefly

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describe those here

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if the tumor is estrogen and

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progesterone receptor

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negative we are more likely to recommend

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chemotherapy

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that means there's no hormone receptors

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on the tumor

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chemotherapy is more likely to work if

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the tumor is

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her2-positive and has this protein

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or expression of the gene for her2

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human epidermal growth factor receptor

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we're more likely to recommend

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chemotherapy we also give targeted

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therapy in that case

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if the tumor has a higher grade

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that means the tumor is more active and

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looks more disorganized

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we're more likely to give chemotherapy

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and as i mentioned if the lymph nodes

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are positive

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you're more likely to get chemotherapy

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there's also a special test called

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a multi-gene tumor assay

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that means your tumor is sent to look at

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sort of its

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personality in more detail we only do

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that in tumors that are her2 negative

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and lymph node negative and er positive

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estrogen is after positive

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if that rescue recurrent score comes

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back low

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you won't need chemotherapy if it comes

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back higher

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chemotherapy is more likely to work so

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i've talked about surgery

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radiation therapy which follows

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chemotherapy

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i've talked about chemotherapy and i

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mentioned targeted therapy so i'll just

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tell you a little bit about that

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targeted therapy and stage two breast

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cancer

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includes trastuzumab the brand name you

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may have heard is herceptin

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and per choosing app the brand name you

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may have heard for that

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is pergetta if your tumor has the her2

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protein

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or overexpression of the gene that makes

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her two

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we will give targeted therapy targeted

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therapy

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usually goes for up to a year depending

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on how you're doing on it

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chemotherapy along with targeted therapy

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and then you finish out that year of

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targeted therapy

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hormonal therapy decreases the amount of

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estrogen

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getting to any residual cancer cells in

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the body it doesn't always lower

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estrogen

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but some of the medications do and this

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you'll take for five to ten years

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depending on how you tolerate the

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medicine

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and also features of your tumor that's a

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decision you and your doctor will make

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so there are lots of different things to

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think about in treating sage

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to breast cancer i talked about a lot of

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different treatment types what i'd like

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to do now is go through each treatment

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what

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you can expect when you get these

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different treatment modalities

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in terms of what to expect on that day

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of treatment

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over the whole time and then side

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effects and how you might manage those

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i'm also going to cover costs

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because costs of treatment are very

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important and things you may not have

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heard about or think about

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when a certain treatment's recommended

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so we talked about

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surgery and that'll be covered in

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another one of our videos

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but basically surgery unless you have

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reconstruction

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following a mastectomy is a one day

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procedure so it's outpatient most of the

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time

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if you have your lymph nodes removed

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because they're positive or because we

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want to figure out if they're positive

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the recovery times a little bit longer

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because you have an incision

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under your arm and what you'll find with

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that is your range of motion is a little

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decrease don't be afraid to ask for a

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physical therapy consultation

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to try to improve your range of motion

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as soon as possible

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what to expect with chemotherapy

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chemotherapy is given as an outpatient

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in a treatment center

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we're trying to treat cells that may

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have escaped the tumor before you were

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even diagnosed

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and spread to other parts of your body

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what that means

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is that we give treatment to go through

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your whole system and the best way to do

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that is through a vein

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so if you're getting chemotherapy this

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is what it looks like

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you've already had your consultation

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with the kind of doctor

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that gives chemotherapy called a medical

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oncologist or just an oncologist for

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short

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you'll understand what treatment will be

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given to you

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and what to expect but i'm going to give

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you a little bit of a preview

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you will go to the treatment center

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again this is all outpatient

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you'll have an iv put into your arm

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usually on the side other than your

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surgery

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or you might have a port which is a

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semi-permanent

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iv that goes under the skin on your

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chest

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you don't need a port unless your veins

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have been difficult in the past most

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people don't need to get a ports one

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more procedure and it leaves another

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scar

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it's a pretty safe procedure but again

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wouldn't it be nice to avoid that

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when you get to the treatment center and

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they put that iv in

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the pharmacist or nurse will create your

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chemotherapy based on your height and

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your weight so it's specialized for you

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it's different for every person

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and then that medicine will go into the

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vein after you've been given

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some other medicine to decrease the risk

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of side effects

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specifically nausea and vomiting

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so those medications you'll get before

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you get the chemotherapy

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the chemotherapy will go in either as an

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iv push

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through a syringe a small bag or a

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larger bag over a longer period of time

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the very longest chemotherapy is six

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hours

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most chemotherapy is much shorter but i

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tell my patients plan to be there for a

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whole day

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that way you're not planning things you

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have to get to right afterwards

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we do recommend you have a driver for

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your chemotherapy

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not necessarily because of the

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chemotherapy but the medicines we give

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to prevent side effects can make you a

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little drowsy

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also getting chemotherapy is a big deal

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and you don't want to be driving

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after such a major event in your life

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once the chemotherapy is over

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the iv comes out of your arm or the port

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and you go home

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the cost of chemotherapy are usually

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covered by insurance

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you may have out of pocket costs for the

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medicines that you take at home

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to prevent nausea both before and after

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chemotherapy

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so it's important to talk to your doctor

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about the cost of treatment

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side effects of chemotherapy i'm gonna

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they're different for everyone

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if you want to learn more about this you

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can go to your personalized yerba report

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to learn more about the chemotherapy you

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might be given and what to expect but in

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general

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i tell people to expect some fatigue and

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that actually gets worse with each

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treatment ask for help with things that

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you can ask for help for

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we also see hair loss with most

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chemotherapy

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and it's something to talk about what to

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expect we also have another video

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about hair loss with chemotherapy that

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goes into this in much more detail

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that can be one of the hardest things

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with chemotherapy is losing your hair

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we also see low white cell counts which

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means that you may get a white cell

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booster

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along with your chemotherapy the

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following day

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and that keeps your white cells up so

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that you can stay on

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track with your chemotherapy and

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there are other side effects that

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different people can get mouth sores are

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pretty uncommon

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if you have darker skin let's say you're

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a black person

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or mediterranean descent you may notice

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some darkening or spots on your palms

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darkening of the nail beds and even

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darkening of the tongue

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and gums that all goes away after

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chemotherapy and your hair will grow

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back too

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so i've covered how chemotherapy is

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given what to expect

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side effects and some of the costs of

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treatment as well

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next i'm going to talk about radiation

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therapy if radiation therapy is part of

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your treatment plan

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you will first have something called a

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simulation

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that's the longest appointment in that

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appointment

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the physicist and the radiation

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oncologist the type of cancer doctor

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that gives

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radiation therapy will work very

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carefully to make sure that radiation is

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given to the areas that need it

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for example the breast in particular

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chest wall if you've had a mastectomy

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and the neighborhood lymph nodes what we

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try to do with that planning

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is use a cat scan to make sure we only

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radiate the areas that need radiation

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therapy

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and not the normal tissues so you can

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understand why it takes a long time we

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want to get this right

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now after that simulation or treatment

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planning appointment

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your radiation therapy is actually much

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shorter

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than for example chemotherapy radiation

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therapy you'll be in and out you'll come

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in

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you'll change into a gown you'll get

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your treatment and go home it takes

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about as long

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as getting an x-ray or a series of

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x-rays you can drive yourself

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there is no nausea with radiation

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therapy

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so we don't give you medications before

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radiation therapy

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so what about the costs of radiation

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therapy

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the radiation therapy is covered by

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insurance but if you have a high

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deductible

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plan it might make sense to see if you

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can get all your treatment the same year

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as your surgery and chemotherapy before

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the next

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calendar year kicks in and that

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deductible starts all over again

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radiation oncologists are used to

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questions about that what you want to

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avoid is any delay between chemotherapy

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for example

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and starting radiation therapy try to

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get your usually six weeks of radiation

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therapy and before the end of the

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calendar year

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side effects include some fatigue

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which despite the fact that it's not

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going through your whole system

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radiation therapy can cause you'll also

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notice skin changes where the radiation

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is

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so around the breast and the lymph nodes

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you may get some burning some pinkness

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it may actually be bad enough that your

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skin sort of comes

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off talk to your radiation oncologist

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and the nurses about those side effects

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because we do have ways

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of decreasing the pain or discomfort

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serious pain is pretty rare

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this all goes away and starts to heal

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about two weeks after the end of

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radiation therapy

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if you don't have a lot of skin side

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effects don't worry it's still working

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you will not get hair loss with

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radiation therapy to the breast

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and surrounding areas

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okay targeted therapy which again we

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give along with chemotherapy

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goes for a year your first treatments

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will be along with the chemotherapy

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and after that when chemo is done you'll

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finish out a year

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of targeted therapy it's given the same

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way chemotherapy is given through a vein

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and now it's given every three weeks

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once the chemo is over

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before that we try to time it along with

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your chemotherapy

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targeted therapy side effects are much

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less than we think about with

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chemotherapy your hair will start to

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grow in

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your fatigue should get better you're

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still a patient you're still being seen

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in the treatment center

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you won't see your doctor as often which

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is kind of nice

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and the treatment course is a lot

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shorter so it doesn't take as long

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you can drive yourself most of the time

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if you have a reaction

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to targeted therapy and we give you

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medicine before your targeted therapy

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you may want to have a driver talk to

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your oncologist about that

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and to the nurses the last thing i'm

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going to talk about in terms of what to

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expect

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is with hormonal therapy this again is

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given to people whose tumors are

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estrogen

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and or progesterone receptor positive

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hormonal therapy is given as a pill

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and you take this once a day for five to

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ten years there are several different

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kinds

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of hormonal therapy but basically what

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these medicines do

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is block the estrogen in your body

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whether you're pre

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or postmenopausal from getting to any

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residual or remaining cancer cells

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in other parts of your body side effects

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with hormonal therapy depend on which

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drug you get

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and depend on you personally but

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basically

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the sort of top ones we talk about are

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hot flashes or

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night sweats people with tamoxifen can

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get

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leg cramps we also think about sexual

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side effects such as

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vaginal dryness or discomfort and then

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finally there are rare but serious side

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effects which differ according to the

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drug so tamoxifen

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rarely causes blood clots in the legs

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and rarely causes an increased risk of

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uterine cancer

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cancer of the uterus endometrial cancer

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again it's very rare

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and it's caught early but it's something

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to know about you don't have a uterus

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not something to worry about with the

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aromatase inhibitors which actually

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decrease the amount of estrogen in your

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body by blocking production of estrogen

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the side effects you should know about

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with this are thinning of the bones

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without

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estrogen in your body your bones can get

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a little thinner now we have ways of

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treating you and monitoring for that

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which we'll go over

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in another video and that you can see on

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our yerba blog

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and also in your personalized yerba

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report

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but this is important to know about the

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other thing is there appears to be a

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slightly higher risk of cardiovascular

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disease with the aromatase inhibitors so

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that's something you'll want to be

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followed for

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if you have a high cholesterol get that

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treated exercise do all the right things

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you can for your heart regardless of

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whether or not you've had breast cancer

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the costs of hormonal therapy are

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covered by insurance

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if you can't afford your medicine you

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can ask your doctor

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or the rest of your medical team to help

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you get patient assistance

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which the pharmaceutical companies will

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actually provide the medication to you

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at a lower cost the generics are just as

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good as the brand name so

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ask for the generics the generic version

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of the medications they're a lot less

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expensive

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if you get side effects or if you have

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concerns about cost with hormonal

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therapy

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talk to your teen it turns out a lot of

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women come

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off hormonal therapy because of the side

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effects i told you about and never tell

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their doctor in fact they may not even

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return to their oncologist's office

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hormonal therapy is essential in the

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treatment of hormone receptor breast

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cancer

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a lot of people think i've been through

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chemotherapy i've been through targeted

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therapy surgery

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radiation therapy hormonal therapy is

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not that important it's actually in many

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cases

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more effective than chemotherapy or

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targeted therapy

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so do make sure you've done everything

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you can to stay on it

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and work with your doctor if you're not

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tolerating one medicine we can switch to

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the other

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if you're going through treatment for

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stage 2 breast cancer

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you can learn more about your own

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treatment remember at your own

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personalized report on yearbook.com

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and if you'd like this video why don't

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you like it and subscribe so more people

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can find it

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you

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Related Tags
Breast CancerStage 2Treatment OptionsSurgeryChemotherapyRadiation TherapyHormonal TherapyCancer CareHealth EducationMedical Oncology