about us video series our stars funding resources news order         faq's how quickly must i make decisions regarding treatment?   FAQ's   Am I going to survive this illness? Is breast cancer an automatic death sentence?   How did I get breast cancer?   What can I do to prevent recurrence of breast cancer?   Will I lose my hair from whatever treatment my doctors recommend?   Will people treat me differently because I have breast cancer?   What is a second opinion and should I get one?   Does a lumpectomy cure breast cancer as effectively as a mastectomy?   How quickly must I make decisions regarding treatment?   How can I tell if a lump in my breast is cancer or not?   Can I become pregnant if I have had breast cancer?   What is a clinical trial?   Should I participate in a clinical trial? How quickly must I make decisions regarding treatment? Your breast cancer had its origins in your breast (system) as long as seven to ten years before you discovered it. You may feel pressure to make decisions right away, but unless your doctor tells you that you must act quickly, you should take time to consult other doctors, do research, and speak with other women about the treatment(s) you are considering. When you spend time before you decide on treatment, you are more likely to feel comfortable about your decision(s). However, if there is evidence of any spread outside of the breast to sites such as lymph notes, skin, brain, or lung, it is prudent to act quickly.