When you were dealing with early-stage breast cancer, the treatment had an end point. Now that you've been diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, your treatment will change and become more long-term. But even at this stage, there's still hope. Here are some tips I learned that will help you prepare for your visit and work with your doctor to change your treatment plan.

“[A]void researching yourself, or ask a loved one to do a bit of researching for you. And also remember that your story is your own. Someone else's story of their metastatic diagnosis is not yours.”

Going from early-stage to metastatic breast cancer can make you feel scared and uncertain about the changes ahead. Know that your doctor will use the latest research available to determine which treatment options are available to you. Try to take things one day at a time and one treatment at a time. A good goal is to focus on the first treatment you're on and don't overwhelm yourself by trying to take in the whole picture.

Your treatment is going to change. Make sure you understand why your doctor is putting you on a certain medicine, and how it might help you. Be prepared with questions to ask your doctor, and be ready for questions they may ask you.

It's OK to ask your care team for more information about your condition or treatment options to take home with you and digest it later. You might also ask to talk with a nurse navigator who can spend a little more time with you to explain things to you in different ways.

Now that you have your new treatment plan, you want to make sure you understand it and how it will affect your life. Here are some tips to smooth the transition to this new phase of treatment.

Know the treatment plan.

Make sure you know exactly what the plan is and the goals of your treatment. Find out how often you'll see your doctor and what side effects you may have. You don't want to have any confusion or unrealistic expectations. Personally, I learn things best by reading them, so I always like to bring a pamphlet home with me. Then I have information to look at later and digest.

Set up your next visit.

At the end of your appointment, you'll usually schedule your next appointment. They'll let you know when you'll see your doctor again and when your next treatment will be.

Look into payment assistance programs.

Some drugmakers have financial assistance programs to help you afford your medication. If your oncologist doesn't tell you about them, ask your doctor or a social worker or nurse navigator. Cancer organizations like the American Breast Cancer Foundation and the African American Breast Cancer Alliance offer financial assistance, as well as help with rides or other expenses like groceries or utilities.

Let your loved one know about side effects.

After my first treatment, I got multiple pages of information about my treatment's side effects. It was overwhelming. When you read that, it can feel overwhelming. You might find it helpful to let a family member or friend read the list so they'll know what to look for in you.