A resource for women who are newly diagnosed with breast cancer

Learning you have breast cancer can trigger a wide range of emotions, including shock, fear, numbness, sadness, and even anger and betrayal. You may feel overwhelmed by your emotions or by having to make numerous decisions about your care. You may find it difficult to absorb so much new, and often confusing, information.

The more you learn about breast cancer and the available treatment options, the better prepared you will be to handle the challenges ahead and to make informed decisions about what is right for you. The information in this section will help you plan and prepare for your treatment. However, it is not meant to replace the individual attention, advice, and treatment plan of your oncologist and medical team.

Tips for tracking your treatment
Labs and test results
Your health care team - definitions of roles
Your right to know

If you are a breast cancer patient at a Sutter Health facility, the information contained in this section is available in a three ringed binder. Please ask your nurse navigator about the Breast Cancer Notebook.

It is important to know that you are not alone
One out of seven women in America will develop breast cancer at some point during her lifetime. You may even know someone with breast cancer who has experienced what you are going through now. Many women beat breast cancer and go on to lead active, healthy lives.

A word about support
Don’t be afraid to reach out to others during this difficult time. Your family and friends, your doctors and health care team, and local cancer support groups and other organizations can provide much needed support and encouragement and play a vital role in your recovery.