Breast Cancer Care at Stanford Health Care

Where You Are In Your Care

1Getting Started In Your Care

2Getting Your Diagnosis

3Planning Your Treatment

4Undergoing Treatment & Follow-Up

Understanding Breast Cancer
Stanford Health Care’s breast cancer researchers explain how breast cancer is diagnosed and characterized to reveal recommended options for treatment. This video is intended for use by staff of Stanford Health Care. No representatives or warranties are made for outside use. Not for reproduction or publication without permission. Published August 2018 Stanford Health Care © 2018
Managing Lymph Nodes
Stanford Health Care researchers explain how lymph nodes are evaluated for cancer, the steps that are taken to reduce lymphedema risk, and the options for treatment when lymphedema does occur. This video is intended for use by staff of Stanford Health Care. No representatives or warranties are made for outside use. Not for reproduction or publication without permission. Published August 2018 Stanford Health Care © 2018
Understanding Systemic Therapy for Breast Cancer
Stanford Health Care’s leaders in Breast Medical Oncology explain what drug therapy is, how it works, and why it is so important to treat breast cancer and to help prevent a recurrence. This video is intended for use by staff of Stanford Health Care. No representatives or warranties are made for outside use. Not for reproduction or publication without permission. Published August 2018 Stanford Health Care © 2018
Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer
Stanford Health Care’s leaders in Breast Radiation Oncology explain what radiation therapy is, the options for receiving it, and the role it plays to treat breast cancer and to help prevent recurrence. This video is intended for use by staff of Stanford Health Care. No representatives or warranties are made for outside use. Not for reproduction or publication without permission. Published August 2018 Stanford Health Care © 2018


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Your Doctors

Surgical Oncologist

These surgeons specialize in treating cancer through traditional (open) and minimally invasive surgery. Surgical oncologists perform biopsies (taking tiny tissue samples) to test for cancer. They also surgically remove tumors, some surrounding breast tissue, and lymph nodes to evaluate them for the presence of cancer.

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Medical Oncologist

These cancer doctors have specialized training in diagnosing breast cancer. They also treat it using medications, including chemotherapy, hormone therapy and biologic therapy (targeted therapy and immunotherapy). Medical oncologists often serve as your main health care provider, coordinating your treatment among several specialists.

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Radiation Oncologist

These cancer specialists have subspecialty training in high-energy X-rays and other radiation therapy. Radiation can destroy or prevent the spread of breast cancer. Using advanced technologies, radiation oncologists can precisely target cancer cells to avoid damaging nearby healthy tissue.

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Breast Reconstructive Surgeon

If you have breast cancer surgery and choose to have your breast restored, a reconstruction surgeon will work on its size, shape, and appearance. Our breast reconstruction surgeons are plastic surgeons with specialty training in reconstructing (rebuilding and reshaping) breasts. If you choose breast reconstruction, you will meet with your reconstruction surgeon soon after you meet with your breast cancer surgeon.

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Anesthesiologist

An anesthesiologist is a doctor who specializes in using medications to block pain, help you relax, or make you unconscious for surgery. Anesthesiologists also maintain your vital functions such as breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate during surgery. Depending on the type of surgery you have, you may need local (small area), regional (larger area), or general (overall) anesthesia.

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Radiologist

A radiologist is a doctor who specializes in using imaging techniques including X-ray, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Our radiologists have additional training and experience in breast cancer care. These doctors interpret imaging results and take biopsies (when needed) to help confirm a diagnosis. You may not meet your radiologist, since these doctors usually work behind the scenes to determine your diagnosis.

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Pathologist

Your pathologist performs and reads laboratory tests to determine the type and stage of breast cancer present. These doctors have special training to detect and diagnose cancer. They use a microscope to examine tissue samples taken during a biopsy. As with radiologists, you may not meet your pathologist.

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Extended Care Team

Advanced practice provider (APP)
Nurse coordinator (RN) or multidisciplinary care coordinator (MCC)
Clinical administrative assistant (CAA)
Infusion treatment area (ITA) scheduler
Patient flow coordinator/Medical Scribe
Medical student
From Patients
How can I deal with my anxiety and fear? How can I cope?

Call PathWell at 650-498-6000 to speak with us about how we can support you and your family members. PathWell is Stanford’s system of services that support physical, mental, and emotional healing and well-being.

We can help you identify professional therapists, services, and resources that are personalized to the needs of you and your family. Many of these services are free for Stanford patients and families.

Can my family member or friend attend my appointment?
Can I record my discussion with my doctor during my appointment?
My children are having a hard time coping with my diagnosis. How can I help them?

The decision about whether and how much to share with your children is personal. Call PathWell at 650-498-6000 to learn about the support available for your family members.

We can help you decide on an approach for involving your family that is right for you. In addition to our services at Stanford, some of our patients and families have recommended other websites for children and teens with parents who have cancer:

What is an advance health care directive? Where do I get one?

An advance health care directive is a legal document you can complete. It specifies the kind of care and treatments you want (or don’t want) if you become seriously ill and can’t make such decisions yourself.

In California, an advance health care directive allows you to designate an agent, or someone you trust to make health care decisions on your behalf. You can also list your health care instructions. You can ask your doctor, nurse, social worker, or other health care provider for more information.

At Stanford, advance health care directive forms are available in the hospital units and at the clinics. You can also call our Spiritual Care Service at 650-723-5101 to get a form or discuss a directive with one of our spiritual care counselors.

What should I expect after treatment?

Our Cancer Survivorship Program will help you adjust and cope with your new lifestyle after treatment for cancer. You’ll speak with Advance Practice Providers (APPs), survivorship experts who specialize in working with people with cancer and their families.

We help you and your family transition from diagnosis to wellness through a variety of psychosocial services, in addition to medical care. Call 650-498-6000 or visit https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-clinics/cancer-survivorship-program.html.

Whom can I talk to about my work and job during treatment?

Our social workers can help you plan ways to manage your job during cancer care. Call PathWell at 650-498-6000 to speak with us about your work-related concerns. We can help you with completing disability paperwork, finding financial assistance, and taking a leave of absence from your job during treatment.

From Family Members And Caregivers
How can I offer support during medical appointments or treatment?

You can provide support to a loved one receiving care in many ways. You can help with day-to-day activities such as accompanying them on doctor visits or preparing food, for example. You can also coordinate care and services by phone or email.

For coping, often the best support you can provide is helping your loved one work through feelings. Talk with your loved one, listen, or just be present. Although you may naturally feel inclined to put your own feelings and needs aside, it’s important to take care of yourself as well. Call PathWell at 650-498-6000 to speak with someone about seeking support for your loved one and yourself.

How do I balance the needs of the patient with my own needs?
I’m exhausted. Whom can I talk to about my feelings?

Remember that you are not alone – you can find support among other caregivers. We offer workshops, support groups, and other programs for people who have cancer and their caregivers. Talk with your care team or call PathWell at 650-498-6000 for more details about our cancer supportive care programs at Palo Alto and South Bay.

How do I tell my family and friends about the diagnosis? How do I answer all the questions people ask me?
What are the side effects of treatment? How do I help manage these side effects?
What hotels are near Stanford if I need to stay overnight?

Your social worker can provide you the most current information on housing and hotels near Stanford’s clinics and hospitals. Call PathWell at 650-498-6000 or visit   Where to Stay”.

How can I learn more about my loved one’s condition?

Find answers to your questions about cancer at the Stanford Health Library, with help from professional medical librarians and trained volunteers. We offer free science-based information to help answer your medical questions.

You can access journal articles, books, e-books, databases, and videos to learn more about medical conditions and treatment options at the library. We also provide information on related issues such as coping, caregiving, pain management, and eating. Request a comprehensive literature search on the latest research to answer your specific questions. Stop in, call, or email your questions.

  • Cancer Center, Palo Alto: First floor near the café, 650-736-1960
How can I speak to someone about paying for treatment?

Meet with one of our financial counselors to determine the best approach to paying for your health care. Call 650-498-2900 Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Our financial counselors will work with you to:

  • Understand your health insurance coverage and benefits
  • Estimate your out-of-pocket costs for your care at Stanford
  • Connect you with as many resources as possible to help pay for your care
  • Answer your questions about billing and financial assistance, including helping you complete financial applications
  • Find places to stay near Stanford
How can I apply for financial assistance?

Stanford Health Care offers a variety of financial assistance options for uninsured or underinsured patients. Some options require an application, while others do not:

No application is necessary for:

  • Discounts for people who are uninsured (some services may be excluded)
  • No-interest payment plans (balances typically to be paid within 6 months)

You must submit a completed financial assistance application and proof of income for:

  • Financial need discounts at a rate comparable to our government payers (some services may be excluded)
  • Full financial assistance for 100 percent of the patient portion of treatment costs (some services may be excluded)
  •  Extended no-interest payment plans for patients who qualify for financial need discounts

You can obtain a financial assistance application form:

For confidential help with your health care questions, contact the Stanford Health Library. Professional medical librarians and trained volunteers can help you access journals, books, e-books, databases, and videos to learn more about medical conditions, treatment options, and related issues.

  • 875 Blake Wilbur, Palo Alto: 1st floor near the cafe, 650-736-1960
General
What is an oncologist?
What is comprehensive care?
What is an academic medical center?
What is magnet recognition?
What is our connection to the National Cancer Institute?

Learn More About Breast Cancer