D. LAWRENCE WICKERHAM, MD: The personalities of the caregivers becomes important. Now, the type of personality may vary from patient to patient, but it needs to be compatible with her needs, and arguably the needs of her family as well.
GENEROSA GRANA, MD: We are no longer in an era where the physician makes all of the decisions in isolation. This is a partnership. The decisions are made by the physician and the patient together.
ANNOUNCER: Being comfortable with your choice of doctors extends to choosing the team that will be involved in helping a breast cancer patient.
GENEROSA GRANA, MD: Involved in the treatment of breast cancer are people of a variety of specialties: the surgical oncologist, the medical oncologist, the radiation oncologist, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon who is involved in deciding what type of reconstruction is available. Often a psychologist or social worker, and again, sometimes a coordinator that will guide the patient through each of those steps.
ANNOUNCER: Finding the right people is key. Carole found hers through her gynecologist and surgeon.
CAROLE CHAMBERLAIN: He said, "I know them well." They were two guys and a gal. And it was wonderful from the minute I walked in there.
D. LAWRENCE WICKERHAM, MD: Ideally, the team involved in breast care should be just that, a team that provides very integrated activities from day one followed through long-term follow-up of these individuals.
ANNOUNCER: Support from family and friends can also be important.
