Breast cancer, when upset enough to knock on the brain's door, can paint a picture that eerily resembles non-threatening conditions like a runaway COVID symptom or a nasty stroke. That's a pill roughly 4 percent to 10 percent of American metastatic breast cancer survivors end up swallowing.

Now the cues – a quirky sense of smell, word salads, a sudden thing for double-vision, a switch to a darker personality; you'd think these little nasties were auditioning for a disease parade. An often comical and tragic misunderstanding with metastatic breast cancer, we aren't encouraging you to run to the ER with every peculiar symptom.

For a crash course on identifying the red flags amidst ordinary health setbacks, we turn to Dr. Hurvitz and Dr. Ali for tips.

"Know What's Regularly Weird for You," as Dr. Ali candidly puts it. The recurrence of your trademark symptoms - headaches more stubborn than usual or altered vision worsened by pre-existing conditions, should set off alarms.

Your cancer treatment could also be playing odds with your body, mimicking metastasis signs. If that's the case, your Doc has to be first on your call list.

When in doubt, Hurvitz prescribes a neat "2-Week Rule." Make a mental note of any sprouting changes and let it play out over two weeks. Persisting symptoms should meet the doctor's table pronto. With ambiguity fogging every symptom, Hurvitz reminds, "Only brain imaging and tests can be the ultimate truth-tellers."

Most importantly, understanding the specific risk factors tied to your breast cancer subtype could be a lifesaver. The notorious troublemakers here are the HER2-positive and Triple-negative variants. Dr. Ali also points out the raised stakes for Black Americans who often face aggressive breast cancer strains.

Clinical trials could be a godsend here. Along with regular checkups, continuous surveillance, they open doors to avant-garde treatments. Plus, they offer a sense of control to the patient. Hurvitz insists that underrepresented communities must forcefully advocate for participation in these trials.

Calling a wingman or wingwoman for your healthcare sessions can be complementary. More ears, fewer miss-outs! Lastly, establish trust with your doctor. Dismiss googling symptoms, let your doctor do the job. It's always okay to ask for a second opinion.

Breast cancer's walk to the brain could happen, but living in its shadow is certainly not the life prescription. Understand your body's version of 'normal,' comprehend your risk factors, and anchor your trust in a good doctor. Live your life, not in the fear of metastasis.