By Heather Paganica “So often I measure my growth by how long my hair has gotten, but this journey has been so much more than my hair and I’m proud of me!” –– Heather Paganica I tell people that Thursday, October 20, 2022 was the worst day of my life, but then it all went uphill from there. Let me explain… The days following my diagnosis were a blur. I had gotten the phone call from the breast imaging office that Thursday, and he just told me that my results came back with cancer in all three areas biopsied. I didn’t know what to do. I remembered they told me on the phone that I should call my doctor’s office. At that point I was so shocked I thought, “What doctor?” I spoke to the PA at my gynecologist’s office about possible oncologists to meet with. I didn’t know WHO I was supposed to talk with . I didn’t know WHAT I was supposed to do. It was all very scary and confusing but I knew I wanted the cancer out of my body!  Someone gave me the number for Northwell Breast Cancer Nurse Navigators and I was put in contact with a woman named Jackie. Boy oh boy, was she down to earth and lovely. A beautiful breast cancer survivor with the same name as my co-worker who had battled breast cancer years earlier. I felt as though she had sent Jackie B. to me from Heaven. I ALREADY had an angel looking over me. Thank you Jackie! Thank you for the sign from above.   Jackie B. was one of MANY signs along this journey. She helped me find an oncologist. She gave me three names and showed me where I could learn about each doctor and even see a picture of each doctor. My gynecologist’s PA recommended another doctor. I made appointments with two of them.  Dr. Sylvia Alicia Reyes was the first oncologist I spoke to about my cancer. She is a surgical oncologist. I didn’t know there were different types. She explained my cancer to me with pictures, compassion and gentleness. Another angel sent from above. That first talk was HARD, but I was assured that I COULD and I WOULD beat this very aggressive cancer. I think of how far I’ve come from that day and I am AMAZED!  That word, AGGRESSIVE. It wasn’t until a long time after my diagnosis that I told my mom that my cancer was AGGRESSIVE. It was the first time she heard it. I had softened the hard stuff for her because I knew how hard this had to be for HER. I am a mother now and I can imagine how she felt as my mother, watching me go through this from so far away. (My mother lives in North Carolina and I am in New York.)  I know she’s proud of me, but she must have felt so helpless. I hate that she had to feel that way. I hated that so many people who love me felt helpless. I appreciate how much support and love I had and still have! Life went on for me. I was still a teacher.  After that dreadful Thursday, October 20, I took off the next day on Friday. On Saturday, I went to soccer with my son, Marcello. Then, on Sunday I took him to a birthday party for his friend Zachary. I knew Zachary’s mom had gone through breast cancer and survived. I contemplated telling her about my cancer, but it was too soon. I wasn’t ready, and I CERTAINLY wasn’t going to tell her at her son’s birthday party.  I remembered my principal telling me I would feel better once I had a plan of action with the doctor, but that doctor’s appointment hadn’t happened yet. All I knew was that I had cancer. Cancer. Such a scary word. A word that got easier for me to say after I had to tell Marcello the “name of my disease.” On November 4, I met Dr. Nouneh Janet Gostanian. It was my husband Rocco’s 48th birthday and here we sat to hear my fate. Dr. G was nothing short of amazing. She had gone over all of my paperwork BEFORE sitting down with us, so she wasn’t staring at a computer screen or papers in front of her – she was looking at us. She explained my cancer again and what her plan of attack was and why. THIS was the “plan” that my principal had told me would make me feel better. I fought back tears so hard. I just wanted them to cut off my boobs! I just wanted to yell that at her and everyone in the room. “JUST F*CKING CUT THEM OFF!” I wanted the cancer out of my body! I wanted this nightmare to go away! I didn’t want to do chemo and lose my hair! I loved my beautiful hair . I was so, so sad.  She told me that the cancer was stage 2  and aggressive, and they had to kill it with chemotherapy before they could do surgery. They could’ve done a lumpectomy and radiation, but with the cancer I had it would be risky. Chemotherapy first and then surgery was our best line of defense. I cried… the tears fell and I yelled out loud, “Well, if you’re going to take my hair and you’re going to take my tits, then you better take the f*cking cancer!” I was angry. I was sad. I was scared . Rocco looked at me in disbelief and shock. I apologized for my outburst, and Dr. Gostanian looked at me and Rocco and told me I had nothing to apologize for (or something of that nature). It was all too much. I excused myself to use the ladies’ room. I cried in the bathroom. I cried so hard, but stifled it because I didn’t want anyone to hear me. I calmed myself down, splashed some cold water on my face and went back to Dr. G’s office. I asked Dr. G for a list of things I had to get done to get started on chemotherapy. I wanted this DONE!  The following week I went for an EKG and an MRI biopsy. I joked that I wanted to try all the different types of biopsies (mammo, sono, and now MRI). Rocco and I walked out to the car and I remember throwing my pocketbook onto the floor of the passenger’s seat angrily. When we got into the car I sat and cried. Rocco let me cry it out  and then told me what happened while I was in the bathroom. “When you went to the bathroom, Dr. Gostanian got up and closed the door. I was scared of what she was going to say, but she told me that that was the time where if things were bad, she would’ve been prepping me to be there for you, but that wasn’t the case for you. She told me you’re going to beat this. You’re going to beat this, babe! ”  Read More: Empowering Yourself: Questions to Ask Your Doctor After a Breast Cancer Diagnosis Understanding the Different Stages of Breast Cancer: What You Need to Know Permission to Feel: 10 Tips for Navigating Cancer and Treatments with Honesty and Humor The Impact of Breast Cancer on Self-Image Breast Cancer and Mental Health: Recognizing and Addressing Depression and Anxiety On the Podcast: Breast Cancer Conversations Enhancing Patient-Provider Communication in Breast Cancer Care Share your story, poetry, or art: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/submit-breast-cancer-story SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events

By Laura Carfang Waiting for medical test results can feel like living in suspended animation. Time stretches. Thoughts spiral. You check your phone more than you realize. You refresh the patient portal even though you know nothing has changed. Your body stays tense, as if something is about to happen. For many people impacted by cancer, the waiting can be just as distressing as the diagnosis itself. And sometimes, something unexpected happens. You prepare yourself for the worst. Let’s talk about why. Preparing for the Worst as a Coping Strategy There is a psychological concept called defensive pessimism . It describes what happens when someone anticipates a high-stakes outcome — like cancer test results — and mentally assumes the worst on purpose . This is not because people want bad news. But because certainty, even painful certainty, can feel safer than hope. By imagining the worst-case scenario, the mind is trying to: Reduce the shock if bad news arrives Regain a sense of control Emotionally “pre-grieve” what might come For those diagnosed with cancer waiting on test results, and frantically refreshing the screen to your medical portal, this strategy is incredibly common. The challenge? When the results are good, your mind has already rehearsed catastrophe — and relief doesn’t land. When Your Body Thinks Waiting = Danger If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, your brain has already learned something powerful: Waiting for results once changed everything. That memory doesn’t live only in our thoughts — it lives in our nervous system. Psychologists call this anticipatory anxiety  or medical PTSD . It means your stress response activates before  danger is confirmed. When this happens: Your body stays in fight-or-flight mode You scan for threats, even after reassurance Good news feels unreal, fragile, or temporary You might think: “They must have missed something.” “This can’t be right.” “I’ll believe it when more time passes.” This isn’t disbelief; it’s your brain prioritizing safety over celebration. The Whiplash of Good News There’s also something called cognitive dissonance  at play. If you’ve spent days or weeks organizing your life around the assumption that something is seriously wrong, your mind has already adapted. Then suddenly, you’re told: “Everything looks okay.” Your brain needs time to undo what it prepared for. Disbelief is often not denial — it’s lag time between threat and safety. Hypervigilance Is Not Pessimism — It’s Protection Many people feel guilty for not feeling relieved right away. They wonder: “Why can’t I just be happy?” “What’s wrong with me?” “Other people would be grateful — why am I still scared?” Here’s the truth: Hypervigilance is a form of self-protection. Believing good news can feel like lowering your guard — and after a cancer diagnosis, that can feel dangerous. Your mind may be saying: “If I don’t fully trust this, I won’t be crushed if it changes.” How Relief Actually Arrives (Hint: It’s Not All at Once) For many cancer survivors, relief doesn’t come as a wave of joy. It comes quietly: Sleeping a little better Taking a deeper breath without realizing it Thinking about the future for a few seconds longer Relief often arrives in increments, not declarations. You don’t have to force yourself to believe good news fully. You can let it be true for today. Here is a mantra to stay grounded in the present moment: “The results are good right now, and that’s enough.” If you’re struggling to trust good medical news: You are not broken You are not pessimistic You are not doing survivorship  “wrong” Your body remembers how real the danger once was. And it is slowly — at its own pace — learning that this moment is different. You don’t have to rush relief. You don’t have to perform gratitude. You don’t have to explain yourself. If this resonates with you, please know: you are not alone in this experience. At SurvivingBreastCancer.org , we believe survivorship includes the emotional aftermath of waiting, fear, and uncertainty. Healing isn’t just about test results; it’s about giving yourself permission to feel  exactly where you are. Read More: Permission to Feel: 10 Tips for Navigating Cancer and Treatments with Honesty and Humor No Pink Here: What October Really Feels Like for Breast Cancer Survivors The Transformative Power of Art Therapy in Cancer Survivorship On the Podcast: Breast Cancer Conversations Understanding and Coping with Medical PTSD in Cancer Care with Emily Parks Share your story, poetry, or art: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/submit-breast-cancer-story SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events

By Katherine Ortiz The timing is the exact same — December again, full circle in time, cancer returning in winter’s hush, just like December 27, 2010 — history repeating its rhyme. Surgery, then chemo, (which I may still say no), learning to navigate a journey I never asked to know. Just when life was opening wide, the red carpet rolled beneath my feet — but I did not fall into despair, I landed gracefully, steady, complete. I landed on angel wings, not broken ground, because God never leaves His children in shock — He cushions the fall, restores the sound, and turns the blow into bedrock. My voice was once silenced, now it is strong, no better timing than now to arise — I’ve been faithful to heal what lived deep inside, so I meet this battle with open eyes. Cancer, I don’t live by what if, I live by not me. I learned to speak up, to stand up, to fiercely advocate for me. I am not bowed down. I am not torn down. I am not destroyed by this storm. I am clay in the hands of a master, pressed, not crushed, being reborn. And just as December once marked the battle, this December will mark the close — what began in winter years ago will end with a warrior’s rose. I will not circle this mountain forever. I was not brought back here to stay. I returned to claim final victory and send this chapter on its way. I am not broken — I am being rebuilt, into something more radiant than before. I am beautiful. I am strong. I am confident to my core. I will beat you, cancer. I will rise. I will survive — and soar. Destiny being completed. Not repeated. Full circle healing. Share your poetry: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/submit-breast-cancer-story SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: Podcast Weekly Meetup s Free Events

Support groups designed for you! Real conversations. Real understanding. Support for every stage of breast cancer. Upcoming Support Groups Multiple Dates Thu, Mar 05 Early Stage Breast Cancer Support Group | Thursday Night Thrivers / Zoom RSVP Mar 05, 2026, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM EST Zoom Join our Early Stage Breast Cancer Support Group for thrivers every Thursday night. A safe, supportive space to connect, share experiences, and find emotional support after an early-stage breast cancer diagnosis. +17 more Multiple Dates Thu, Mar 05 MBC Peer to Peer Support | Thursday Night Thrivers Meetup / Virtual RSVP Mar 05, 2026, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM EST Virtual Join our MBC Peer to Peer Support group during Thursday Night Thrivers. A monthly breakout space for the metastatic breast cancer community to connect, share, and find support. +11 more Multiple Dates Thu, Mar 05 Círculo de Mujeres: Apoyo Emocional y Crecimiento Personal / Zoom RSVP Mar 05, 2026, 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM Zoom Círculo de Mujeres es un encuentro recurrente creado especialmente para mujeres diagnosticadas con cáncer que buscan trabajar en sí mismas, descubrir nuevas herramientas de crecimiento personal y fortalecer su bienestar emocional. +4 more Multiple Dates Tue, Mar 10 The Caregiver Huddle / Zoom RSVP Mar 10, 2026, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Zoom Monthly Virtual Support for Those Caring for a Loved One with Cancer Caring for someone with cancer can be overwhelming, isolating, and emotionally complex. You don’t have to carry it alone. See All Multiple Dates Tue, Mar 10 Grupo de Apoyo: Después de un Diagnóstico de cancer de Mama / Virtual RSVP Mar 10, 2026, 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM Virtual Encuentro en Español | Martes por la Noche ¡Únete a nuestro Grupo de Apoyo en Español: Después de un Diagnóstico de Cáncer de Mama, un espacio seguro, privado e inclusivo creado para acompañarte en cada eta¡Únete con nosotros para nuestro exclusivo Evento Martes - después del diagnóstico en español! +7 more Multiple Dates Thu, Mar 12 All Stages Breast Cancer Support Group | Thursday Night Thrivers / Zoom RSVP Mar 12, 2026, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM EDT Zoom Join our All Stages Breast Cancer Support Group every Thursday night. A supportive, inclusive space for breast cancer thrivers at any stage to connect, share, and find community. See All Multiple Dates Thu, Mar 12 Thursday Night Thrivers Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) Online Meetup / Online Event RSVP Mar 12, 2026, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM EDT Online Event Join our free monthly IBC Online Support Group to connect with others, share experiences, and find expert-guided emotional support. Hosted virtually, this group offers a safe space to discuss IBC symptoms, treatments, side effects, and real-life coping strategies. +1 more Mon, Mar 16 ACCESS Info Session / Online 8 Week Program RSVP Mar 16, 2026, 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM EDT Online 8 Week Program Newly diagnosed with breast cancer? Join our ACCESS Info Session to learn how SurvivingBreastCancer.org’s 8-Week Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer Program provides education, peer support, and practical tools to help you navigate diagnosis, treatment, and recovery with confidence. +2 more Multiple Dates Thu, Mar 19 MBC Peer to Peer Support | Thursday Night Thrivers Meetup / Zoom RSVP Mar 19, 2026, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM EDT Zoom Join our MBC Peer to Peer Support group during Thursday Night Thrivers. A monthly breakout space for the metastatic breast cancer community to connect, share, and find support. See All Wed, Apr 01 ACCESS: an 8-week breast cancer cohort program / Online 8 Week Program RSVP Apr 01, 2026, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM EDT Online 8 Week Program SurvivingBreastCancer.org’s 8-Week Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer Program is a guided, cohort-based support experience created specifically for individuals newly diagnosed with Stage 0–III breast cancer. +24 more

Why Movement Matters During and After Breast Cancer Join us Weekly, Monthly, and On Demand! Upcoming Movement and Exercise Classes March 2026 Today Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 3 4 5 6 10:00 AM Pilates for Breast Cancer Recovery 7 8 9 10 6:00 PM Yoga Stretching for DIEP Flap 11 12 13 10:00 AM Pilates for Breast Cancer Recovery 14 15 16 5:30 PM Restorative Yoga: A Monthly Journey Into Calm, Comfort & Inner Healing 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Join the Breast Cancer Survivors Creativity Challenge by SurvivingBreastCancer.org — a free, empowering experience of healing through art, writing, and expressive activities. Build confidence, reduce stress, and connect with a community of thrivers using creative tools for emotional wellness. Creativity Reset: A Night of Sharing & Celebration Live on Zoom | Friday, August 9th at 7:00 PM ET Join us for a special evening as we come together to celebrate the creativity, courage, and connection that flowed throughout SBC’s 5-Day Creativity Challenge. Whether you painted, wrote, danced, filmed, walked, or simply reflected—this is your space to share your art, your process, or what you discovered along the way. Achieving Growth Creativity Challenge Creativity Challenge Creativity Challenge Creativity Challenge August 4-8, 2025 Creativity Challenge Ready for a Creative Reboot? Join SBC’s 5-Day Creativity Challenge! Are you ready to shake up your routine and spark some fresh inspiration? SBC is excited to invite you to our 5-Day Creativity Challenge, running from August 4th through August 8th. Inspired by similar initiatives—like The New York Times’ recent challenge—we’re encouraging everyone to take a mental reboot and tap into their creative side! JoinNow What’s the Challenge? Each day, we invite you to engage in a creative activity of your choice. There are no strict rules—just let your imagination guide you. Creativity Reset Challenge Mon, Aug 04 Online Event Ready for a Creative Reboot? Join our SurvivingBreastCancer.org’s 5-Day Creativity Challenge! Are you ready to shake up your routine and spark some fresh inspiration? Details Art: Sketch, paint, collage, or craft something new. Expressive Writing: Pen a poem, short story, or journal entry. Playing Music: Pick up an instrument, sing, or compose a melody. Walking on a Beach or Mountain: Take a mindful walk and let nature inspire you. Or anything else! Creativity knows no bounds. How to Participate Choose Your Activity: Each day, pick a creative task that speaks to you. Record Your Experience: Take a video, record your music, snap a photo, or write about your challenge. Share Your Work: Submit your creation (video, audio, writing, or photo) to SBC for a chance to be featured on our platform. Why Join? Boost Creativity: Give your brain a break from routine and explore new ways of thinking. Connect with Community: Share your journey with others and be inspired by their creativity. Celebrate Self-Expression: There’s no right or wrong—just you, your imagination, and the joy of making something new. Ready to Get Started? Mark your calendars for August 4th–8th! Every day, we’ll share prompts and inspiration to keep you motivated. At the end of the week, submit your favorite creation to SBC for a chance to be published and celebrated. Let’s make this a week to remember—creatively, together! To join, simply start creating on August 4th and keep an eye on our social channels for daily inspiration. When you’re ready, submit your work to SBC for publication. We can’t wait to see what you create! Explore What Lies Beyond Take a moment to check in with yourself. What are you feeling right now—calm, joyful, overwhelmed, uncertain? Don’t worry about making it look “pretty” or perfect. Just pick a color, a shape, or a line that represents your mood. Let your hand move freely across the page. This is your space. No right or wrong—just honest expression. 🖌️ What does your heart want to say without words? Take 5–10 minutes. Breathe. Create. Let your feelings take shape. Creativity Reset: A Night of Sharing & Celebration Fri, Aug 08 Online Event Join us for a special evening as we come together to celebrate the creativity, courage, and connection that flowed throughout SBC’s 5-Day Creativity Challenge. Are you ready to shake up your routine and spark some fresh inspiration? Details Pebble Drawing Free Drawing Zen Garden