A breast cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming. It brings a flood of emotions, questions, and uncertainty about what lies ahead. At Bedford Breast Center in Beverly Hills, our mission is to walk beside you every step of the way, offering personalized guidance, advanced surgical options, and compassionate support. Our expert team is here to ensure that you are informed, cared for, and never alone on this journey.
Taking the First Steps After a Breast Cancer Diagnosis
When you receive a breast cancer diagnosis, understanding exactly what it means is the first step toward healing. First and foremost: take a deep breath. There is time to take care of this. Different types of breast cancer require different treatment approaches, and it’s important to have clear, accurate information about your condition. At Bedford Breast Center, we help our patients understand the details of their diagnosis using advanced imaging, including 3D mammograms, so they can make informed decisions with confidence.
It’s going to take a few weeks to gather all the necessary information, and it is completely safe to do so. During this time, you’ll work with your care team to determine what additional imaging needs to be performed, what genetic testing may be recommended, what surgical options are most appropriate, and what additional treatments may be needed.
Imaging is typically one of the first priorities after a diagnosis. Understanding what is present on imaging helps your doctor know what needs to be addressed and what may be preserved. Your doctor will guide you through the appropriate options and any additional testing.
Genetic Testing
If you have received a breast cancer diagnosis, talk to your doctor about testing for mutated genes. Certain genetic mutations can influence your treatment plan and may have implications for other family members as well. Your care team at Bedford Breast Center can help guide you through this process.
Understanding Your Treatment Options
Once you understand your diagnosis, the next step is to plan your treatment path. That plan may include a combination of surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and other therapies tailored to your specific case.
Surgery
Surgery is often a key component of breast cancer treatment, and options generally fall into two main groups: mastectomy (removal of the breast) or breast conservation surgery, such as a lumpectomy (removal of the tumor and surrounding tissue while preserving the breast). Your surgical team will help determine which approach is best suited to your diagnosis, anatomy, and personal goals.
At Bedford Breast Center, breast surgeons Dr. Richardson and Dr. Memsic perform lumpectomy, mastectomy, and related oncologic procedures. Thanks to continued innovations, patients now have more options than ever for safe and aesthetically pleasing outcomes. Following cancer surgery, plastic surgeons Dr. Cassileth and Dr. Killeen are two of the leading specialists shaping the future of breast reconstruction. Our breast surgeons and plastic surgeons work closely as a team to help our patients regain a sense of well-being following breast cancer diagnosis.
Chemotherapy
Some patients with breast cancer will need chemotherapy, while others will not. This decision depends on the characteristics of the cancer cells themselves, including whether they have special features that cause them to break away from their origin and spread throughout the body. Your oncology team will evaluate these factors to determine whether chemotherapy is part of your recommended treatment plan.
Radiation
Radiation therapy may also be recommended as part of your treatment, often following surgery. Like chemotherapy, whether radiation is needed depends on the specifics of your diagnosis. Your care team will walk you through what to expect if radiation is part of your plan.
What to Expect During and After Surgery
Depending on your surgical plan, recovery times can vary. Lumpectomy patients generally recover in one to two weeks, while mastectomy or reconstruction patients may need several weeks before resuming normal activities. Throughout your recovery, our care team monitors your healing closely and is available to answer questions or address any concerns that arise. We believe that recovery is not only physical but emotional, and we ensure each patient receives the compassion and support they need.
You can expect our team to guide you through every stage—from pre-surgical preparation and post-operative care to resources that help you feel comfortable and confident along the way. We also offer assistance with payment and financing options to ensure your focus remains on recovery, not financial stress.
Comprehensive and Compassionate Care at Bedford Breast Center
Our patients come to Bedford Breast Center because they want exceptional, personalized breast cancer treatment in Beverly Hills. With an expert team that includes Dr. Richardson, Dr. Memsic, Dr. Cassileth, Dr. Killeen, and other world-class physicians, we blend medical excellence with heartfelt compassion. Every consultation, procedure, and follow-up appointment is designed to help you feel informed, empowered, and cared for.
Schedule a Consultation
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with breast cancer, you do not have to face it alone. Bedford Breast Center provides a supportive environment and a full continuum of care, from diagnosis to reconstruction and beyond. Learn more about our team of providers or contact us today to schedule a consultation. Together, we can help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
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