A Husband's Guide to Understanding Breast Cancer Prognosis

The nurse also explained the treatment schedule our doctor had prescribed. Barb would begin by receiving chemotherapy by injection. Eight days later, she would receive a second injection In addition, Barb would take oral chemotherapy for fourteen days followed by a week to recover and allow her white blood cells time to rebuild. Then, she would start the cycle over again. The nurse instructed Barb to get weekly blood draws so her red and white blood cell counts could be monitored. Barb was very upset and couldn't stop crying. Both the nurse and I tried to console her, but she just responded that she would be all right, and that she was just a very emotional person.

We now had Barb's prognosis directly from an expert oncologist who's treated many patients. In short, there was a 60 percent chance of recurrence after treatment. This fact did not sound good to us, but it did nothing to change the way we faced our battle with breast cancer.

Unfortunately, our story does not have a happy ending. Barbara died in August of 1994, just over a year after her diagnosis.

Dealing with Breast Cancer Prognosis

A few thoughts on dealing with breast cancer prognosis:

• First and most importantly, keep in mind that a prognosis is simply a forecast or prediction of the probable course of a disease and the chances of recovery. A prognosis is merely a guide based on your doctor's past experience and medical history, and every woman treated for breast cancer is unique. Each day there are new advances in treatment and technology to help fight breast cancer.

• When meeting with your doctor for the first time, have a list of questions to ask. Take a tape recorder or a note pad to jot down what is said. It will be an emotional visit, so don't try to rely on memory. It's common to become overwhelmed and forget vital information.

• Take home pamphlets and brochures from your doctor's office. They contain useful information that you'll want and need to refer to later on.

For patient-friendly guides to the most common chemo regimens, see: Chemotherapy Treatment Regimens

• Research breast cancer and breast cancer treatment options. Learn all you can about what you're dealing with.

• Taking on the role of a caregiver is not an easy task. Keep in mind that your loved one has a serious disease that could take her life. Be gentle in your actions. Remember to take care of yourself, too, both physically and emotionally.