Megatrends in Treasury, Money and Banking Megatrends in Treasury, Money and Banking Anthony J. Carfang, The Carfang Group Innovation, technology, regulation and geopolitics are intersecting and are about to change the face of treasury, money and banking as never before. Issues that appear small or incremental today could be seismic in the longer term. As markets, institutions and governments deal with these cross-currents, we could be witnessing the beginning of a transformation on a grand scale in finance. In this series, The Carfang Group presents eleven issues that will change the financial world. We call these the “Megatrends”. This article presents the eleven megatrends and invites your feedback and discussion. Subsequent articles will explore each of these in detail. These are the eleven Megatrends which we believe will reshape our financial world over the next decade. Central Bank roles are scaled back. Asset Managers overtake banks. Deposit Banking diminishes in importance. Deposit Insurance becomes universal. Private Liquidity Funds emerge as a major asset class. Technology disintermediates the intermediaries. Truly immediate payments eclipse “faster payments”. 20th century institutions and structures are realigned. Currency takes on a new role. Alternative currencies gain acceptance. Solutions for the underbanked take shape. ​ ​ About the author: Anthony J. Carfang is Managing Director of The Carfang Group and has a distinguished background in consulting, writing, speaking, thought leadership and advocacy in the area of treasury, payments and liquidity. He encourages you to provide feedback on this article or any other issues to tony_carfang@carfang.com . You can follow Tony at https://www.linkedin.com/in/carfang/ Central Bank roles are scaled back. ​ To receive a pdf version of this white paper, email tony_carfang@carfang.com ." ​ Central Bank roles are scaled back. ​ Without question, many central banks functioned superbly during the financial crisis in the dual roles of lender of last resort and payment guarantor of last resorts. They forcefully took on powers necessary to prevent a worldwide depression. Instead of reverting to their historical role after the crisis abated by 2011, they continued to function in crisis mode and now seem to have taken for themselves an entirely new mandate of economic support. We believe that this will come under close scrutiny over the next decade and the missions of central banks world-wide will be scaled back. Consider the following “last resort” moves that remain in place ten years post-crisis: ​ Central bank balance sheets remain at levels which make them THE dominant players, distorting the financial markets rather than merely facilitating those markets. Securities on their balance sheets now stand at $23 trillion, up from $4 trillion pre-crisis. The Federal Reserve began paying interest on bank excess reserves in a not so subtle effort to inject capital into banks and to fund its swollen balance sheet. Long after the crisis, it still pays market interest, thereby competing for private capital while quashing the intrabank Fed Funds market. Operation Twist was a specific program designed to lower long term rates relative to short term rates. Many of these OT securities remain on the Fed balance sheet, impacting the shape of the yield curve today. Quantitative Easing and Quantitative tightening are direct attempts by central banks to impact growth levels, still ongoing today, and are not a direct part of their mandate. Combined, these activities distort the important market signals that are necessary in robust markets. Central bank roles will come under close examination. The debate will be intense but healthy. Should central banks be limited to their "first principles" of currency stability and lender of last resort? Or should they proactively manage world economies? We expect a tilt back toward the former. Asset Managers overtake banks. Commercial banks have historically been the primary conduit through which depositors and borrowers clear the market. Most individuals and businesses maintain bank accounts to facilitate transactions and savings. Similarly, for individuals and all but the largest businesses, these banks are also the primary source of loans. Asset managers, on the other hand, provide investment management services primarily by deploying their investors’ capital via the secondary markets. That is abruptly changing in ways that are just beginning to emerge. We believe that over the next decade, asset managers will overtake banks as the primary financial institutions in both the retail and wholesale markets. Commercial banks, long the dominant market players, saw their competitive advantage sharply curtailed following the financial crisis. They became subject to SIFI supervision, Basel III’s liquidity requirements, tiered capital requirements and much more. Over the past ten years, total assets of the largest banks have been relatively flat. Asset managers not subject to these requirements, in particular the largest three companies, have grown enormously. The “Big 3” have nearly tripled in assets since the crisis and are now larger than the largest commercial banks. We expect that these supersized asset managers will be able to muscle into all aspects of the commercial banking franchise and radically alter the playing field. It is true that commercial banks enjoy the dual monopolies of deposit aggregation powers and payment settlement finality. However, technology will diminish those advantages (see below) to the point at which they cannot overcome their regulatory, capital and liquidity burdens. Deposit Banking diminishes in importance. The centuries-old deposit banking paradigm will not disappear anytime soon. But we believe it will radically change in the near future, creating significant winners and losers among financial and payments institutions. Deposits have long served two primary functions. They were a buffer to mitigate the uncertain clearing time for payments and they served as a repository for savings on the part of individuals who did not have direct access to the institutional markets. Rates paid on transaction deposits were negligible but that was part of the offset for transaction costs. Rates paid on savings were more competitive but slightly below market, given that banks provided the only way for retail savers to earn any return at all. Even today, banks aggressively compete for deposits across most wholesale and retail segments. Yet we believe this model is about to change as the cross currents of technology and regulation play out. ​ On the transaction front, with faster (instant) payments will come greater certainty, leading to what we refer to as “just-in-time money”. In this new world, the need for a buffer vanishes. Fintech solutions will fund these accounts as necessary and will deploy all excess funds into the money markets. On the savings front, technology is eliminating the friction and transaction costs that stood in the way of savers directly accessing the markets. On-line brokers and internet banks are just the tip of the iceberg. Further, traditional commercial banks are saddled with Basel III related capital, liquidity and stable funding requirements that further erode their competitiveness. Deposits were once the holy grail of banking. That is about the change. Deposit Insurance becomes universal. Government insurance for bank deposits is a common safety net worldwide. By insuring a set level of deposits, governments boost depositors’ faith in the banking system and encourage capital formation. Banks are assessed premiums by the insuring government agency. These premiums are generally passed along to depositors in the form of slightly lower rates or higher transaction costs. At the onset of the financial crisis, the U.S. Congress raised the coverage amount from $100,000 to $250,000 per depositor per institution, and that has not been rolled back during the recovery. Temporarily, the limit was removed altogether for non-interest-bearing accounts. Taking deposit insurance well beyond the safety net aspect, financial institutions and tech companies are partnering to expand coverage to all of a customer’s deposits. A depositor can place funds well above the $250,000 limit with a lead participant. A servicer will take that large deposit, break it into $250,000 units and place one unit each with other banks in their network. Some networks include over 1,000 banks, enabling a depositor to place up to $250 million in a single deposit and have the entire amount insured. While this might seem to be at odds with the spirit of deposit insurance, neither the FDIC nor Congress have taken steps to limit the rapid spread of these deposits that now exceed $1 trillion, one-eighth of the total insured deposit base. In fact, in 2018 Congress passed legislation that gave regulatory support to “reciprocal” deposits, a subset of these types of programs. Consider, then, the rapidly approaching scenario in which ALL deposits are insured and the resulting moral hazard. A thin layer of bank shareholder capital is the only source of market discipline. The government is on the hook for all losses. That asymmetry likely leads to outsized risk taking. Ultimately, the government will be forced to step in and de facto nationalize the banks. Bills have been introduced in Congress, most recently in 2018, to allow the US Postal Service to take deposits and make loans. This could be the logical conclusion of unlimited deposit insurance. If the government is bearing all the risks of the banking system, the logical conclusion is that it takes over the banking system. USPS banks could be the first step in that direction. Private Liquidity Funds emerge as a major asset class. Like private equity funds a few decades ago, which provided a way to circumvent public markets for long term capital, Private Liquidity Funds will circumvent the public markets to enable the efficient provision of liquidity to both investors and borrowers. Technology is enabling “just-in-time money” which will redefine “liquidity”. Sweep accounts are now available at low cost to most savers and investors. Funds can be fully invested right up to the day they are needed. Thanks to fintech advances, funds can be drawn down at precisely the time they are needed. At the same time, regulators in the U.S. and around the world have hamstrung money market funds that focus on private sector liquidity. In 2016, US regulators implemented regulations that reduced the viability of prime money market funds. Prime funds invested in commercial paper and other private sector debt instruments. Thus, both the providers and users of liquidity were penalized. The bulk of prime fund assets flowed into government and treasury funds and are no longer available to provide liquidity to businesses. Similar regulations are currently being implemented in Europe. Unfortunately, because of the dramatic scale-back of prime funds, the most efficient conduit between providers and users of liquidity has been significantly curtailed. The upshot will be an entirely new asset class. Some forward-thinking asset managers have already established the first funds of this breed. They are similar to the pre-regulation 2a-7 funds but are limited to institutional investors. However, we expect these to morph into an asset class that will ultimately look very different from the current funds (MMFs, SMAs and Ultra Short Bond Funds) and incorporate the redefined “liquidity” and facilitate just-in-time cash. Forty years ago, no one envisioned the current structure and transformative role of private equity funds. We believe a similar transformation is about to overtake the liquidity market. Technology disintermediates the intermediaries. Historically, banks and other financial intermediaries filled the information gap between suppliers of capital (depositors, investors) and users of capital. They also bridged the gap between risk takers and risk avoiders. Banks knew both sides of the trade and could comfortably stand between providers and users of capital who did not know each other. If a single bank did not know the counter party of a transaction, it could easily locate a correspondent bank that did. These intermediaries lowered the transaction costs and risks (friction) that separated borrowers from lenders. The result was the rapid global expansion of trade and commerce. Fintech is changing all that in five key ways: Technology is fast closing that information gap. It is putting more reliable and more up-to-date information in the hands of all the parties in any given transaction, reducing the need for an intermediary. Social networks such as LinkedIn and others allow buyers and sellers to connect and investigate each other directly. Peer-to-Peer networks and microfinance schemes bypass the financial intermediary entirely. Technology is powering broad based sweep programs that move excess funds out of even the smallest investor or depositor accounts, the intermediaries, and directly into the financial markets. Intelligent technologies, such as robo-advisors, use sophisticated algorithms to bypass the traditional channels. The upshot is that the intermediary role of financial institutions is being displaced. Truly immediate payments eclipse faster payments. Over the past several decades, payments have become faster, cheaper and more reliable. Checks used to take days in the mail and then days to clear once deposited. International funds transfers would pass through several banks, each taking a “lifting” fee as the funds slowly passed from originator to recipient. Fortunately, those days are over. Now, central banks, commercial banks and payment networks are all racing each other to make payments even speedier. This is all very good since timing delays in payments and the attendant information flows create risk and uncertainty as well as wreaking havoc with cash forecasts and liquidity cushions. In the US the Fed launched its Faster Payments task force with this statement: “The task force calls upon all stakeholders to seize this historic opportunity to realize the vision for a payment system in the United States that is faster, ubiquitous, broadly inclusive, safe, highly secure, and efficient by 2020.” Around the globe, the UK announced its Faster Payments Service in 2008. In 2017, the European Central Bank kicked off its TIPS program (TARGET Instant Payment Settlement) with the goal of “instant” payments 24/7 within the euro area. The Monetary Authority of Hong Kong launched the Faster Payments System initiative in 2018. No doubt, payments are becoming much faster, more secure and more universal. The benefits of these initiatives are immense. In faster payments, funds and information, however fast and efficient, must still flow between the originator, the originator’s payment processor and/or bank, a central bank, the recipient’s payment processor and/or bank before becoming settled funds in the recipients account with finality. Even the ECB, in its TIPS communique, defined instant payments as “a matter of seconds”. That is a huge improvement. However, as high-frequency traders and arbitrageurs know, “a matter of seconds” is an eternity in financial markets. We believe that there will be one more step beyond faster payments: truly immediate payments. These payments will settle instantly, anywhere, anytime. At present, it’s difficult to envision. Perhaps blockchain technology is providing us the first glimpse. This has the potential of eliminating the sequential process of moving money and information (however fast) among transactors, their intermediaries and their settlement network. Alternatively, the paradigm for instant payments might come from outside the industry. Consider this analogy with railroads. In the late 19th century, railroads competed with each other to provide faster, safer and cheaper options in moving both passengers and freight between two points. Yet, even in the heat of that competition, no one within the industry considered putting wings on rail cars. Ironically, most payment intermediaries today refer to their networks as “rails”. 20th century institutions and structures are realigned. Post-WWII, late 20th century institutions and structures are unraveling. But, because they are so ingrained in our psyche, these shifts seem incomprehensible. The magnitude and scope of their impact are difficult to assess. But we believe that this is a megatrend impacting Treasury, Money and Banking. Trade organizations and trade agreements are coming apart or are being realigned in material ways. To see just a few underway right now, look no farther than the Pacific trade agreements, NAFTA and the EU with Brexit. Countries are subtly shifting to bi-lateral rather than multi-lateral constructs. Structures are also giving way. SWIFT is caught in a tug of war between its nominal role as a funds transfer communication system and its externally imposed role of sanctions enforcer. LIBOR, the reference rate for several trillion dollars of actual debt and hundreds of trillions of dollars of derivatives is phasing out within the next two years. The financial world needs to be repapered! Government-Sponsored Enterprises (GSEs) are coming under scrutiny. Agencies such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac that provide government guarantees in order to meet a “social good” took shape following the early 20th century’s great depression. They have now grown into behemoths, and some lay the blame of the 2008 financial crisis at the doorstep of the housing GSEs. Although governments decried the size of these agencies and vowed to trim then, they have continued to grow since the crisis. Paradoxically, central banks need GSE to create the instruments that now sit on their swollen balance sheets. We believe that many of these agencies will be downsized over time. The 20th century financial and geopolitical world is changing, and all market participants must adapt. ​ Currency takes on a new role. This megatrend is counter-intuitive, but the data are clear. For decades, we’ve heard that we’re moving toward a cashless society. One with everything on a card or in a chip. Not so. The evidence is that, over the last decade, currency in circulation as a percentage of GDP has nearly doubled worldwide. In the US, currency increased from $800 billion in 2006 to $1.7 trillion in late 2018. That’s hardly a cashless society. (Scandinavia is an exception we need to explore.) Central banks and academia are beginning to study this phenomenon. Some key hypotheses about factors contributing to this are currently being formulated. They include: ​ Convenience – It’s easy to transact in cash. Low holding cost – In an ultra-low interest rate environment, cash is cheap. Privacy – Currency transactions (and barter) are the only types of economic activity that don’t inherently require a corresponding exchange of data. Historically, currency has defined the underground economy. We now see an emerging role for currency in the above-ground economy for market participants desiring and valuing privacy or anonymity. Store of Value – In negative interest rate environments we see in some parts of the world, there is actually an economic benefit to holding currency in order to retain value. More interestingly, in certain low interest rate environments, the low carrying costs, to many, seem like a small price to pay to hedge political or economic uncertainty. India is a fascinating case study in progress. In November 2016, India eliminated large denominated rupee notes that represented 86% of India’s currency. Citizens had the opportunity to exchange the notes for smaller denomination notes. The intent was to root out the underground economy and raise tax revenue. The ramifications were far reaching and still playing out. But Bloomberg offers one interesting conclusion: “Cash remains the most popular form of tender in India. Currency with the public has increased to 18.5 trillion rupees in August 2018 from 17.9 trillion rupees before demonetization.” That is a 3% increase in currency in spite of an 86% drop in large denominated notes! Again, economists at present are trying to understand the factors behind this trend. Obviously, however, this creates a nightmare for regulators and those managing monetary policy. The trend is both real and “Mega”. ​ Alternative currencies gain acceptance. This megatrend challenges the definition of money itself – the gaining acceptance of alternative currencies including crypto currencies. In ancient times, post-barter, precious commodities were the prevailing instrument of exchange and store of value. These commodities had intrinsic value that resulted in their reliability and acceptance. The middle ages saw the emergence of fiat currencies. They had value because a government said they had value. The problem with pre-modern fiat currencies is that they could be easily debased. A ruling body could simply turn on the printing press. Current fiat currencies such as the dollar, euro, pound, etc. are much more stable than their predecessors. That’s because they are issued and backed by the full faith and credit of sovereign governments. They are managed with a “goal” of price stability by central banks. The track record is far from perfect and debasement examples abound, but it is certainly improved. Crypto technologies are now enabling a new genre of fiat currency: crypto currencies like bitcoin and others. They are not the product of precious metals or scarce commodities. They are not issued by governments (yet). They are not “full faith and credit” instruments. They are not managed by central backs. Proponents insist that this litany of “they are nots” is actually a benefit, not a shortcoming. Following the Subjective Theory of Value, crypto currencies have value because buyers and sellers believe they have value. They are fiat currencies without governments or central banks. Adherents argue that frees them from manipulation by governments or central banks and creates a universal value. Air-BnB, Uber and Lyft offer instructive examples. After all, who would invite a total stranger to spend a night in their homes or jump into a stranger’s car. A key thing these companies provide to the gig economy is a decentralized mechanism of trust (in contrast to the trusted “central” bank). In doing so, they have transformed industries. This could be the trajectory of certain crypto currencies. We believe that some alternative currencies will become mainstream. While they might not be both a universal store of value and medium of exchange, some might take hold as settlement vehicles for specific types of payments. Others, because of their distributed processing security, could be liquidity vehicles. Still others, because of their global nature, could eliminate the need for foreign exchange in global trade. We’ll explore the profound implication in later megatrend articles. Solutions for the underbanked take shape. 30% of the world’s population do not have bank accounts. Many more do not have access to a basic set of banking services. They must either transact in cash, barter or use third party payment services, which tend to be very expensive. Check cashing services, payday lending, money orders, money transfer services, etc. provide the underbanked with some ability to make payments, but at a high cost. The economic impact is significant. In addition to the direct cost that the underbanked pay to access the financial system, there is an even greater cost in terms of lost economic activity. The inability to easily transact reduces the level of transactions and depresses commerce and trade. Fortunately, new technologies could provide economically viable solutions for the underbanked in the three most critical financial functions: ​ Payment system access – Currently, people and businesses need a bank account to initiate or receive payments. Solutions developed by payments intermediaries and enabled by blockchain will provide the underbanked with payment services, conceivably bypassing the banking system altogether. Store of value – Blockchain could become the system of record for certain types of financial assets. This promises to allow the underbanked to safely and securely accumulate financial assets without having bank accounts. Assets could even be denominated in traditional central bank currencies or in crypto currencies. Access to capital – Peer to peer lending and micro finance are already providing non-traditional access to capital for the underbanked. Technology will accelerate this trend and make these services available to a larger population. Bringing the underbanked into the mainstream of the world’s economies creates opportunities that are difficult to fully appreciate. Increased economic activity, improved standards of living, expansion of markets are just some of the benefits that await. ​ In Conclusion , this paper has presented eleven megatrends impacting treasury, money and banking on a global scale. Some of these trends are natural extensions of technological innovation, others are regulatory work-arounds or the result of geopolitical forces well beyond the control of any single jurisdiction. The Carfang Group believes that each of these megatrends, individually, are transformational and collectively point to a potential radical change to the financial system. Future articles will consider each of these megatrends in greater depth. We welcome your feedback as we embark of this exploration. ​ About the author: Anthony J. Carfang is Managing Director of The Carfang Group and has a distinguished background in consulting, writing, speaking, thought leadership and advocacy in the area of treasury, payments and liquidity. He encourages you to provide feedback on this article or any other issues to tony_carfang@carfang.com . You can follow Tony at https://www.linkedin.com/in/carfang/ ​ ​ ​ © 2019 The Carfang Group, LLC. All rights reserved.

Diagnosis: I was diagnosed with Stage IIB breast cancer in the fall of 2016 at the age of 34. ​ I've been through chemo-therapy : Adriamycin, Cytoxan, Taxol, Perjeta, Herceptin, Xeloda Surgery : Partial Mastectomy and full axillary node dissection. ​ Radiation : 6 Weeks ​ Hormonal Therapies: Tried Anastrozole, didn't react well to it so now I am on Exemestane + Lupron shot. ​ And I am here to share my story! Laura's Journey Subscribe to my Vlog Day 1 post chemo My Port & My Hair Chemo #8 of 16 Morning Workout day of surgery Symptoms from Chemo (AC Treatment) Waking up from Surgery Intravenous Chemo #3 Night Before Surgery Day 4 Post-Op Warning: Graphic Content - Drains 4 Weeks Post-Op Radiation, 3 Weeks In Last round of Radiation, 30/30! Round 1 of Xeloda Round 8 of Xeloda Have questions or want to get in touch? Email Laura! Have a story you want to share? We want to hear from you! Submit a Story! Return Back to Survivor Stories

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Read Stories Surviving Breast Cancer Sep 14, 2022 1 min My Boys and My News By Jill Rackham I will never know what it was like for my children to receive such news about their mum, Telling my boys about my cancer... 112 Post not marked as liked Surviving Breast Cancer Aug 7, 2022 3 min How To Be Helpful When A Loved One Is Sick By Nate Kolmodin My name is Nate Kolmodin. My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2004. After recently learning about her... 85 Post not marked as liked Surviving Breast Cancer Aug 7, 2022 2 min All the Things I Wish You Were Here For: I Lost My Mom to Breast Cancer By Kyla Thompson All the things I wish you were here for. All the things I wish you could tell me. All the things I struggle with because... 30 Post not marked as liked Surviving Breast Cancer Aug 7, 2022 1 min Goodbyes Are Hard By Matilda Flanagan (11 years old) I cry as someone holds me Trying to calm me They rock me Just like my mom did Before she got sick I... 24 Post not marked as liked Surviving Breast Cancer Aug 7, 2022 1 min It Will Be OK By Matilda Flanagan (11 years old) It will be OK She will be OK Hair isn’t everything It will grow back I can’t pretend everything is OK... 46 Post not marked as liked Surviving Breast Cancer Aug 7, 2022 4 min Kyla’s Story This is a story about my mom. A story of love. A story changed by breast cancer, but not defined by it. My mom was my best friend. She... 31 Post not marked as liked 1 2 My name is Kyla Thompson, and I welcome you, kids, like me, to our space! My mom passed away of metastatic breast when I was 13. She was first diagnosed when I was two years old. I didn't know what breast cancer was then. 11years later, on October 21, 2014, a world that was filled with sports, homework, friends, and more shifted in a few seconds. My mom was gone. It was at a breast cancer walk just a few weeks later, with thousands of people, when I realized the need for #pinkkids. Of all the walkers, more than half were kids. I knew then I wasn’t alone. ​ I knew we needed to connect with each others and #pinkkids is the place for that connection. We are starting by sharing stories on the blog and through podcasts, as well as a private Group (link below). We’ll keep you up to date through SBC emails, as well as our Instagram (_pinkkids_). Looking forward to talking! Do you have a mom or dad who has been diagnosed with breast cancer? Or perhaps you have lost a parent to MBC? Connect with Kyla, share your story, post your why, or just let her know how you are doing today, we're all here to listen, support, and be a resource! ​ Email Kyla at pinkkids@survivingbreastcancer.org Breast Cancer 101 Lifestyle & Wellness Resources Programs Library Podcast About More Resources For Children & Adolescents Share your story. Share Your Why. Share A picture. Share. Email Kyla at pinkkids@survivingbreastcancer.org

Surviving Breast Cancer 41 minutes ago 1 min VESSEL By Jerilyn Young My body is a vessel Navigating ocean waves Pushing Pulling Flowing sensations of unknown Preparing for rough seas ahead... Surviving Breast Cancer Apr 15 1 min The Now I thought I couldn’t bear any more Then I expand... Surviving Breast Cancer Apr 14 2 min The Waiting Room Dania shares her story from radiation treatment for triple negative breast cancer. Surviving Breast Cancer Apr 12 10 min The Last Thing I Told My Mom Was a Lie (Part 2) By Olivia Smith Content warning: death and dying Read part 1 of Olivia’s story: The Last Thing I Told My Mom Was a Lie (Part 1) My sister... Surviving Breast Cancer Apr 11 2 min Solitude No More By Lourdes D. Heras These six-letter dreadful words I hear In solitude’s embrace, in the shadow of darkness, I battle unseen, unheard.... Surviving Breast Cancer Apr 11 3 min Next Thing Next, Following Your Heart By Brookshire McDonald After the death of my husband in 1996, I waited the suggested year and moved from Mandeville, Louisiana to my... Surviving Breast Cancer Apr 10 1 min Knowing (my tiny love story) By Sara Kandler Unpacking the shopping bag from Marshalls, my husband sits a chrome cruet on our kitchen countertop.... Surviving Breast Cancer Apr 5 6 min The Last Thing I Told My Mom Was a Lie (Part 1) By Olivia Smith Content warning: death and dying “I have some news to share with you girls. I went to the doctor because I have been... Surviving Breast Cancer Apr 3 2 min SBC By Brookshire McDonald, “Patron Saint” SurvivingBreastCancer.org has enabled us To become friends really fast. My hope is that all our... Surviving Breast Cancer Mar 28 3 min Cancer Threads Of My Life By Trudy Trybulski In 2016, I was 63 and not long retired. I noticed a change in the shape of my left breast and went to see my doctor,...

Multiple Dates Mon, Apr 29 Online Event Meditation Affirmations: Throat Chakra (Vishuddha) Apr 29, 2024, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM EDT Online Event The process of focused meditation with attention and intention can provide answers to various questions we may have especially around limiting beliefs. This is an opportunity to anchor the chakra teachings and transform our consciousness around. Share Come Join Us Multiple Dates Mon, May 06 Online Event Meditation Affirmations: Third Eye Chakra (Ajna) May 06, 2024, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM EDT Online Event The process of focused meditation with attention and intention can provide answers to various questions we may have especially around limiting beliefs. This is an opportunity to anchor the chakra teachings and transform our consciousness around. Share Come Join Us Multiple Dates Tue, May 07 Virtual Event Forest Bathing May 07, 2024, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM EDT Virtual Event Join this Forest Bathing class and experience a deeper connection with nature, reduce stress, improve mental well-being, and increase feelings of calm and relaxation Share Come Join Us Tue, May 21 Virtual Event In body Breathwork May 21, 2024, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM EDT Virtual Event Breathwork is a powerful modality that combines conscious breathing techniques with mindfulness and meditation. Share Come Join Us Mon, May 27 Virtual Event Brain Spotting May 27, 2024, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM EDT Virtual Event Brainspotting is a therapy technique used to address trauma and emotional distress. Share Come Join Us Multiple Dates Mon, Jun 03 Online Event Meditation Affirmations: Crown Chakra (Sahasrara) Jun 03, 2024, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM EDT Online Event The process of focused meditation with attention and intention can provide answers to various questions we may have especially around limiting beliefs. This is an opportunity to anchor the chakra teachings and transform our consciousness around. Share Come Join Us Positive Thinking, Mindfulness & Meditation For Healing Meditation On Demand Meditation. Create your own private haven anytime and anywhere. We have a number of beautiful meditations in our library. Choose one and practice it for a week or two. If you practice every day at the same time, you’ll notice that your brain is trained to follow your meditation practice consistently. Live Classes Join us for virtual classes with instructors who understand the cancer experience and offer a warm and welcoming community setting. Meditation & Journaling Join our chakra meditation with Gloria every Monday. After the meditation, participants are invited to write about their experience during the meditation. If they feel called to do so, they can also share their writing with the class. This is a great way to realize how connected we truly are. What are chakras? In Sanskrit, the word “chakra” means “disk” or “wheel” and refers to the energy centers in your body. These wheels or disks of spinning energy each correspond to certain nerve bundles and major organs. To function at their best, your chakras need to stay open, or balanced. Connect with your inner self, your spirit, and being through exploring your chakras. Positive Thinking and the Power to Heal ​The power of positive thinking is so pervasive today that many doctors and nurses strongly recommend developing a positive mental attitude to prevent sickness, to help overcome medical setbacks like disease, and to assist in the recovery from surgery. ​ There is healing power in positive thinking. But can you heal yourself just by being positive, optimistic and focused? Yes! It is believed that positive thoughts are able to prompt physiological changes in your body that strengthen your immune system, decrease pain, and provide stress relief. The “Power of Positive Thinking”, a self-help book by Norman Vincent Peale , published in the last century, first proposed the method of "Positive Thinking ". It aimed to ensure that one could achieve a permanent fruitful and optimistic attitude through constant positive influence of his/her conscious thought. This was to be accomplished through affirmations/visualizations, thus allowing one to attain higher satisfaction and quality of life. Similarly, in the book, “The Secret” by Rhonda Byrne, the Law of Attraction is explored and suggests that whatever energy, thoughts, or visualizations you put out into the universe, you will receive. So, if you send out negative vibes, or think something negative will happen, it probably will. If you send out positive vibes, positive things will be returned. Read Inspiring Articles How to Develop Positive Beliefs Start by applying the right kind of positive thinking so that you direct your subconscious mind to help heal your body and improve your life. ​ Direct your conscious and subconscious mind to help you heal. ​ Don’t worry. "Worry only takes the joy out of your day". Find a way to focus on the positive. What are you grateful for? Start a mental list of the things and people in your life that you are thankful for.​ Be optimistic. Surviving Breast Cancer Mar 5 3 min Breast Cancer Stories Thoughts on October: Breast Cancer “All Too Aware” Month By Dania Francis Although most people know that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, many do not realize what a tough month it is.... Surviving Breast Cancer Feb 29 3 min Positive Mindset & Inspiration No Scars to Your Beautiful By Jayita Chatterjee [This one is for me, for my pink cancer friends that went through lumpectomy, mastectomy and/or reconstruction, and... Surviving Breast Cancer Feb 9 2 min Positive Mindset & Inspiration Remember You Are Not Alone By Lourdes D. Heras After a breast cancer diagnosis… My life, your life, our life changes and the lives of those around us are impacted.... Surviving Breast Cancer Jan 14 2 min Blog Emotional Well-being during Breast Cancer: Coping Strategies and Support Resources A breast cancer diagnosis can evoke a range of emotions—fear, anxiety, sadness, anger, uncertainty, and more. Emotional responses vary among Surviving Breast Cancer Jan 14 2 min Positive Mindset & Inspiration Holistic Approaches to Complement Breast Cancer Treatment: Benefits and Practices Understanding these holistic approaches, their benefits, and their integration with conventional treatments can be valuable for individuals. Surviving Breast Cancer Oct 11, 2023 1 min Poetry Inspire & Innovate By Gloria Shoon At the first light; With gratitude in my heart, I connect with self and all of the Universe... Love is always in season;... Surviving Breast Cancer Mar 28, 2023 2 min Blog New Meanings and Shifting Priorities By Kristen Carter If you want to know what’s most important in life, just ask a woman who’s been diagnosed with breast cancer. Facing her... Surviving Breast Cancer Mar 17, 2023 2 min Blog My Experience in the SBC Encourage & Empower Program By Carol Collins During my breast cancer treatment, I came across Survivingbreastcancer.org. I soon saw a sign up post for Encourage &... Surviving Breast Cancer Feb 25, 2023 4 min Blog Putting Yourself First By Kristen Carter When Dawn Oswald was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer in 2008, her first impulse was to get on with treatment... Surviving Breast Cancer Feb 9, 2023 3 min Blog Self-Love Comes First By Kristen Carter Valentine’s Day can be a wonderful holiday if you’re in a relationship with someone you care for (and who cares for... 1 2 3 4 5 On Demand Meditation Cannot make a live class. No worries, we got you covered. You can access our on demand meditations anytime, anywhere! Let's Meditate Now Live Classes: What Your Chakras Are Telling You Chakra images courtesy of HopeSpring.ca Meditation testimonials Why and how meditation can help? "Meditation brings us into the now – the present and this helps us to eliminate our thoughts on the past and the future. Why this helps is because it is the past that can make us depressed and it is the future that can make us worry."

What is Breast Cancer? What is Breast Cancer? ​ Breast cancer is an uncontrolled growth of breast cells. To better understand breast cancer, it helps to understand how any cancer can develop. Cancer occurs as a result of mutations, or abnormal changes, in the genes responsible for regulating the growth of cells and keeping them healthy. The genes are in each cell’s nucleus, which acts as the “control room” of each cell. Normally, the cells in our bodies replace themselves through an orderly process of cell growth: healthy new cells take over as old ones die out. But over time, mutations can “turn on” certain genes and “turn off” others in a cell. That changed cell gains the ability to keep dividing without control or order, producing more cells just like it and forming a tumor. A tumor can be benign (not dangerous to health) or malignant (has the potential to be dangerous). Benign tumors are not considered cancerous: their cells are close to normal in appearance, they grow slowly, and they do not invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body. Malignant tumors are cancerous. Left unchecked, malignant cells eventually can spread beyond the original tumor to other parts of the body. The term “breast cancer” refers to a malignant tumor that has developed from cells in the breast. Usually breast cancer either begins in the cells of the lobules, which are the milk-producing glands, or the ducts, the passages that drain milk from the lobules to the nipple. Less commonly, breast cancer can begin in the stromal tissues, which include the fatty and fibrous connective tissues of the breast. ​ Breast Anatomy. A breast is made up of three main parts: lobules, ducts, and connective tissue. The lobules are the glands that produce milk. The ducts are tubes that carry milk to the nipple. The connective tissue (which consists of fibrous and fatty tissue) surrounds and holds everything together. Most breast cancers begin in the ducts or lobules. Over time, cancer cells can invade nearby healthy breast tissue and make their way into the underarm lymph nodes, small organs that filter out foreign substances in the body. If cancer cells get into the lymph nodes, they then have a pathway into other parts of the body. The breast cancer’s stage refers to how far the cancer cells have spread beyond the original tumor (see the Stages of breast cancer below for more information). Breast cancer is always caused by a genetic abnormality (a “mistake” in the genetic material). However, only 5-10% of cancers are due to an abnormality inherited from your mother or father. Instead, 85-90% of breast cancers are due to genetic abnormalities that happen as a result of the aging process and the “wear and tear” of life in general. ​ There are steps every person can take to help the body stay as healthy as possible, such as eating a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, limiting alcohol, and exercising regularly (learn what you can do to manage breast cancer risk factors ). While these may have some impact on your risk of getting breast cancer, they cannot eliminate the risk. Developing breast cancer is not your or anyone's fault. Feeling guilty, or telling yourself that breast cancer happened because of something you or anyone else did, is not productive. ​ Stages of Breast Cancer Staging is a standard term used across the medical profession to communicate how widespread or advanced the cancer is in the breast tissue and possibly other parts of your body. If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, doctors and pathologists will examine biopsy and imaging results to determine the stage — also known as the progression — of the disease. The process is complicated but necessary to determine the best treatment plan for your particular type of cancer. The most common staging system is the TNM (Tumor, Node, Metastasis - more on this below), which focuses on tumor size, lymph node involvement and metastatic spread of the cancer. It also factors in details related to hormone receptors, the protein HER2 and growth rate of the cells. The staging of your tumor is utilized by doctors to explain the breadth and scope of the cancer and helps them determine how to move forward with treatment, including surgery, if needed. Doctors use diagnostic tests to find out the cancer's stage, so staging may not be complete until all the tests are finished. The stage of a breast cancer is determined by the cancer’s characteristics, such as how large it is and whether or not it has hormone receptors. The stage of the cancer helps you and your doctor: ​ • figure out your prognosis, the likely outcome of the disease • decide on the best treatment options for you • determine if certain clinical trials may be a good option for you Breast cancer stage is usually expressed as a number on a scale of 0 through IV — with stage 0 describing non-invasive cancers that remain within their original location and stage IV describing invasive cancers that have spread outside the breast to other parts of the body. ​ Clinical vs. Pathological Staging Clinical staging is based on the results of tests done prior to surgery. If your biopsy comes back positive, your doctor may order additional tests to garner a better understanding if and where the cancerous cells have spread. This data gathering period may include physical examinations, mammogram, ultrasound, and MRI scans. In some cases your doctor may also order a bone or CT scans. Pathologic staging is based on what is found during surgery to remove breast tissue and lymph nodes. While a lot of the aforementioned tests can provide your oncological team with lots of information and data points, it is not until surgery is performed whereby the surgeons can remove the tumor and possible lymph nodes in order to confirm the size of the tumor, the number of lymph node involvement, and whether or not the cancer has metastasized. Early Stage Breast Cancer Early stage breast cancer refers to stages 0-III. Stage 0 Stage 0 cancers are called “carcinoma in situ.” Carcinoma means cancer and “in situ” means “in the original place.” Types of “in situ carcinoma” include • DCIS – Ductal carcinoma in situ • LCIS – Lobular carcinoma in situ • Paget disease of the nipple Stage I Stage I can be divided into Stage IA and Stage IB. The difference is determined by the size of the tumor and the lymph nodes with evidence of cancer. Stage II Stage II means the breast cancer is growing, but it is still contained in the breast or growth has only extended to nearby lymph nodes. This stage is divided into groups: Stage IIA and Stage IIB. The difference is determined by the size of the tumor and whether the breast cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. Stage III Stage III cancer means the breast cancer has extended beyond the immediate region of the tumor and may have invaded nearby lymph nodes and muscles, but has not spread to distant organs. This stage is divided into three groups: Stage IIIA, Stage IIIB, and Stage IIIC. The difference is determined by the size of the tumor and whether cancer has spread to the lymph nodes and surrounding tissue. Stage IV In Stage IV, the cancer has spread to other organs and parts of the body beyond the breast. This stage is often referred to as metastatic breast cancer (MBC) and is more difficult to treat due to the impact on other organs. Stage IV cancer symptoms include visible swelling in the breast and armpit; dry, flaky skin; red, dimpled skin; nipple discharge; breast pain; fatigue; insomnia; loss of appetite; weight loss; shortness of breath and other symptoms related to the specific organs involved. Although Stage IV breast cancer is not curable, it is treatable to a certain extent and current advances in research and medical technology mean that more and more women are living longer by managing the disease as a chronic illness with a focus on quality of life as a primary goal. With excellent care and support, as well as personal motivation, Stage IV breast cancer may respond to a number of treatment options that can extend one’s life for several years. TNM Staging System Doctors use the TNM system to ensure that medical professionals are using the same language and system to describe the tumor. T refers to the size of the tumor measured in centimeters and where it is located. N refers to the number of lymph nodes which were positive for cancer. If no lymph nodes were involved, the pathology report would state N(0). M refers to whether or not the cancer has traveled to distant part of the body such as the bones or organs. If it has spread, it will state where and how much. As an example, stage IIB may read something like this: (T3, N0, M0) meaning the tumor is greater than 55mm and has not spread to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body. Updated Staging Guidelines The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) established the way cancer is communicated. Clinicians and the surveillance community count on the AJCC for the most comprehensive anatomic staging data available, I.e., the Cancer Staging Manual and Cancer Staging Atlas. In 2018 the AJCC updated the breast cancer staging guidelines to add other cancer characteristics to the T, N, M system to determine a cancer’s stage. In addition to knowing the stage of your cancer, breast cancer is also classified according to other characteristics. These include how sensitive it is to the hormones estrogen and progesterone as well as to the level of certain proteins that play a role in breast cancer growth, such as HER2. It is also classified by the cancer’s genetic makeup. • Tumor Grade: a measurement of how much the cancer cells look like normal cells • Estrogen- & Progesterone-Receptor Status: do the cancer cells have receptors for the hormones estrogen and progesterone? • HER2 status: are the cancer cells making too much of the HER2 protein? • Oncotype DX score, if the cancer is estrogen-receptor-positive, HER2-negative, and there is no cancer in the lymph nodes. The above amended guidelines have helped to create and reinforce ontological/surgical treatment advances. As you can imagine Staging is a complex undertaking and these latest AJCC guidelines allow for a more cohesive and universal diagnosis and treatment options. References and additional information on staging can be found on the resource links below: https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/breast-cancer/stages https://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/diagnosis/staging https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-stage-3 Breast Cancer Stages Early Stage Breast Early stage breast cancer refers to stages 0-III Late Stage or Advanced Stage Breast Cancer Late stage breast cancer refers to stage IV, or Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) Types of Breast Cancer Breast cancer is not just one disease — it can be classified into different types depending on how the cells in the breast look under a microscope. Different types of breast cancer include: ​ 1. Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS): DCIS is considered a non-invasive form of breast cancer, meaning it has not spread beyond the milk ducts into any surrounding normal tissue. Check out Jennifer's story being diagnosed with DCIS after a clear mammogram. 2. Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): This is the most common type of breast cancer, where cancer cells have invaded the surrounding tissue. 3. Inflammatory Breast Cancer: This type of breast cancer is considered aggressive and can often be hard to diagnose because it does not always form a lump. 4. Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS): LCIS is considered a non-invasive type of breast cancer which means that the cancer cells are contained within the lobules and have not spread to surrounding normal tissue. 5. Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC): This type of cancer starts in the milk-producing lobules and can spread beyond them into other parts of the breast. 6. Mucinous Carcinoma: This type of breast cancer is slow growing and therefore often less aggressive. It starts in the main cells of mucus, called mucin. Although this type of cancer can develop anywhere, it's most common in your breast. 7. Metaplastic Breast Cancer: MpBC is an aggressive and invasive type of cancer, meaning that it multiplies quickly and can spread throughout the body. MpBC tends to spread or metastasize more than other breast cancers. ​ 8. Angiosarcoma: This type of cancer is very rare and can occur in any part of the body, but it is most commonly found in the breast tissue. 9. Phyllodes Tumor: This type of tumor is not considered cancer, but it can still be dangerous if not treated promptly. 10. Paget's Disease: This is a rare form of breast cancer that starts in the nipple and can spread to other parts of the breast if left untreated. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ > Questions to Ask Your Surgeorn Download PDF Understanding the Different Types of Breast Cancer Read On Connect with Others during our Weekly Virtual Meet-Up Learn More

About Surviving Breast Cancer Sur.viv.or. anyone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. You are surviving! Our Story Survivingbreastcancer.org (SBC) was created in 2017 to help fill the gaps in breast cancer support, education and resources. It was founded by Laura Carfang, recently diagnosed at that time in her early 30’s, and has grown exponentially since, serving members in the global breast cancer community. Over these past few years the SBC website has been visited by community members (over 1,000,000 page views) across 120+ plus countries, and Laura’s podcast, Breast Cancer Conversations has been listened to in over 80 countries. The SBC website has been translated into Spanish, French, Italian and Arabic. Leveraging technology and breaking down barriers to access and information, SBC puts the patient first, educating, encouraging and inspiring advocacy. Community members are encouraged to participate in the various free programming, events and services and are all invited to contribute to resolving the growing needs of this population. All services, education, programming and events are free to those diagnosed with breast cancer, as well as their caregivers. Our Approach SBC serves as an educational and virtual community platform offering support and meeting patients and their families where they are on the continuum of a cancer diagnosis. We combine evidence-based medical research with the personal lived experiences of those we serve. From risk reduction strategies and prevention, to treatment, survivorship, living with a terminal diagnosis, navigating end of life, and beyond, Surviving Breast Cancer is here for you every step of the way. Our Core Values We Belive in Collaboration We Care About Our Community We Engage in Win-Win Partnerships that Bring Value and Have Impact We Lead with Integrity We Serve with Compassion & Empathy We Put People First We Treat Everyone with Dignity & Respect We Embrace Innovation Who We Serve Breast cancer does not just affect the patient; it affects everyone around them. That is why we develop comprehensive programs, services, and education to meet the needs of: Those diagnosed with breast cancer Those living with metastatic breast cancer Spouses, families, and children caring for a loved one diagnosed with breast cancer Spouses, families, and children who have lost a loved one to breast cancer Our Mission To empower those diagnosed with breast cancer and their families from day one and beyond. Meet Our Team, Partners and Collaborators SBC partners with patient advocates, medical oncologists, physicians, and experts in the field, as well as corporations and organizations, to offer the best education, support, and community resources so that we can execute our mission. Learn More Abou Our Partners Learn More About Our Sponsors Meet our Team Our Purpose SBC supports people going through breast cancer. We provide a sanctuary of strength, compassion, and empowerment, where those diagnosed with cancer unite to share their stories, learn invaluable coping strategies, and find solace in the unbreakable bond that fuels hope, resilience, and the courage to conquer adversity. ​ ​

Surviving Breast Cancer 39 minutes ago 1 min Poetry VESSEL Surviving Breast Cancer Apr 15 1 min Poetry The Now Surviving Breast Cancer Apr 11 2 min Poetry Solitude No More Surviving Breast Cancer Apr 10 1 min Poetry Knowing Surviving Breast Cancer Apr 3 2 min Poetry SBC Surviving Breast Cancer Mar 27 1 min Poetry I learnt to live, I learnt to stay Surviving Breast Cancer Mar 19 1 min Poetry Abrupt Surviving Breast Cancer Mar 15 1 min Poetry What No One Tells You Surviving Breast Cancer Mar 8 1 min Poetry Moremi Surviving Breast Cancer Feb 28 1 min Poetry Sunshine Surviving Breast Cancer Feb 1 1 min Poetry Nurse Surviving Breast Cancer Jan 16 1 min Poetry Moving forward but not moving on… Surviving Breast Cancer Jan 16 1 min Poetry Body Reclaimed Surviving Breast Cancer Jan 11 1 min Poetry Fantastic Surviving Breast Cancer Jan 3 2 min Poetry Breast Cancer’s Cruel Song Surviving Breast Cancer Dec 20, 2023 1 min Poetry Sweet or Spicy Surviving Breast Cancer Dec 14, 2023 1 min Poetry In The Quiet Realm (forever renowned) Surviving Breast Cancer Dec 12, 2023 1 min Poetry Love in Two Dimensions (my tiny love story) Surviving Breast Cancer Nov 29, 2023 1 min Poetry I Miss Surviving Breast Cancer Nov 24, 2023 1 min Poetry A poem for my medical team during my cancer battle Surviving Breast Cancer Nov 21, 2023 1 min Poetry Wig Surviving Breast Cancer Nov 16, 2023 1 min Poetry How I Can Change Surviving Breast Cancer Oct 18, 2023 1 min Poetry Retreat 2023 Surviving Breast Cancer Oct 11, 2023 1 min Poetry Inspire & Innovate Surviving Breast Cancer Oct 3, 2023 1 min Poetry Compassion Surviving Breast Cancer Sep 20, 2023 1 min Poetry A Roller Coaster Surviving Breast Cancer Sep 14, 2023 1 min Poetry Brooklyn 9/12 Surviving Breast Cancer Sep 12, 2023 3 min Poetry Via Con Dios Surviving Breast Cancer Sep 6, 2023 1 min Poetry The Biopsy Surviving Breast Cancer Aug 30, 2023 1 min Poetry You’re Worth It Surviving Breast Cancer Aug 15, 2023 2 min Poetry Resilience Unveiled Surviving Breast Cancer Aug 3, 2023 1 min Blog Le Tour (An allegory) Surviving Breast Cancer Jul 25, 2023 1 min Poetry The Mask Surviving Breast Cancer Jul 14, 2023 1 min Blog Continue to dance in the rain Surviving Breast Cancer Jul 11, 2023 1 min Blog Free Surviving Breast Cancer Jul 7, 2023 1 min Blog NEVER AGAIN Surviving Breast Cancer Jun 28, 2023 1 min Blog Anniversary Surviving Breast Cancer Jun 22, 2023 1 min Blog To everything a purpose Surviving Breast Cancer May 30, 2023 1 min Poetry Light House Surviving Breast Cancer May 24, 2023 1 min Poetry The Universe Speaks Surviving Breast Cancer May 17, 2023 1 min Poetry Word Wonderland Surviving Breast Cancer May 9, 2023 1 min Poetry New Day Surviving Breast Cancer Apr 28, 2023 1 min Poetry New Saying or New Dates? Surviving Breast Cancer Apr 26, 2023 1 min Poetry I Will Be Better Surviving Breast Cancer Apr 20, 2023 1 min Poetry Waiting for Hercules Surviving Breast Cancer Apr 18, 2023 1 min Poetry Atlanta in November Surviving Breast Cancer Apr 11, 2023 1 min Blog Words Surviving Breast Cancer Apr 6, 2023 1 min Blog A grandson’s perspective Surviving Breast Cancer Mar 31, 2023 1 min Blog Sleepless Nights Surviving Breast Cancer Mar 21, 2023 1 min Blog Sick 1 2 3 Make a Difference Today This is your Welcome section paragraph. As the first text your readers encounter, this copy should clearly convey what your site is all about. Explore Make a Difference Today This is your Welcome section paragraph. As the first text your readers encounter, this copy should clearly convey what your site is all about. Explore Make a Difference Today This is your Welcome section paragraph. As the first text your readers encounter, this copy should clearly convey what your site is all about. Explore Multiple Dates Reflect and Recharge with Thomas Dooley Mon, May 13 Online Event May 13, 2024, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM EDT Online Event May 13, 2024, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM EDT Online Event How can we dial down the noise in our daily lives to listen to the story emerging within ourselves? In this interactive session, we will come together to reflect on the personal narratives that give shape and meaning to our lives and find community in the experiences we share. Share RSVP Expressive Writing How can we dial down the noise in our daily lives to listen to the story emerging within ourselves? In this interactive session, we will come together to reflect on the personal narratives that give shape and meaning to our lives and find community in the experiences we share. Breast Cancer Poetry Writing is a great form of therapy and healing. Enjoy the original compositions from our Survivingbreastcancer.org Community! Be Inspired. Submit Your Poem

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Download PDF Surgery Options Questions to ask your Surgeon What should I expect during a consultation for breast reconstruction? ​During your breast reconstruction consultation, be prepared to discuss: ​ Your surgical goals Medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments Current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drug use Previous surgeries ​ Your plastic surgeon will also: Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors Examine your breasts and take measurements of their size and shape, skin quality and placement of nipples and areolae​ Take photographs Discuss your options and recommend a course of treatment Discuss likely outcomes of breast reconstruction and any risks or potential complications ​ Be sure to ask your plastic surgeon questions. It's very important to understand all aspects of your breast reconstruction. To help, we have prepared a checklist of questions to ask your breast reconstruction surgeon that you can take with you to your consultation. ​ It's natural to feel some anxiety, whether it's excitement for your anticipated new look or a bit of preoperative stress. Don't be shy about discussing these feelings with your plastic surgeon. ​ What options are available for breast reconstruction? If you've decided to have breast reconstruction, you'll still have many things to think about as you and your doctors talk about what type of reconstruction might be best for you. There are many different reconstruction techniques available. Take the time to learn about the breast reconstruction options and consider talking to others who have had that procedure before you make a decision. ​ Breast reconstruction with implants Implant-based breast reconstruction may be possible if the mastectomy or radiation therapy have left sufficient tissue on the chest wall to cover and support a breast implant. For patients with insufficient tissue on the chest wall, or for those who don't desire implants, breast reconstruction will require a flap technique (also known as autologous reconstruction). The most common method of tissue reconstruction uses lower abdominal skin and fat to create a breast shape. There are several techniques that can be used for implant-based breast reconstruction. Make sure to discuss with your plastic surgeon which is appropriate for you. ​ Immediate breast reconstruction above the pectoral muscle This procedure is performed in combination with the mastectomy and results in an immediate breast mound. After the mastectomy has been performed by the breast surgeon, the plastic surgeon will place the breast implant, wrapped in a biological mesh known as acellular dermal matrix (ADM), to help the implant maintain correct anatomic position, above the pectoralis muscle. ​ With this procedure, recuperation may be more rapid because the muscle in the chest has not been elevated. Further, the breast implant itself is not influenced by the contraction of the muscle. Complications, while rare, may include skin loss, excess bleeding, infection, malposition of the implant so that asymmetry occurs, wrinkling or rippling of the implant, possible fluid collection underneath the implant and/or unfavorable scarring. This procedure may also require secondary autologous fat transfer to eliminate upper pole wrinkling and rippling over time, which will occur over secondary procedures. ​ Immediate breast reconstruction under the pectoral muscle This procedure is also performed as a combination with the mastectomy and results in an immediate breast mound. The incision generally is performed through the mastectomy site. Once the mastectomy is completed, the plastic surgeon will elevate the pectoralis major muscle. This will allow the muscle to retract upward and allow a pocket to be developed underneath the muscle and at the bottom of the normal breast position. Delayed breast reconstruction utilizing tissue expander. ​The initial portion of this procedure entails the breast surgeon performing a standard mastectomy and possible axillary dissection. In many instances, a drain will be placed between the muscle and the skin of the mastectomy. ​ Once these procedures have been performed, the plastic surgeon will divide the lower pole of the chest wall muscle, elevate the chest wall muscle and the lateral chest muscle together upwards towards the collarbone. After that is done, the muscle and tissue below is elevated together to form the pocket for the breast expander at the base of the breast or the inframammary crease. The pocket is made large enough for the expander to be placed and the muscle closed. Occasionally, there is a need for placement of a small amount of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) to assist in the closure of the muscle. ​ There are two types of breast tissue expander ports. One, similar to a chemotherapy port, is placed separate from the tissue expander, usually along the rib cage. This will require a separate small incision for the port. The second type is a port that is contained within the expander itself. In both instances, the ports will be used to inflate the tissue expander over several visits with saline solution. The port is accessed with a small needle and saline is injected into the expander through the port site ​ Tissue expansion usually occurs weekly according to patient tolerance. The volume of the tissue expanders commonly exceeds the weight of the mastectomy tissue. Once the final tissue expansion, or stretching, is completed there will be a time of passive expansion where little to no volume is added to the tissue expanders. This allows the muscle and skin to stretch and relax. The length of time will vary from patient to patient. Once this is completed, a second outpatient procedure will be necessary to remove the tissue expander and place the permanent breast prosthesis. Complications, while rare, may include skin loss, exposure of the expander, excess bleeding, infection, malposition of the implant so that asymmetry occurs, wrinkling or rippling of the implant, possible fluid collection underneath the implant, pain at the injection site, muscle spasms with expansion and/or unfavorable scarring. Lymphedema 101 On Breast Cancer Conversations, the Podcast Listen Now A biodegradable acellular dermal matrix (ADM) will be placed at the bottom of the breast or inframammary crease and attached to the muscle. The breast implant will be placed under the ADM and your own muscle. This allows the breast implant to settle in a normal position, and the ADM stretches into a pleasing, rounded lower breast shape. It is not uncommon to have drains placed with this procedure. They may be removed anywhere from 48 hours to 2 weeks after surgery. This procedure is a one-staged procedure, which allows the desired shape to result without any further surgical intervention. The muscle on top of the implant will help prevent the development of upper pole wrinkling. Complications, while rare, may include skin loss, excess bleeding, infection, malposition of the breast implant so that asymmetry occurs, wrinkling or rippling of the implant, possible fluid collection underneath the implant and/or prosthesis deflation. Immediate breast tissue expander placement The surgical process for saline breast tissue expanders and breast expanders following mastectomy are the same. Expanders with saline have been used for decades but recently, a new type of expander using air, which allows for more patient control, have been introduced. Expanders have some of the same complication rates and risks as the other types of breast reconstruction, which include infection, seroma, hematoma, extrusion and/or expander deflation. The expander is placed into a submuscular or subcutaneous space with no external filling ability. The expander will fill with compressed air contained within the expander itself. The patient will do self-controlled expander fills utilizing an external automatic activation device at home and will achieve similar results to the standard saline filled tissue expansion devices. It will be necessary to monitor the incisions and progress on your own and contact the physician if you feel there is something wrong. The advantage of the expander it that it may decrease doctor visits and decrease total expansion time. ​ Immediate breast reconstruction utilizing latissimus dorsi muscle. ​ This procedure is performed as a secondary operation immediately during the mastectomy or delayed after radiation. The latissimus muscle is a very large vascular muscle in the back that is attached at the base of the arm, extends onto the chest from the arm past the shoulder blade and attaches close to the spinal column. The latissimus muscle stretches to the tip bone and hallway into the axilla or armpit area and is supplied mostly by artery in the axilla. The latissimus flap is frequently used when the amount of soft tissue is limited secondary to surgery, the pectoralis muscle is absent, partially removed or damaged secondary to radiation. It entails undermining the skin on the back and releasing some of the skin allowing it to remain attached to the muscle. The main muscle and artery is called pedicle flap. This flap is released from the back, passed through a tunnel that is made underneath the axilla and into the anterior chest to fill the mastectomy defect site. The muscle is placed and sutured to the chest wall. An implant is then placed behind this flap and in front of the chest. One can also use a tissue expander and gradually increase to breast size. The advantage to this expander is it can completely replace the amount of breast tissue that has been removed and protect the latissimus flap. A completely inflated implant or a postoperative adjustable expander/implant can be immediately placed. It is not uncommon to require a secondary revision procedure to gain more accurate symmetry of both breasts. The latissimus flap is recommended for patients who have already had mastectomy and radiation. The use of radiation frequently limits the amount of implant surgery that can be performed. The secondary advantage of this flap is that it brings new blood flow and healthy skin to the radiated field. It is also recommended for patients who are very thin and have limited options for flap reconstruction. ​ Complications, while rare, may include limited blood flow of the artery compromising the flap, skin loss, exposure of the expander, excess bleeding, infection, malposition of the implant so that asymmetry occurs, wrinkling or rippling of the implant, possible fluid collection underneath the implant, pain at the injection site, muscle spasms with expansion and/or unfavorable scarring. ​ Breast reconstruction with abdominal-based flaps Sometimes a mastectomy or radiation therapy will leave insufficient tissue on the chest wall to cover and support a breast implant. In these cases, breast reconstruction usually requires a flap technique (also known as autologous reconstruction). This is the most common method of tissue reconstruction, using lower abdominal skin and fat to create a breast shape. A woman may also choose not to have an implant for personal reasons. ​ The skin and fat used for this procedure is the tissue between your belly button and pubic bone that you can pinch. Once this tissue is taken to make a breast, you will typically have a scar from hip bone to hip bone and around your belly button. However, some women may not be candidates for abdominal-based flaps for various reasons: • Not enough donor tissue in the lower abdomen • Prior scars that may have damaged important blood vessels • Previous flaps that have failed and seeking an alternative ​ Specific flap options Several different flaps use the tissue from the lower abdomen. The difference between each of them is related to blood vessels that supply these flaps. These flaps include the Pedicled TRAM (traverse rectus myocutaneous) flap, the free TRAM flap, the DIEP (deep inferior epigastric artery perforator) flap and the SIEA (superficial epigastric artery) flap. ​ Pedicled TRAM flap A TRAM flap uses the muscle, fat and skin from your lower abdomen to reconstruct a breast. In order to survive on your chest in its new location, this tissue requires a blood supply. The blood supply to this tissue comes from the underlying rectus (six-pack) muscle. The flap remains attached to your rectus abdominis muscle and is tunneled up through the abdomen and chest to create the breast mound. Since your entire muscle is sacrificed, you may experience some abdominal weakness or have difficulty performing sit-ups. ​ Free TRAM flap Like the TRAM flap, the free TRAM flap is also based on the blood vessels coming through the rectus abdominis muscle. However, in this flap the muscle above and below the blood vessels is divided, so that only a portion of muscle is removed. The entire flap is then transplanted to the chest. The blood vessels from the muscle are connected to blood vessels in the chest using a microscope. ​ DIEP flap The DIEP flap utilizes the same lower abdominal skin and fat as the TRAM and free TRAM flap; however, it spares the rectus abdominis muscle and fascia. Rather than taking the entire muscle or a small portion of the muscle, the small blood vessels – an artery and a vein – that come through the muscle to the skin and fat are identified; these vessels are then dissected through the muscle prior to being divided. Once they are divided, the tissue is again transplanted to the chest and the vessels are connected to blood vessels in the chest. Since your muscle is preserved, there is a lower risk of abdominal weakness or hernias and less postoperative pain. ​ SIEA flap The SIEA flap also uses the lower abdominal skin and tissue, but the blood vessels that supply this flap do not go through the abdominal muscle. Rather, they only go through the fat. Advantages of this flap include preservation of the abdominal muscles, resulting in less postoperative pain and a speedier recovery. However, these blood vessels may not be present in all women; and even when present, may be too small to provide a reliable blood supply for a flap. For these reasons, the SIEA flap is not performed as frequently as the DIEP or free TRAM flaps. ​ Special notes regarding recovery Because the free TRAM, DIEP and SIEA flaps involve microsurgical tissue transfer, blood flow to the flap is closely monitored in a hospital setting after surgery. If there are concerns about the flap, a reoperation may be necessary to assess the blood flow. ​ Breast reconstruction with thigh-based flaps Sometimes a mastectomy or radiation therapy will leave insufficient tissue on the chest wall to cover and support a breast implant. In these cases, breast reconstruction usually requires a flap technique (also known as autologous reconstruction). ​ Thigh-based flaps may be a good option for women with small to medium volume breasts. To achieve a larger size, these flaps may be combined with an implant or another flap (called "stacked flaps," which are not widely available). All of these techniques require your plastic surgeon to have skill and training in microsurgery. ​ However, some women may not be candidates for thigh-based flaps for various reasons: • Not enough donor tissue in the upper thighs • Prior scars that may have damaged important blood vessels • Previous flaps have failed and they are seeking an alternative ​ Specific flap options Gracilis-based flaps are based on the gracilis muscle, located in the upper inner thigh. The gracilis muscle helps bring the leg toward the body, and its function will be lost after this type of surgery. During these procedures, a flap of skin, fat, muscle and blood vessels from the upper thigh is moved to the chest to rebuild the breast. Blood vessels are carefully reattached using microsurgery. ​ Different names are used to describe the orientation of the resulting donor site incision on the upper inner thigh: ​ • TUG flap: Transverse Upper Gracilis flap • VUG flap: Vertical Upper Gracilis flap • DUG flap: Diagonal Upper Gracilis flap The choice of incision depends on your unique thigh shape and your surgeon's experience. Most surgeons will try to conceal the scars in the crease at the top of the thigh, but the scar may end up a bit lower and be visible while wearing a bathing suit. These flaps result in a tighter inner thigh, similar to an inner thigh lift. ​ Similar to the gracilis-based flaps, a PAP flap uses skin and fat from the back of the upper thigh to reconstruct the breast using microsurgery. PAP stands for Profunda Artery Perforator, which is a blood vessel that supplies this area of the thigh. No muscle is used, so a PAP flap is considered muscle-sparing. PAP flap scars are usually hidden in the crease between the lower buttock and upper thigh. ​ Special notes regarding recovery Because these flaps involve microsurgical tissue transfer, blood flow to the flap is closely monitored in a hospital setting after surgery. If there are concerns about the flap, a reoperation may be necessary to assess the blood flow. ​ Thigh-based flaps do tend to have more healing problems at the donor site than abdominal-based flaps due to the location of the incision. Lower leg swelling may occur but usually resolves with time. ​ When one thigh-based flap is used to reconstruct one breast, asymmetry may result due to tightness and thinness of one thigh. Additional procedures may be recommended to improve symmetry between the thighs. ​

Resources For Parents A breast cancer diagnosis not only affects the person with the disease, but also has a significant impact on the people around them; their families, spouses, children, friends and co-workers. Receiving the news that someone you love has been diagnosed with cancer may propel you into a flurry of emotions. It is natural to feel worried about the unknown and uncertainty. It is also natural to want to do everything you can to protect and support the person as well. After all, we want to be strong and be there for the person as they are going through grueling treatments and tireless complex decision-making. ​ At Survivingbreastcancer.org (SBC), we also understand that the role the family (parent, spouse, & children), caregivers, and friends play is a critical one, and you too need support and resources. ​ Navigating a breast cancer diagnosis takes both an emotional and physical toll on each and every one of us. While a lot of the attention may be directed towards the person with breast cancer, we pride ourselves on carving out space to provide education, community, and resources to meet your specific needs as the spouse, parent, child, or friend. Whether you recently found out that someone you love has been diagnosed with breast cancer, has experienced a recurrence or progression, or has passed away from metastatic disease, we hold space for you and want you to know that you are not alone. We are here for you! ​ Remember that each of us manages and navigates a breast cancer diagnosis differently. What we aim to provide is a community where you can share experiences and recommendations, and learn from each other. No one is navigating this alone. Your story is someone else's lifeline. We are all experts in our own experiences; we share the names and memories of those we have lost; continue to love; and we are here to build lasting friendships and forge bonds as we navigate a breast cancer diagnosis from day one and beyond. ​ With Gratitude, Laura Carfang Executive Director Kids & Adult Children Caregivers More Resources For Spouses Hello Moms, Dads, Children, and Loved Ones.​ Surviving a Child's Diagnosis Surviving a Spouse's Diagnosis Surviving a Parent's Diagnosis Hear Their Stories Subscribe to Our Mailing List Join Thanks for subscribing!

Cancer bereavement Support Understanding and Coping Strategies for patients and caregivers Explore different ways on navigating grief following a cancer diagnosis. ​ Discover expert insights, coping mechanisms, and support resources to help you through this challenging experience. ​ Prioritize self-care and find solace in community understanding. After a breast cancer diagnosis, we often feel as though the world is crumbling around us. The shock of hearing such news about a loved one can be overwhelming, leaving us grappling with a whirlwind of emotions ranging from fear and sadness to anger and confusion. Learning to cope with the realities of the diagnosis is a journey filled with uncertainty and challenges. It requires resilience, strength, and a willingness to navigate through the unknown. Yet, amidst the darkness, there is also hope – hope for moments of joy amidst the struggle, and for the unwavering support of family, friends, and medical professionals. Each step forward, no matter how small, is a testament to our determination to confront and overcome the obstacles that lie ahead. Articles Surviving Breast Cancer Jan 9 5 min Breaking the Silence on End-of-Life: What is a Death Doula? 252 1 like. Post not marked as liked 1 Surviving Breast Cancer Dec 17, 2023 3 min Navigating Grief: Understanding the Stages of Loss and Healing 190 1 like. Post not marked as liked 1 Surviving Breast Cancer Jun 11, 2023 4 min Coping with Expectations After a Breast Cancer Diagnosis: The Realities and Challenges 367 6 likes. Post not marked as liked 6 Surviving Breast Cancer Aug 7, 2022 3 min Expecting the Unexpected: Anticipatory Grief and Breast Cancer 57 Post not marked as liked Surviving Breast Cancer Aug 7, 2022 3 min We All Have Our Ways Of Coping 37 Post not marked as liked Surviving Breast Cancer Aug 7, 2022 3 min On Matters of Life, Love, and Death 7 Post not marked as liked Surviving Breast Cancer Aug 7, 2022 3 min How End of Life Planning and Support Can Help Reduce Your Fear of Death 12 Post not marked as liked Surviving Breast Cancer Aug 7, 2022 5 min Disenfranchised Grief 102 Post not marked as liked Surviving Breast Cancer Aug 7, 2022 4 min Grief, Joy, and Sisterhood 11 Post not marked as liked Our blog serves as a beacon of knowledge, offering valuable insights, personal stories, and practical advice Podcast Tune in to insightful discussions featuring experts, survivors, and caregivers sharing invaluable insights, practical tips, and heartfelt stories.

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Newly Diagnosed with Metastatic Breast Cancer. Now What? What brings you to this website is most likely a metastatic breast cancer (MBC) diagnosis. Perhaps you experienced a recurrence from early stage breast cancer (stages 0,I, II, or III) to advanced or late stage breast cancer (stage IV, MBC). In some cases you may have been diagnosed de-Novo meaning that you never experienced an early stage of breast cancer and based on diagnostic tests were diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer as your initial diagnosis. Whatever the reason, I want you to know that you will be supported and that our Surviving Breast Cancer (SBC) community is here for you! ​ We are here to help! A metastatic breast cancer diagnosis is different than an early stage diagnosis in the way in which it disrupts our lives and throws us into a whirlwind of continual doctors appointments, follow ups, tests, scans, and the like. Each and every one of us have unique experiences, and what our SBC platform and community provides is education, support, and resources for you as a complement to your medical care. We are not medical professionals, nor provide medical advice. But what we do offer is content, stories, and community when you need it most! What I mean by that is you are welcome to dive in to absolutely everything we offer today, or, you can take bite size approaches to get the information and support when you feel ready for it. We've listed a few links and resources to help get you started and to hopefully make things a bit less overwhelming. Download. Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Download PDF Questions to Ask Your Radiologist Downlod PDF Questions to Ask Your Oncologist Coming Soon Burning Questions Latest News Who Should I Tell? ​ Click here to add your File description. Summarize the content of the file, why it is useful, and who should download it. Should I Get A Second Opinion? You may consider receiving a second (third, or fouth) opinion from another medical oncologist or breast surgeon. In some cases, people get multiple opinions before making any decisions on their care and medical treatment plan. ​ Women in our Breast Cancer Support Group often share that it is important for them to feel comfortable with your doctors; that there is a rapport and trust. After all, your medical team is going to be your primary caregiver so it is important you feel comfortable with the person, able to ask questions, and feel confident in your plan of action. As one woman in our MBC community mentioned, "the more smart people reviewing my specific cancer, the better!" ​ Your Medical Care Team may consist of one or several of the following: Breast Oncologist Breast Surgeon Breast Plastic Surgeon Radiation Oncologist Social Worker Psychologist Palliative Care team Natrapathic Doctor Nutritionist What Treatment Options Do I Have? Thanks to continued research taking place in Breast Cancer, people diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer have a variety of treatment options and are able to live long and fulfilling lives. Treatment options will be tailored to your specific diagnosis and dependent on where the cancer has metastasized (spread). For example, is it HER2 positive or negative, is it triple negative meaning it is estrogen receptor negative, progesterone receptor negative and HER2 negative. Additionally, though a series of diagnostics, your oncologist will also be able to tell if the cancer is in one area like the bones or the lungs, or if it is in multiple areas such as bones and other organs (liver, brain, etc.). ​ You may also consider genetic testing. The more information you have about you, your body, and your caner, the better! ​ Traditional standard of care includes: Surgery (not always required if you are diagnosed with metastatic stage IV breast cancer, that is, your cancer has spread beyond your breast to your bones, lungs, liver, or brain) Radiation (not always required but may be offered to target specific metastasis and/or allieveate pain as a form of palliative treatment) Chemotherapy Hormonal Therapy (not always required) ​ Oftentimes people will also consider integrative therapies as a complement to the standard treatments which also has been shown to reduce some of the side effects of treatment: Acupuncture Yoga Meditation ​ Additionally speak to your oncologist about Clinical Trials and if you would be a candidate. Will I Need Chemotherapy? It is most likely that if you are diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer you will be offer chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy. Treatment options can come in the form of oral chemotherapy or IV. ​ . Tue, Sep 10 Online 8 Week Program Encourage and Empower Program for the Newly Diagnosed Sep 10, 2024, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM EDT Online 8 Week Program Join Gloria Shoon for a weekly gathering of encouragement and empowerment. In this 8 week program, designed specifically for those who are newly diagnosed, participants will explore tiny habits that build upon each other. Share RSVP

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Meditation for Breast Cancer (On Demand) Visit our official YouTube meditation playlist! Live Classes: Multiple Dates Meditation Affirmations: Throat Chakra (Vishuddha) Mon, Apr 29 Online Event Apr 29, 2024, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM EDT Online Event Apr 29, 2024, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM EDT Online Event The process of focused meditation with attention and intention can provide answers to various questions we may have especially around limiting beliefs. This is an opportunity to anchor the chakra teachings and transform our consciousness around. Share RSVP Multiple Dates Meditation Affirmations: Third Eye Chakra (Ajna) Mon, May 06 Online Event May 06, 2024, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM EDT Online Event May 06, 2024, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM EDT Online Event The process of focused meditation with attention and intention can provide answers to various questions we may have especially around limiting beliefs. This is an opportunity to anchor the chakra teachings and transform our consciousness around. Share RSVP Multiple Dates Forest Bathing Tue, May 07 Virtual Event May 07, 2024, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM EDT Virtual Event May 07, 2024, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM EDT Virtual Event Join this Forest Bathing class and experience a deeper connection with nature, reduce stress, improve mental well-being, and increase feelings of calm and relaxation Share RSVP In body Breathwork Tue, May 21 Virtual Event May 21, 2024, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM EDT Virtual Event May 21, 2024, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM EDT Virtual Event Breathwork is a powerful modality that combines conscious breathing techniques with mindfulness and meditation. Share RSVP Brain Spotting Mon, May 27 Virtual Event May 27, 2024, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM EDT Virtual Event May 27, 2024, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM EDT Virtual Event Brainspotting is a therapy technique used to address trauma and emotional distress. Share RSVP Multiple Dates Meditation Affirmations: Crown Chakra (Sahasrara) Mon, Jun 03 Online Event Jun 03, 2024, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM EDT Online Event Jun 03, 2024, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM EDT Online Event The process of focused meditation with attention and intention can provide answers to various questions we may have especially around limiting beliefs. This is an opportunity to anchor the chakra teachings and transform our consciousness around. Share RSVP

Join Our Mailing List and Receive Weekly Newsletters and Announcements Subscribe to Our Mailing List Join Thanks for subscribing! Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer Resources & Support So You Can Keep Living Life! Created in partnership with Abigail Johnston and the Grieving Together Project. In honor of the late Alyson Tischler. SBC App Whether you are recently diagnosed, living with metastatic disease, caring for a loved one or a medical professional, this App is your all-inclusive gateway to support, resources, online events and webinars plus so much more! SBC Podcast You will hear stories from those diagnosed with breast cancer, interviews with medical professionals, and thought-leadership emerging from the oncology field. Welcome to our breast cancer community! Welcome to the conversation. SBC Online Support Group Our online communities enables you to receive peer-to-peer support where you can ask questions, share tips, and know you are not alone in this experience. Our network consists of those diagnosed with breast cancer, survivors, thrivers, caregivers, medical professionals, advocates, and friends. SBC Instagram 📖 Sharing Stories 🗓 Hosting Support Groups, Webinars & Events 🎤 Providing Information & Resources SBC Blog Breast Cancer Latest Researches, News, Educational Articles, Inspiring Stories, Poems, and More! SBC Youtube All SBC Events Recording and Educational Contents are in our youtube channel. Resources & Events Files File Name Description Download SBC MBC Legacy Workshop Handout Ideas, inspiration, and resources for leaving your legacy Estate Planning for the Terminally Ill A practical guide to the logistics and administration of estate planning. Financial Literacy & Breast Cancer Definition of terms, budget sheets, and financial considerations to help you navigate MBC MBC Resources (Recap from SABCS 2022) Breast Cancer Advocates, Stephanie Walker and Christine Hodgdon share a PDF with MBC resources. Monthly Metastatic Breast Cancer Webinar Explore the Series Surviving Breast Cancer Apr 12 10 min Caregiving The Last Thing I Told My Mom Was a Lie (Part 2) 436 3 likes. Post not marked as liked 3 Surviving Breast Cancer Apr 5 6 min Caregiving The Last Thing I Told My Mom Was a Lie (Part 1) 1,508 9 likes. Post not marked as liked 9 Surviving Breast Cancer Mar 24 3 min Research Finding the Right Dose: Optimizing Cancer Treatment 454 1 like. Post not marked as liked 1 Surviving Breast Cancer Mar 8 3 min Resources & Tool Kits Effective listening is a crucial skill that goes beyond simply hearing words; 53 Post not marked as liked Surviving Breast Cancer Jan 9 5 min Blog Breaking the Silence on End-of-Life: What is a Death Doula? 252 1 like. Post not marked as liked 1 Surviving Breast Cancer Dec 17, 2023 3 min Metastatic Breast Cancer Navigating Grief: Understanding the Stages of Loss and Healing 190 1 like. Post not marked as liked 1 Surviving Breast Cancer Oct 17, 2023 4 min Metastatic Breast Cancer Metastatic Breast Cancer: Understanding the Significance of Stage IV 479 1 like. Post not marked as liked 1 Surviving Breast Cancer Jun 2, 2023 4 min Blog My De Novo MBC Story: I’m Not Going to Give Up on My Diagnosis 630 7 likes. Post not marked as liked 7 Surviving Breast Cancer Oct 19, 2022 4 min Breast Cancer Stories I Live A Little More 877 2 likes. Post not marked as liked 2 1 2 3 4 5 Newly Diagnosed with MBC? Start Here Upcoming Metastatic Breast Cancer Events and Programs Fri, Apr 26 Online Open Mic Poetry Apr 26, 2024, 7:00 PM EDT Online April is National Poetry Month, and we are committed to honoring all breast cancer stories and narratives through poetry and the spoken word. Join us as we celebrate the expressiveness, delight, and pure charm of poetry with Breast Cancer advocate Deltra James of The Beatnik Boob as emcee! Share RSVP Multiple Dates Mon, Apr 29 Online Event Meditation Affirmations: Throat Chakra (Vishuddha) Apr 29, 2024, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM EDT Online Event The process of focused meditation with attention and intention can provide answers to various questions we may have especially around limiting beliefs. This is an opportunity to anchor the chakra teachings and transform our consciousness around. Share RSVP Multiple Dates Tue, Apr 30 webinar Triage Health: Estate Planning Apr 30, 2024, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EDT webinar Triage Cancer Conferences cover key tips to help navigate legal and practical issues, reduce the financial burden of a cancer diagnosis, and lower stress. Share RSVP Tue, Apr 30 Facebook, Youtube, Twitter Serie Sistema Digestivo: Cáncer de Páncreas Apr 30, 2024, 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM EDT Facebook, Youtube, Twitter 🩺 En este webinar, hablamos con el Dr. Luis Idrovo quien nos brinda información actualizada y consejos prácticos para mantenernos informados sobre el cáncer de páncreas y su manejo. Share RSVP Multiple Dates Thu, May 02 Virtual MBC Peer to Peer Support May 02, 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM EDT Virtual Join us for our signature Thursday Night Thrivers Meetup! On the first Thursday of every month, we will have a special breakout room for the MBC community. Share RSVP Multiple Dates Thu, May 02 Virtual Thursday Nights Thrivers Meetup May 02, 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM EDT Virtual This is your weekly breast cancer support group! It's a welcoming and inviting virtual space where you can come to meet others, ask questions, or just listen in. Our sessions are always confidential and a friendly space offering support as well a a bit of humor. Share RSVP Thu, May 02 Facebook, Youtube, Twitter Serie de la mujer: Cáncer y embarazo May 02, 2024, 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM EDT Facebook, Youtube, Twitter Durante este evento virtual, exploraremos los desafíos únicos que enfrentan las mujeres que son diagnosticadas con cáncer durante el embarazo, así como las opciones de tratamiento disponibles y las consideraciones especiales que deben tenerse en cuenta tanto para la madre como para el bebé. Share RSVP Multiple Dates Sun, May 05 Online Breast Cancer Book Club May 05, 2024, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM EDT Online Each month, the Breast Cancer Book Club chooses a book that has nothing to do with breast cancer. Share RSVP Multiple Dates Mon, May 06 Online Event Meditation Affirmations: Third Eye Chakra (Ajna) May 06, 2024, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM EDT Online Event The process of focused meditation with attention and intention can provide answers to various questions we may have especially around limiting beliefs. This is an opportunity to anchor the chakra teachings and transform our consciousness around. Share RSVP Multiple Dates Mon, May 06 Online Event Artistic Expression: Our journey May 06, 2024, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM EDT Online Event Unlock the transformative potential of creative expression with our immersive art exploration sessions. Delve into the healing energy of artistic endeavors as you discover the profound impact of mindfulness on emotional equilibrium. Share RSVP Multiple Dates Mon, May 06 Virtual Apoyo Emocional May 06, 2024, 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM EDT Virtual Únete a nuestro grupo de apoyo emocional dirigido por una experimentada psicóloga para recibir el apoyo necesario mientras enfrentas el desafío del cáncer. El diagnóstico de cáncer puede traer consigo una carga emocional abrumadora, y estamos aquí para ayudarte a transitar este camino. Share RSVP Multiple Dates Tue, May 07 Virtual Event Forest Bathing May 07, 2024, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM EDT Virtual Event Join this Forest Bathing class and experience a deeper connection with nature, reduce stress, improve mental well-being, and increase feelings of calm and relaxation Share RSVP Multiple Dates Thu, May 09 Online Event Thursday Night Thrivers IBC Meetup May 09, 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM EDT Online Event Join the Inflammatory Breast Cancer SBC community, meet others diagnosed with IBC, and connect with those who truly understand the unique needs we all face. Share RSVP Thu, May 09 Virtual Cáncer de Mama Inflamatorio May 09, 2024, 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM EDT Virtual ¡Únete a nuestro webinar en vivo con Ivan Maldonado, Médico oncólogo de Quito, Ecuador! Share RSVP Multiple Dates Mon, May 13 Online Event Reflect and Recharge with Thomas Dooley May 13, 2024, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM EDT Online Event How can we dial down the noise in our daily lives to listen to the story emerging within ourselves? In this interactive session, we will come together to reflect on the personal narratives that give shape and meaning to our lives and find community in the experiences we share. Share RSVP Multiple Dates Tue, May 14 Online Event Yoga Fitness with Chair Assist with Kim May 14, 2024, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM EDT Online Event Join Kim OBrien for guided yoga fitness with chair assist. This is a WHOLE BODY practice with the intent to move and stimulate the body, mind and soul from head to toe. Share RSVP Multiple Dates Tue, May 14 Online Event Yoga Stretching for DIEP Flap May 14, 2024, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM EDT Online Event Yoga stretching can be a helpful way to improve your range of motion and reduce pain after DIEP flap surgery. Share RSVP Multiple Dates Tue, May 14 Virtual Grupo de Apoyo: Después de un Diagnóstico May 14, 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM EDT Virtual ¡Únete con nosotros para nuestro exclusivo Evento Martes - después del diagnóstico en español! Share RSVP Load More Meet Up! Thursday Night Thrivers MeetUp Our standing appointment on Thursdays is for all stages. We also host specific breakout groups twice a month for specific stages and subtypes such as Metastatic breast cancer, and Inflammatory Breast Cancer, etc. Meet Up! Thursday Night Thrivers MeetUp Our standing appointment on Thursdays is for all stages. We also host specific breakout groups twice a month for specific stages and subtypes such as Metastatic breast cancer, and Inflammatory Breast Cancer, etc. Movement Classes Free, monthly, online classes in restorative yoga, yoga for breast cancer, and Zumba. Let's Move!

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Do you ever just want to meet up and hang out with others who just get it? We got you covered! Every Thursday night at 7pm ET, Survivingbreastcancer.org hosts our signature get together event, Thursday Night Thrivers! ​ Yes, we enjoy getting together and talking about breast cancer, sharing our stories, and the trials and tribulations, but our community is so much more than a "breast cancer support group". We forge bonds that extend well beyond our diagnosis. We laugh, we share experiences, and at the end of the day we offer support! ​ If you are looking for a "come as you are", "no agenda" meetup, this is the place! ​ We host this standing appointment every Thursday so when you are ready, we are here for you! Our standing appointment on Thursdays is for all stages. We also host specific breakout groups once a month for specific stages and subtypes such as Metastatic breast cancer, and Inflammatory Breast Cancer, etc. See the schedule below for specific details and to RSVP. ​ ​ Multiple Dates MBC Peer to Peer Support Thu, May 02 Virtual May 02, 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM EDT Virtual May 02, 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM EDT Virtual Join us for our signature Thursday Night Thrivers Meetup! On the first Thursday of every month, we will have a special breakout room for the MBC community. Share RSVP Multiple Dates Thursday Nights Thrivers Meetup Thu, May 02 Virtual May 02, 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM EDT Virtual May 02, 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM EDT Virtual This is your weekly breast cancer support group! It's a welcoming and inviting virtual space where you can come to meet others, ask questions, or just listen in. Our sessions are always confidential and a friendly space offering support as well a a bit of humor. Share RSVP Multiple Dates Thursday Night Thrivers IBC Meetup Thu, May 09 Online Event May 09, 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM EDT Online Event May 09, 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM EDT Online Event Join the Inflammatory Breast Cancer SBC community, meet others diagnosed with IBC, and connect with those who truly understand the unique needs we all face. Share RSVP Multiple Dates Grupo de Apoyo: Después de un Diagnóstico Tue, May 14 Virtual May 14, 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM EDT Virtual May 14, 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM EDT Virtual ¡Únete con nosotros para nuestro exclusivo Evento Martes - después del diagnóstico en español! Share RSVP Multiple Dates MBC Support Group with Nancy Gaulin Thu, May 16 Virtual May 16, 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM EDT Virtual May 16, 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM EDT Virtual Join us for our signature Thursday Night Thrivers Meetup! On the third Thursday of every month, we will have a special meeting for the MBC community. This space will be hosted by the incredible Psychologist Nancy Gaulin. Share RSVP Multiple Dates Thursday Night Thrivers-IBC 2.0 Thu, May 23 Online Event May 23, 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM EDT Online Event May 23, 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM EDT Online Event IBC 2.0 is a private support group for individuals who have graduated from our standing Thursday Night Thrivers-IBC. Our IBC 2.0 group dives into topics, questions, and concerns on a deeper level as members already know one another and have graduated from TNT-IBC. Share RSVP Multiple Dates Grupo de Apoyo para Cáncer de Mama Metastásico Tue, May 28 Virtual May 28, 2024, 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM EDT Virtual May 28, 2024, 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM EDT Virtual ¡Únete a nuestro encuentro exclusivo "Después de un Diagnóstico" el 4to martes del mes por la noche! Share RSVP RSVP Below - See you there! Thursday Night Thrivers MeetUp (AKA Support Group!) Laura D., MA My Testimonial Thank you for last night! I was so happy to celebrate the start of 2020 with such a dynamic and friendly group of women. The conversation transcended even beyond breast cancer stories, thus creating even stronger connections.” Caroline Paterson My Testimonial Thank you for hosting this amazing event and for all of the other things you continue to do to keep us all educated. I feel such a sense of community and I’ve only come to two Thrivers’ meetings so far. I cannot wait for next week!