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How to track symptoms with stage 4 breast cancer
Keep a short daily note of your symptoms, pain and energy with scores from 0 to 10, and flag changes to your team early. A record makes it easier to see what is new, what is stable and what treatment is doing.
What to note each day
- Pain: where, how strong, what helped
- Energy and sleep
- Appetite, nausea and digestion
- Breathing, cough or anything new
- Mood and worries
- Side effects of treatment
Mark changes
Add a star when something is new, worse or lasting longer than expected. Bring starred items to your next call or visit.
Report right away
Report anything your team told you to report right away, using the number you were given.
Before appointments
Pick your top three changes, write your questions, and bring a note-taker. See questions about metastatic treatment and the symptom diary.
Frequently asked questions
How do I track symptoms with stage 4 breast cancer?
Short daily notes with scores from 0 to 10 and a star for anything new.
How often should I update my team?
As they advised. Report urgent symptoms at once.
What if I have little energy to write?
Use voice notes or one line per day.
For information only, not medical advice. For information only, not medical advice. Follow your care team's guidance, and use the number you were given for anything urgent.