Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis can be one of the most overwhelming moments in anyone’s life. It is completely natural to feel a range of emotions—from shock and fear to uncertainty about what comes next. At Tucson Breast Health Specialists, we want you to know that while breast cancer is serious, you typically have time to make informed decisions about your treatment plan. Understanding your options and the breast cancer treatment timeline is a crucial first step toward empowered care.
You Have Time to Make Informed Choices
One of the most common questions we hear from new patients is: “How soon do I need to start treatment after my diagnosis?” While every individual’s situation is unique, it’s important to know that breast cancer generally grows slowly, and a short wait of a few weeks to see the right specialist rarely impacts outcomes. Most early-detected breast cancers are highly treatable, and the overall risk of dying from breast cancer is relatively low. Taking the time to schedule appointments with well-equipped specialists, ask questions, and fully understand your treatment options often leads to better care and greater confidence in your plan, rather than rushing to the first available appointment.
Allowing yourself the time to learn about your options and get a second opinion, if desired, ensures you are comfortable and confident in your care plan. Rushed decisions are rarely necessary, and being informed is just as important as being prompt.
Understanding Your Breast Cancer Treatment Timeline
The breast cancer treatment timeline often depends on several factors, including the type and stage of cancer, your overall health, and personal preferences. Here’s what you can generally expect:
- Diagnosis Confirmation: After you receive your diagnosis, pathology is reviewed to confirm the cancer type and grade.
- Additional Testing: Further imaging and lab tests may be scheduled to determine the stage of cancer.
- Consultation with a Breast Surgical Oncologist: Meeting with an expert surgical oncologist, such as Dr. Michele Ley, helps you understand all available treatment routes.
- Decision Period: You will have time to ask questions, learn about lumpectomy, mastectomy, reconstruction, medication, and other options before starting any treatment plan.
- Treatment Scheduling: Once you and your care team decide on a plan, you will schedule your treatments and surgeries. Most treatments begin within a few weeks of diagnosis, ensuring both medical safety and decision confidence.
Comprehensive Treatment Options at Tucson Breast Health Specialists
Our team specializes in a full spectrum of breast cancer treatments under the guidance of Dr. Michele Ley, a leading breast cancer surgical oncologist in Tucson and breast cancer survivor herself. Every patient receives a personalized approach with options that may include:
- Lumpectomy: Breast-conserving surgery
- Mastectomy: Complete breast removal
- Reconstructive surgery: Oncoplastic breast surgery can restore confidence and appearance after surgical treatment.
- Working with a team of specialists for medical and radiation treatments
- Coordinated care for ongoing monitoring and support through surgery, recovery, and survivorship.
Learn more about our surgical procedures and how we personalize each plan for our patients’ unique journeys.
Why Take the Time to Understand Your Options?
Being proactive and educated about your breast cancer diagnosis is vital. Understanding your treatment options ensures you choose the best plan for your health, emotional well-being, and long-term recovery. Our team will work closely with you to answer your questions and provide resources at every step.
The Expertise of Dr. Michele Ley
Dr. Michele Ley brings both expert medical knowledge, surgical skils and the compassion of a breast cancer survivor to her role as a specialist in breast care in Tucson. She is dedicated to educating, empowering, and supporting each patient, so you never have to face this journey alone.
Take the First Step with Confidence
Remember, after a breast cancer diagnosis, you have time to consider your treatment options, talk to specialists, and make decisions that are right for you. Our team at Tucson Breast Health Specialists is here to guide you with empathy, experience, and the latest treatment advances in Tucson and Southern Arizona. Contact us today.
Michele Ley, MD, FACS
Dr. Michele Ley, a breast surgical oncologist in Tucson since 2006, combines compassionate care with cutting-edge techniques to provide personalized treatment plans for breast cancer and high-risk patients. With a medical degree from St. Louis University, residency at the University of Arizona, and fellowship at UC San Francisco, Dr. Ley is board-certified in General Surgery and a member of the American Society of Breast Surgeons. Her experience as a medical director for breast programs and her own journey as a breast cancer survivor at age 44 uniquely position her to offer empathetic and expert care to her patients.
