When you’re diagnosed with HR+ HER2- metastatic breast cancer (mBC), it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. You’ll get a lot of complicated information and will have important decisions to make. Learning as much as you can about your condition and treatment options may help you feel more in control and confident that you’re making the right choices. It will also help you make the most of the limited time you have during doctor’s visits.

They have the most information about your particular situation and are likely to be up-to-date on the latest research and treatments. Have them explain the details of your diagnosis. If you don’t understand something, ask them to say it in a different way. Their office may have booklets or other handouts for patients that use easy-to-understand language. They may also be able to steer you to helpful websites.

A cancer specialist called an oncologist will lead your team. But they aren’t the only person who can answer questions about your HR+ HER2- mBC care. You’ll also work with nurses, pharmacists, and other health professionals. Learn who to call about things like symptom changes, medication side effects, and financial concerns. Find out the best way to contact your team members and keep that information handy.

Educate yourself about breast cancer basics so you can work with your doctor to choose the treatment plan that’s right for you. What does HR+ mean and how does that guide your options? How do you receive different treatments – as a pill or an infusion into a vein? What side effects are possible? Your doctor will recommend a treatment plan based on your test results, but they can tailor that to your preferences.

To start learning on your own, see if your hospital or cancer center has a resource library or offers patient education programs. Look for articles online from medical journals and websites run by medical schools, hospitals, government agencies, and nonprofit research and advocacy groups, such as:

• University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
• National Cancer Institute
• National Comprehensive Cancer Network
• American Cancer Society

It can be hard to separate fact from hype on the internet. To be sure the information you find is accurate, look for: 

• Clearly identified sources 
• Expert credentials for whoever wrote or reviewed it
• A recent publication date 

If a website or social media post wants to sell you something, or if claims seem too good to be true, be suspicious. Remember that what works for one person may not help you. Discuss what you see with your care team.

Metastatic breast cancer can’t be cured, but treatment can slow its progression and help you live longer. While not everyone’s cancer responds the same way, it helps to understand what you might expect from different treatments. Researchers publish what they learn about effectiveness and side effects in medical journals, and you can usually find that information on the websites for specific drugs.

Write down what you learn during your research and keep a list of questions for your doctor to help you stay organized during your appointments. While you’re at their office, take notes on what they tell you, or ask if you can record your conversation. Read over the notes or listen to the recording later to be sure you’re clear on any instructions. If you aren’t, follow up with a phone call or email to your care team.

Find someone you trust and ask them to help you get educated about your condition. Explaining what you’ve learned to someone else is a good way to be sure you understand it yourself. They might also think of questions that you haven’t. This person might be your spouse or partner, another family member, or good friend. You could also take them with you to your doctor’s appointments to be sure you cover everything.

To get the answers you need, you may have to ask your questions more than once. Don’t be embarrassed if you don’t understand something. One strategy is to repeat back in your own words what your doctor told you. They can correct you if that isn’t what they meant. You may just not communicate well with your doctor. In that case, see if a nurse or other provider in the office can explain things in a way that makes more sense for you.

When you’re living with HR+ HER2- mBC, others going through the same thing as you are can be a great resource for information and advice, as well as a source of support. Check with your local hospital or cancer center to see if they have an in-person support group, or look online. Some places to start: the websites for the Cancer Support Community and CancerCare.

This is a great way to get more information and feel confident about your treatment decisions. Another doctor will review your records and let you know if they agree with your treatment plan or have other suggestions. Insurance companies will usually cover this process, but they may have you see a certain doctor. Don’t worry about hurting your doctor’s feelings – getting a second opinion is common.