If you, a close family member, or close friend has been diagnosed with breast cancer there are probably a 1000 questions floating around in your head; like how will this diagnosis be treated, how will you feel, how will this affect your family and your work, and what should you do next. Any cancer diagnosis has an impact on many aspects of life. Cancers of the breast affect patients in a wide variety of ways and, like other cancers, require a team of physicians and health care providers to assist in treatment. In this modern era, the treatment of breast cancer has become very complex. This patient handbook has been written by clinical experts to help you in your battle with breast cancer. This is a book designed for patients with cancer, or for family members or friends of loved ones with cancer. As cancer therapies evolve, it is important for each patient and their family members to be aware of the resources available to them. The goal of this book is to provide you with knowledge about your diagnosis and to assist in clarifying procedures, alleviate fears, and help you optimize your treatment. Our hope is that it also assists in alleviating anxiety as well as answering questions that commonly come up with a cancer diagnosis. In addition, we have included a section on practical nutritional techniques that can add to your ability to heal, improve your immune health, and optimize your energy and overall health. This book is a compilation of experience and expertise that is easily interpreted. It is designed to empower you with knowledge and reassurance that many people and resources are available to assist you with your cancer journey.
About the Author: Dr. Stephanie Moline is a Surgical Oncologist and Breast Surgeon at Cancer Care Northwest in Spokane, WA. She is certified by the American Board of Surgery and is a Fellow at the American College of Surgeons. She is also a member of the Spokane County Medical Society, a Research and Education Committee member of the American Society of Breast Surgeons, the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast Project, and the American Society of Breast Disease. Dr. Joni Nichols joined Cancer Care NW as the sixth medical oncologist in 1995. Over the years her practice has evolved to primarily caring for breast cancer patients. She also has a strong interest in palliative care and has been a medical director of Hospice of Spokane since 1996. Dr. Victor Gonzalez: Radiation Oncologist. Assistant Professor at University of Arizona Cancer Center. Specializes in breast cancer therapy. Dr. Saritha Thumma joined Cancer Care Northwest, a multi-disciplinary oncology practice in 2010. Her primary interest is in thoracic malignancies, with a special emphasis in treating breast cancer patients. She participates actively in clinical trials. Dr. Thumma is board certified in Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology. Dr. Robert K. Fairbanks is a Board Certified Radiation Oncologist in Spokane, WA, Residency training at Johns Hopkins Hospital, MD degree from Tulane University School of Medicine. Dr. Wayne T. Lamoreaux is a board-certified Radiation Oncologist in Spokane, completed an MD at the Univ. of Utah, and residency at Washington Univ. in St. Louis. Dr. Jason A. Call is a Radiation Oncologist in Spokane, Wa. He received an M.D. from the Medical College of Wisconsin. His residency was at the Mayo Clinic. Heather Gabbert attended Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and graduated with her Master's Degree in Dietetics in 1995. Tess Taft is an oncology stress management specialist and family therapist who has served cancer patients and families for 34 years. Kathy Beach graduated with her RN degree in 1993. She decided to get a degree in nursing after her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. She spent sixteen years in hospital nursing where she worked on a wide range of units from Medical Oncology to Outpatient Surgery. Dr. Christopher M. Lee attended Saint Louis University School of Medicine where he received his M.D. with Distinction in Research degree. He completed four additional years of specialty training in Radiation Oncology at the Huntsman Cancer Hospital.