Breast Cancer: Two Words That Can Change Your Life

A CONVERSATION WITH DIANE BRENNAN, MSN, APRN-NP

Breast cancer touches so many lives, including my friend, Diane Brennan, MSN, APRN-NP, an oncology advanced nurse practitioner in Omaha. While there is a lot of valuable information from organizations about breast cancer, this interview focuses on Diane’s experience as a breast cancer survivor and how she is able to help her patients cope with a breast cancer diagnosis.

Diane, when were you first diagnosed with breast cancer?

It was 2005. I was in my 40s and premenopausal at the time. I was a cardiology nurse practitioner then.

What thoughts and emotions did you go through at that time?

When I was first diagnosed, it was an absolute emotional roller coaster, as it is for anyone who is diagnosed. It’s just a shock and your mind takes you to dark places and the worst possible scenarios sometimes. That said, you just need to take a deep breath because often breast cancer is caught early and easily treated. There is an urgency to address the problem and get answers quickly, but it’s important to get information from multiple reliable sources, like your oncologist.

You mentioned you worried about “collateral damage.” What do you mean?

Yes, there is this guilt associated with bringing your family into this disarray, like the financial concerns, your job, and roles of other people in your life. The anxiety, the uncertainty of it all – you don’t want to drag everyone through it. Some women have children to worry about as well.

There’s also anger associated with breast cancer. There are gene mutations which are familial in origin that do make you at high risk. But for the most part, there aren’t a lot of behaviors that lead to someone getting breast cancer. You find yourself asking, “Why me?”

What information would have been helpful at the time?

I didn’t have a lot of knowledge about breast cancer in the beginning. Here are some helpful tips I’ve learned through my journey.

• Look for resources, like ProjectPink’din Omaha, Susan G Komen, and the American Cancer Society. Don’t just Google breast cancer because you can get misinformation.

• Social media groups can offer support and fellowship. Medical advice should be from your healthcare provider. No two breast cancer cases are exactly alike.

• For your consultation, it’s good to write down questions to ask, bring someone with you, take notes, and even request permission to record the discussion so you remember everything.

• Menopause complicates things.The medications used in estrogen-dependent tumors worsens some of the menopausal symptoms.

• If you are considering different types of breast reconstruction, ask to see photos from surgeons. It’s important to get a realistic appreciation of what you can expect from the procedure to help in the decision making.

• Do your homework. Not everyone needs extensive surgery. Survival rates are similar with lumpectomy plus radiation vs. a mastectomy. Factors to consider include size and location of the tumor in the breast. Your doctor can help you in the decision-making process.

What is the most common concern of your patients?

There is confusion about chemotherapy. In some cases we directly test the tumor to determine if a patient would benefit from chemotherapy or not. In our office we determine if chemotherapy is indicated. We have an education session to help patients understand the chemo medications, side effects they may experience, and when to notify their doctor.

What are some myths or bad information you could dispel?

• While breast cancer can occur at any age, most breast cancers are diagnosed after age 50.

• Any persistent lump or skin change needs to be evaluated.

• Gender doesn’t matter.

• A negative family history of breast cancer doesn’t exclude you from a breast cancer diagnosis.

• Follow screening guidelines for mammograms and monthly self-breast exams, including women who have had any type of breast surgery.

What advice do you give your patients when they are first diagnosed?

Take a breath. It’s important to get your family and support system in place, and gather as much information as you can to make the right decision for you. Remember: people are well meaning and offer helpful advice. Give yourself permission to do this on your own terms.

In addition, there’s a component, almost like PTSD, with breast cancer. Once you’re diagnosed, you’re always diagnosed. It will always be a part of you. It can cause you anxiety or it may give you strength.

Advancements in research continue to give hope to anyone who is diagnosed with breast cancer.

Clinical Trials and Therapies

Patients who are diagnosed with breast cancer have better odds for recovery and are living longer because there are more clinical trials being conducted and therapies developed.

If you have advanced stage breast cancer, discuss with your provider options such as enrolling in a clinical trial.

Read more about clinical trials online at 55lnk.com.