"The Doctors said if we wanted children, I should visit a fertility clinic before surgery since chemo could make me sterile. I was unable to get to a fertility clinic before my surgery. Two days before my surgery, by the grace of God, we found out she was pregnant." ~Aubrey "I walked into a doctor’s office as a 50 year old male with no major illness and walked out a Breast Cancer patient. My journey takes me from first being embarrassed to now being empowered" ~ Michael "My husband, Marlyn Washburn, was like so many other men in that he did not know men could get breast cancer. In December of 2016, however, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer. At the time of his diagnosis, his breast cancer had already metastasized into his liver, lungs, lymph nodes, bones, and brain." ~Patricia "A friend from the cancer community once called me a unicorn. When I asked her why, she replied “people say that men can get breast cancer, but you never see them in real life.” That is why I advocate for more awareness and to try to encourage more men to step forward and embrace the support systems that are already in place. The women are here for you! " ~Adam YES, THE WOMEN ARE HERE FOR YOU! I remember when one of our male breast cancer thrivers reached out to our community thinking I couldn't relate. I recall immediately the following dialogue: Me: Did you have chemotherapy? Him: Yes Me: Me too! Did you you have radiation? Him: Yes Me: Me too! What type of breast cancer do you have? Him: I was diagnosed stage IIB, ER/PR/HER2+ Me: Oh my gosh, me too! Sometimes as women we associate a breast cancer diagnosis with losing our hair or/and mourning the loss of our breasts and a piece of our femininity. While that is part of it, we have more in common with our male counterparts than we realize. When we get into the conversation about treatment, surgery, side effects and the mental trauma we all go through, we get it! We all get it! In the News: Breast Cancer Screening in High-Risk Men: A 12-year Longitudinal Observational Study of Male Breast Imaging Utilization and Outcomes To date, there are no randomized controlled trials showing sugar causes cancer. There is, however, an indirect link between sugar and cancer. Eating a lot of high sugar foods such as cakes, cookies, and sweetened beverages can contribute to excess caloric intake. This may lead to weight gain and excess body fat. Research has shown that being overweight or obese increases the risk of 11 types of cancers including colorectal, postmenopausal breast, ovarian, and pancreatic cancer. Dr. Borgen on Treatment Strategies for Male Breast Cancer The biology of breast cancer in male vs female patients has some differences, one being that virtually all male breast cancers are ductal; almost no incidence of lobular disease has been reported in these patients, Borgen says. Additionally, male breast cancers tend to be estrogen receptor (ER)positive and often progesterone receptor positive. This offers the opportunity to utilize several treatment Which medications are used in the treatment of male breast cancer? American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) guidelines recommend offering tamoxifen to men with hormone receptor–positive breast cancer who are candidates for adjuvant endocrine therapy. The initial treatment duration is 5 years; men who have completed 5 years of tamoxifen, have tolerated therapy, and still have a high risk of recurrence may be offered an additional 5 years of tamoxifen therapy. There have been, and continues to be, numerous studies that attempt to link the consumption of sugar to breast and other cancer(s). These myriad studies have investigated whether sugar ingestion contributes to breast cancer or further stimulates its growth. So, the question of whether or not sugar contributes to or feeds breast cancer cells remains unresolved at this time. Read More .

By, Candace Bloomstrand Every March we celebrate Women's History Month to commemorate the contributions that women have made in the United States and celebrate the specific achievements that women have made in a variety of fields over the course of history. For this #FeatureFriday , it seems only fitting that we highlight the amazing women who have made significant contributions to breast cancer research and advocacy. Evelyn Lauder You may recognize her name as being part of the Estee Lauder make-up empire, but Evelyn Lauder is also known for being a breast cancer activist, survivor and advocate. Lauder, along with SELF magazine editor Alexandra Penney, created the signature pink ribbon that we have all come to know as the international symbol of breast cancer awareness. Lauder helped establish the breast and diagnostic center at New York's Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, which is known today as the Evelyn H. Lauder Breast Center. Lauder also founded the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) in 1993, and has raised millions of dollars for breast cancer research. BCRF's mission is to rid the world of breast cancer and Lauder's vision has paved the way for a future with a cure. Diahann Carroll Diahann Carroll was an Oscar-nominated actress and singer who was best known for her pioneering role as the first African American woman to star in a non-servant role in the television series "Julia". Her worked in "Julia" earned Diahann a Golden Globe award and paved the way for African American woman to break down racial barriers in entertainment. In 1992, Diahann was diagnosed with breast cancer after a routine mammogram. From then on, Diahann committed herself to spreading breast cancer awareness, especially in minority communities. Her advocacy work involved visiting and speaking to Asian, African American and Latina women about the importance of routine mammograms and early detection. Diahann passed away in 2019, but her determination to educate women on the importance of early detection and prevention has saved countless lives. Susan Love, MD Dr. Love is a prominent breast cancer surgeon, advocate, and survivor who is widely regarded as one of the most revered women's health specialists in the United States. Dr. Love has been the driving force behind many major breast cancer advancements such as the use of a lumpectomy over mastectomy and the tracking and documenting of "collateral damage" in breast cancer surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. She is also the author of the Breast Book editions, which have guided women through their breast cancer journeys and are known for being the "bible for women with breast cancer." Today, Dr. Love has her own foundation called the Dr. Susan Love Foundation for Breast Cancer Research and their mission is to end breast cancer and improve the lives of people impacted by it now through education and advocacy. Robin Roberts Robin Roberts is the co-anchor for ABC's Good Morning America and a breast cancer survivor. In 2007, while covering a news story about early cancer detection, Roberts felt compelled to perform her own breast self-exam and discovered a lump. The lump turned out to be early-stage breast cancer and Roberts underwent chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy. Now, Roberts inspires women everywhere with her slogan, "Make your Mess Your Message", a phrase she hopes will encourage women to find the meaning behind what they are going through. Mary-Claire King, PhD Mary-Claire King is an American geneticist who discovered the BRCA1 gene in 1990. This was a critical discovery because it showed that breast cancer is genetically inherited in some families and that a specific gene mutation could be attributed to breast cancer. Through her work, Dr. King has advanced the study of breast cancer genomics and offered a deeper understanding for why some women are at a higher risk for developing breast or ovarian cancer. Because of Dr. King and her work, high-risk patients can be screened and monitored early on, giving patients and their families peace of mind knowing that their situation is being managed proactively. 9 Inspiring Asian Celebrities Who Have Fought Against Breast Cancer Breast cancer does not discriminate. It can affect any woman regardless of age, with the risk increasing as you grow older. In Singapore, it is the most common cancer among women, and more than 25 per cent of all cancers diagnosed in women are breast cancer. We are paying homage to nine celebrities who have fought the disease and the efforts they made to raise awareness about breast cancer. Join us in applauding these inspiring women for overcoming the odds and speaking out for the cause. 22 Celebrities with Cancer It's harrowing to battle a disease and doing it in the public eye can be even more intense. But as these celebrity cancer survivors prove, opening up about battling health conditions can help destigmatize them. For these cancer survivors, talking about their experiences with cancer have helped create a conversation and build a network of support. Breast Cancer in Hispanic/Latina Women In the United States, the rate of breast cancer in Hispanic/Latina women is lower than in non-Hispanic white women. (The incidence is even less in Hispanic/Latina women who were not born in the country.) But those statistics can be deceiving. Not only is breast cancer the leading cause of cancer deaths in Hispanic/Latina women living in the U.S., as it is for all women in America, but the disease tends to affect these women at a younger age and is more aggressive in them than in many other populations. These 3 Celebrities Are Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer One in eight women will develop breast cancer, according to the American Cancer Society, so its not surprising when a celebrity-or someone you love-shares a breast cancer diagnosis. Thirty percent of early-stage breast cancer patients will eventually see this disease return as metastatic (or stage IV) cancer, meaning the disease has spread to other organs--and that stat stands in Hollywood, as well.

“Cause you know, I just can't stand To see, see you'all pushed around ‘Cause when things go wrong, Wrong with you, It hurts me too” (E James) Caregiving is a unique art form, unique in that all on the receiving end are different and are faced with their own personal, individual issues. Breast cancer presents many, many challenges to the patient and their caregiver. Just last evening a young caregiver paid a visit to our Thursday Night Thrivers Meet Up looking for advice. She came to the right space. The responses to her quest were sincere, full of love, hope, and assistance. From the young lady’s response she was glad to have come. But what are the characteristics for caregiving? After careful consideration we’ve determined the following: First off, recognize that there are many ways to help. Secondly, it is important to understand that caregiving is stressful. The caregiver needs to take care of themselves too. Third, understand that the primary caregivers are actually the oncology team working to save your loved one. Recognizing that you may be able to take notes at the ongoing medical visits (this was easier pre-COVID-19). You may also be able to ask questions of this team if you are allowed to attend. In the event that only the patient is allowed in due to the pandemic then wait patiently and record or take notes of the discussion as soon as the patient returns to you. Remember that Chemo Brain is real and that memory for a patient undergoing chemotherapy may represent a challenge. Show respect at all times to the patient. You are stressed but they are living “it.” Let the patient make the decisions. Offer to help, but mean it. Take responsibility for practical matters. Take pains to communicate fully. Express your love, desire to help, but give the patient space. As always let us know your thoughts and how you’d like to contribute to the discussion. Breaking down barriers to care for metastatic breast cancer patients “Battling metastatic cancer is difficult enough for any person, and we should be breaking down the barriers that stand in the way of providing the best care possible,” said lead author AJ Scheitler , director of stakeholder relations at the health policy research center. “Our work aims to offer state-level policy solutions that should be further explored.” Read More . How life could get better for working parents and caregivers -- in the long run People who care for other people do so without needed support in the way of paid leave or affordable and reliable paid care for the young, old, ill and disabled. And professional caregivers themselves don't make enough money to properly care for their own families. Read More . Faces of Love: Cancer Caregivers People who care for other people do so without needed support in the way of paid leave or affordable and reliable paid care for the young, old, ill and disabled. And professional caregivers themselves don't make enough money to properly care for their own families. Read More . Caring for ill husband, woman reveals exhausting reality of unpaid caregivers During the crisis, on my drive from the hospital to home, I would sometimes think, “God, I could just get out of here” because the relentless pressure of every single day and the very painful sight of Brad being so sick added up to a wish for escape. In reality, I didn't want to actually leave my children and abandon everything. But it was a tempting fantasy. Read Mor e .

As we enter LGBTQIA+ Pride Month, we want to take the next few weeks to highlight this community and the unique experiences they may face after a breast cancer diagnosis. LGBTQIA+ includes lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, and asexual individuals. This week, we turn our focus specifically to lesbian women diagnosed with breast cancer. According to Ulrike Boehmer , this demographic has been found to be at a higher risk for several types of cancer, including breast cancer, due to higher smoking and alcohol use as compared to national averages. However, research has shown that when lesbian women are diagnosed with breast cancer, they report better mental health due to strong social support. Below, you'll find research about how breast cancer uniquely affects the lesbian community, what providers are doing to change and improve the culture and treatment for this demographic, and ways to connect with others with shared experiences. We hope that SurvivingBreastCancer.org can be one of these outlets for you to connect , and we welcome our LGBTQIA+ members during Pride Month and all year long. As always, let us know your thoughts and how you’d like to contribute to the discussion. A Silent Epidemic? Lesbian, Gay, & Bisexual Women Receive Less Post-Cancer Treatment Than Everyone Else A 2019 study by Ulrike Boehmer , a Boston University School Professor of Public Health, found that women who identify as lesbian or bisexual have less access to post-cancer care, as compared to their heterosexual counterparts. Care after cancer treatment is extremely important to screen for recurrences and long-term effects of cancer treatment. This, along with the fact that "compared to the national average, people who identify as LGBT have substantially higher rates of obesity, smoking, and alcohol use—all known risk factors for cancer," is very troubling. However, Boehmer hopes that by continuing research on the subject, she may bring to light a hidden epidemic. Read More . Queer Women Breast Cancer Survivors & Reconstruction Decisions Some studies have shown that lesbians diagnosed with breast cancer, especially those in relationships, report better mental health than heterosexual women with breast cancer. Having a strong support network of one's partner and friends can help encourage healthy coping behavior. "Lesbians reported less denial coping, and more use of support from friends, more venting, and more positive reframing." Additional reports have found that female breast cancer patients with female partners who are involved in decision-making and caregiving had better health outcomes and less fear of recurrence. Read More . Support Group Resources Since having a strong support network has been shown to improve mental health during and after treatment, here is a roundup of some online support groups specifically for lesbians with breast cancer: Lesbian Cancer Survivors and Caregivers SurvivingBreastCancer.org and ABCD Our own organization, in partnership with ABCD, offers personalized mentor-matching services to connect survivors with similar life and breast cancer experiences. National LGBT Cancer Project SurvivingBreastCancer.org also offers a wide range of support groups . From Disparities To Disclosure: A Discussion On Lesbians and Breast Cancer This interview, with Dr. Penelope Damaskos of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, dives into some of the fears and stigma lesbians with breast cancer may face, and how providers can address this to help change culture. "How patients are questioned about their lives and partners, without making assumptions, will go a long way toward making lesbian women feel understood by their healthcare providers and ultimately more open." Read More.

Tomorrow, June 19th, is also known as Juneteenth. This holiday marks the date in 1865 when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas to inform enslaved Black people that slavery had formally been abolished, nearly 3 full years after Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation in September of 1962. While the day has been recognized as an official state holiday in Texas since 1980, it is increasingly observed throughout the country and activists are pushing for Congress to make it a national holiday. As activism surrounding antiracism has seen a reinvigorated effort, particularly over the past year, and Juneteenth becomes ever more widely recognized and celebrated, we felt this week's Feature Friday was an especially necessary time to address white privilege in breast cancer. White and Black women have similar rates of breast cancer diagnosis, 13% and 12% respectively ( Susan G. Komen ), yet Black women are nearly twice as likely to die from breast cancer ( Cancer Cytopathology ). This disparity is truly an outrage. In the articles below, we explore the inequalities and structural racism that have led to this, as well as the work that researchers and doctors are doing to change this. As always, let us know your thoughts and how you’d like to contribute to the discussion. How Structural Racism Can Kill Cancer Patients Chicago's Center for Community Health Equity, a partnership between Rush University Medical Center and DePaul University, is pairing medical researchers with social scientists to take a more holistic approach to identifying and removing barriers to cancer care. A collaborative approach, Dr. David Ansell says, can help to zero in on often invisible but important variables such as differences in the quality of care by race. In addition, poverty and isolation can knock out critical social supports that help patients to get through medical treatments. For minority communities, one key difference is the way in which poverty is concentrated within specific neighborhoods. In Chicago, Dr. Ansell says, women who are poor, are minorities, or are on public insurance are 40% less likely to live near a breast-imaging center of excellence than their white counterparts. Instead, hospitals and clinics that serve minority neighborhoods are often underfunded and unable to keep up with advances or new recommendations. Read More . Too Many Black Women Die From Breast Cancer. Why? In 1995, The Black Women's Health Study (BWHS), a partnership between Boston University and Howard University's medical schools, launched as the largest ever long-term study of the health of Black women. Today, the study, the nation’s largest and longest running examination of black women’s health, is still going. One finding of the study is that Black women are more likely than women of other races to be diagnosed with difficult-to-treat ER-negative breast cancer. Researchers, however, are still trying to understand why. Data from the study is now being used to examine both the genetic factors at play, as well as uncover which environmental factors might be most potent at tipping the breast cancer odds. Carrying extra fat around the middle, getting pregnant for the first time later in life, having more children, and forgoing breastfeeding are all linked with a higher risk of getting ER-negative breast cancer before age 45. Epidemiologist Kimberly Bertrand is encouraged with this discovery, as breastfeeding and body fat percentages are potentially modifiable behaviors. Read More . Black Women With Cancer Are Treated Differently To White Women. Fact. Let's Change That. Leanne Pero is the founder of Black Women Rising, a support group for Black women with breast cancer. In this interview with Glamour magazine, she addresses the challenges she and her peers have faced throughout their experiences with breast cancer. The racial bias and lack of support come from all sides- both from medical professionals and from family and friends. A 2016 study found that many medical students were approaching their patients with an underlying and unconscious bias that influenced how they measured and distributed pain relief. Leanne recounts "A sad story came through one of our support groups, recently. One of our ladies had been told her hospital was providing holistic treatments for cancer patients. But when she went to access it, she was told it wasn't for her. Only when she pointed out that she was a person going through cancer [exactly who the holistic treatment was designed for] was she offered it, reluctantly." While that's just one example, Leanne says those kinds of attitudes are typical. Leanne goes on to say how there is a sense of shame around cancer diagnoses for Black women. “Black women have been told cancer ‘isn’t a black disease’ or that it’s karma or a curse for something we’ve done in the past. The worst thing is lots of women have been told not to get chemotherapy or life saving drugs, because it’s ungodly.” She hopes that by creating open and encouraging conversations about breast cancer among Black women, she can help change the culture and some of the stigma around seeking treatment and social support. She wants other Black women to feel represented in the breast cancer support community. Read More. Why Black Women Are More Likely Than White Women To Die Of Breast Cancer Some hospitals hire navigators to help guide poor and minority women through the process of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Equal Hope, an organization in Chicago (formerly the Metropolitan Chicago Breast Cancer Task Force), is one such group of navigators. Equal Hope offers uninsured women free access to primary care doctors and to breast and cervical cancer screenings, plus follow-up care if needed. Retha Cooper is one of these nurse-navigators and reaches out to patients whenever they receive an abnormal mammogram. “Community hospitals can do mammograms and simple biopsies, but they’re not equipped to do chemotherapy or radiation,” Cooper said. “It’s my responsibility to make sure they’re followed up in a timely manner, and to encourage them to have any follow-up treatment in a comprehensive cancer center.” Chicago is one of the most segregated cities in the US, and has historically had one of the worst disparities in breast cancer outcomes between Black and White women. Equal Hope's Executive Director, Anne Marie Murphy, cites the higher levels of stress and pollution that Black Chicagoans face as a key contributor to their higher rates of health problems. Starting with breast cancer, Equal Hope aims to close this racial health gap. The disparity of breast cancer death rates in Chicago is now down from 62% in 2008, to 32%, which is well below the national average of 43%. Murphy believes Equal Hope's model can be applied to other American cities with large Black populations. Read Mor e.

Summer is in full swing at this point! And with COVID restrictions lifting across the country, many people are excited to get together with friends and family for Independence Day parties, beach days, and backyard cookouts. Plus, many employees are returning to in-person work. But after so much time spent keeping to ourselves for our own health and that of others, it's natural to need some time to readjust to a packed schedule. Below are some recommendations on how to ease into post-COVID life. The 7 Types of Rest We might be most familiar with needing physical rest, such as after a hard workout or needing a good night's sleep, or mental rest like when you're tired of thinking after a busy day of work. But did you know there are actually 7 types of rest we need? Especially as we start spending time around more and more people, you might need more social or sensory rest. This idea was popularized by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, which you can learn more about in her popular TED talk . Then you can take this quiz to learn what type(s) of rest you need most right now. Read More. Post-Pandemic Anxiety: Feeling Stressed as Things Return to Normal Dr. Soo Jeong Youn, a psychiatrist at Massachusetts General Hospital, offers a few suggestions of how to ease back in to seeing more people again: Start slow: Gradually work up to meeting with larger groups, starting with one on ones. Follow all COVID safety protocols like distancing and wearing masks, but begin interacting with people at a pace that is right for you to help lessen anxiety. Know and maintain boundaries: Friends and family may have different comfort levels with different activities than you may have. In these cases, it is important to know your boundaries and clearly communicate them. These boundaries may shift depending on the situation and relationship, but the hope is that you are with people who will understand and come to an agreement on safety. Read More. 4 Tips to Help Ease Post-Pandemic Reentry Anxiety Along with clearly communicating your comfort levels for socializing and slowly building up to meeting with larger groups, making a list of things you are excited to get back to can help. "Writing things down can help reframe uncertainty as excitement, and help you focus on what you're looking forward to instead of stress and anxiety. This might also be the time where you reflect on things you don't miss or things that you started during the last year that you want to continue." Read More. If you do choose to host or attend a 4th of July party this weekend, look at is as an opportunity to give back as well! If you're running in our Coast-2-Coast for Breast Cancer fundraiser, this can be a great chance to fundraise or ask family and friends to pledge money for your logged miles. Here are some ideas of how you can use the holiday weekend to fundraise.

Journaling can be a powerful tool to process one’s thoughts and emotions. You may choose to write just for yourself whereby you can work through your thoughts privately. Or you might want to use a journal to jot down ideas that you may wish to expound upon with a therapist . Then again you might want craft a story, take down notes at a doctor's visit, or compose a poem or song, as part of a legacy . There is no one "right" way to journal. On some days you might have more time and inclination to write several pages, and other days it may be as simple as jotting down a note to show what you are grateful for that day. Based on our recent Survivingbreastcancer.org social media poll, 31% of our online social media community is already journaling. Some journal daily, some weekly, and some journal only when they need it. Many turn to journaling for release, to ease stress, to recognize gratitude, and to work through tough feelings. Research (see below) shows that there can be long term positive effects to journaling. At Survivingbreastcancer.org we urge all to think about capturing thoughts and emotions in a way that just may contribute to yours, and others, better emotional and physiological health. From SurvivingBreastCancer.org A Space For Expressive Writing with Thomas September 27th | 6:00 - 7:30 PM EST A wellness writing workshop for those looking to recover clarity amidst uncertainty, experience community, and reduce stress through self-expression. Join Us. Breast Cancer Poems Poetry can be a form of journaling. Get inspired by some of our community's poems and submit your own! Read More. Podcast Episode #123. Creative Projects For Leaving A Legacy with Keri Lynn Turney Content Across The Web Journaling Your Way Through Cancer ( MD Anderson Cancer Center ) Research shows that taking as little as 20 minutes a month for 3 months, to write, will produce long lasting benefits to your physical and emotional health. Journaling can help you sleep better, reduce fatigue and help you adjust psychologically to a cancer diagnosis and treatment. Look for the positive: Journaling can help you identify positive situations or events that have unfolded due to your cancer diagnosis. You may have been reunited with a loved one, received an outpouring of support from friends, co-workers and family, or been able to warn others about dangerous lifestyle habits. Documenting these areas in writing may help you explore and appreciate them more. Look for what you can control: Journaling can also help you map out and decide what things you can and do have control over and how you can use that knowledge in your life. Find peace in your relationships: Journaling privately can even help with your day-to-day social interactions. Disclosing your deepest feelings in writing might prepare you to have a difficult conversation with a loved one, or it might allow you to simply enjoy your time together without worrying about nagging negative thoughts. Read More. Journaling ( BreastCancer.org ) While there is plenty of anecdotal evidence of how journaling improves mood, there have been few formal studies on its benefits for people diagnosed with cancer. One small 2002 study, conducted at the University of Kansas, followed 60 women with early-stage breast cancer who had just completed their treatment. The women were divided into 3 writing groups: One group was asked to write their deepest thoughts and feelings about breast cancer, including hopes of recovery and fears of dying. The second was to focus on the positive things that had happened during the breast cancer experience. The third group was to simply report the facts about their treatment. After 3 months, the first two groups, who wrote about their emotions, reported one-third fewer symptoms and medical appointments than the group whose writing was limited to the facts. Results of this study depended on how the women were coping before they started writing: The women who tended to avoid thinking about having breast cancer improved more from focusing their writing on the positive thoughts and feelings that had arisen during their experience and had significantly fewer doctor visits for cancer-related issues. The women who expressed the full range of their thoughts and feelings about having breast cancer reported significantly fewer negative physical symptoms and had significantly fewer doctor visits for cancer-related issues Although this study showed encouraging results, more studies will need to be done to determine which types of patients will benefit the most from emotional expression in writing. Read More. The Healing Power of Journaling Your Way Through Cancer ( GoodTherapy ) "Many people report that even during times when they couldn’t seem to get “unstuck” from a feeling or problem by writing about it, the act of simply externalizing it and dumping it off in the journal was helpful. It can also be beneficial to look back at your process and progress along this cancer experience—to see the strides you’ve made in regaining some of your physical strength and in reclaiming your sense of purpose through looking at those old journals. It can give you a sense of pride to see where you started out at diagnosis and where you’ve come to post-treatment. Life is always a work in progress, but being able to examine your growth through a difficult time in your life is empowering." Read More. Healing With Words: Journaling and Reflecting Throughout Treatment ( Cancer Care ) "Writing about your cancer experience from the earliest stages of your diagnosis will enable you to retrace your steps and reconnect with the emotions you went through. You will be able to look back on your journey and remember how you were able to cope and keep moving forward. Seeing the progress you have made through difficult and frightening times can be inspiring and motivating." "Only you can know if journaling is a positive outlet for you. If writing causes you more upset than relief or is causing you to feel overwhelmed, perhaps take a break and find another activity that brings you comfort during this challenging time. Writing can be an important and helpful tool in your healing, but it is not the only method of support. An oncology social worker can help find other ways to cope for anyone affected by cancer." Read More.

We are reaching the end of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but as we all know, that doesn’t mean that breast cancer stops. Throughout the month, we’ve seen the ubiquitous pink ribbons, along with the tricolor pink, teal, and green MBC ribbons, and recognized specific awareness days like Going Flat Day on October 7th and MBC Awareness Day on October 13th. But how can we continue to bring awareness (and action) to breast cancer, take control of our own health, and advocate for more research on MBC so that we can find a cure, beyond October? Here are ten steps you can take any time of year: Ask your doctor about breast density Learn your family’s medical history Schedule your annual mammogram Do monthly self-exams of your breasts. Familiarize yourself with what they feel like, so you’ll notice if something feels different. Do your research about what exactly brands mean when they say “a portion of profits” go to breast cancer research or awareness. Become a patient advocate; there are wonderful training programs such as Project Lead or the Hear My Voice Metastatic Advocacy Program . Connect with our community on Facebook , Instagram , and Twitter . If you are a friend or family member of someone with breast cancer, ask them how you can support them during this time? Perhaps they’d appreciate you driving them to a doctor's appointment, cooking a nourishing freezer-friendly meal, or babysitting their kids so they can have some time to rest. Organize or participate in a breast cancer research fundraiser any time of year, not just October. Remember that for some, the added focus on breast cancer throughout October can be upsetting and exhausting , bringing painful memories and emotions to the forefront. It’s okay to be glad that the month is over if breast cancer awareness month is a difficult time for you. From SurvivingBreastCancer.org Podcast Ep. #127. Pink Culture and Breast Cancer Awareness Month | Bridging the gap between 0 - 4 In today's episode we speak with a panel of women who were diagnosed with early stage breast cancer, early stage breast cancer that metastasized, and women diagnosed with MBC de Novo. This raw and candid conversation provides education to the masses about breast cancer, metastatic breast cancer, and what the breast cancer community wants you to know about October. Listen Now. From Around The Web No Half Measures (Personal Blog) On her blog, No Half Measures: Living Out Loud, Abigail Johnston, a lawyer and mom of two young boys, shares daily posts about the reality of what it is like living with metastatic breast cancer. Breast cancer and MBC are a reality for so many people every day, not just in October. Read More. Breast Cancer Awareness After October Ends ( Walnut Hill OBGYN ) This article shares how you can continue the breast cancer awareness all year long. In addition to fundraising and bringing awareness to the condition, they also highlight healthy lifestyle habits to lessen the risk of developing breast cancer in the first place. While we can’t change some risk factors like genetics or age, “there are a number of very simple ways that you can counteract the risk factors: Refrain from smoking. Exercise Eat healthy” Read More. As Breast Cancer Awareness Month Draws To A Close, Think Before You Pink ( GBH News ) “​​Nobody knows better than advocates and breast cancer survivors that fundraising for breast cancer research is critically important. The millions raised during the last 36 years since Breast Cancer Awareness month began have funded research that led to advances in diagnosis and treatment. But if potential donors want to ensure that their monetary gift reaches the organization they want to support, they have got to pay attention; sadly, they cannot assume best intentions even if the cause is worthy.” Read More. Breast Cancer Awareness Doesn’t End in October (Cleveland Clinic) Dr. Jame Abraham, a breast cancer doctor, shares how he and his patients are fighting breast cancer every day, not just in October. He also reflects on how the disease is viewed differently in the US and other countries. “I frequently travel back and forth now between the U.S and India, where I attended medical school and where the public acceptance of cancer and the taboo of a cancer diagnosis are glaringly different. During my travels, I am reminded of the strength of pink in October and am thankful for the power of public advocacy. Public advocacy increases awareness, breaks the taboo of cancer diagnosis, and creates a national dialogue.” Read More.

For most women, our breasts, bodies, and sensuality are topics that we’ve received many mixed messages on throughout our lives. Add in the physical and emotional changes that a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment bring, and it’s no wonder that returning to physical intimacy with a partner is a steep challenge. Emotions about the loss of your breast(s), insecurities about appearance, physical changes resulting from surgery, or hormonal changes like lower libido and vaginal dryness, all contribute to changes in how women may view their sensuality after diagnosis. Sexuality-related issues tend to be underestimated in clinical practice, and the impairment of sexual function can negatively influence the QOL of these women ( Tozatti et at, 2021 ). According to a 2020 study by Mattei et al., titled “The Long-Term Effects of Cancer Treatment on Sexuality and Couple Relationships,” 75% of patients qualified for sexual dysfunction as measured by the FSFI (Female Sexual Function Index) global scale, and 71.9% declared they were not adequately informed about the side effects of treatments on sexuality. The high prevalence of sexual dysfunction [in those diagnosed with breast cancer] underlines the need for specific attention being paid to this problem, starting with a complete and targeted communication between patients and health providers regarding these side effects.” Physical intimacy is an important part of many relationships. We recognize that intimacy and sexuality encompass so much more than just sex. You can connect to these aspects of yourself and your relationship through other forms of physical intimacy (kissing, cuddling, massage, etc.) and emotionally, but I do not believe our breast cancer community is going to settle. We are grateful to be alive, yes, and we want quality of life. Read on for more on how to reconnect with your sensuality, and how your partner and healthcare team can help you as well. From SurvivingBreastCancer.org Breast Cancer and Sexual Intimacy “If your sex life is not working the way you want it to, your doctor or nurse may be able to referee these issues with your partner and you. You can cue your doctor in advance, since he or she has most likely already touched on delicate issues with you. Maybe he or she can be the tour guide for the two of you. If your partner is there when you talk with the doctor who's managing your care, you and your partner both get a chance to air and dispel fears, and replace myths and false information with facts. Not all doctors and nurses are comfortable discussing sexual issues and practices. Most doctors don't routinely ask about your sex life. And patients don't usually begin to discuss their love life with a doctor who hasn't mentioned it. Nobody's talking! Read More. From Around The Web Women's Guide to Sexuality During & After Cancer Treatment ( UPenn OncoLink ) “Can I have sex during treatment? There are a few factors that determine if sexual activity is safe during treatment: In general, sexual activity is fine during treatment as interest, energy, and comfort levels allow. Women may not feel up to sexual intimacy after surgeries or during chemo and radiation. Hugging, holding hands, and massages may feel good and be comforting. If you have a low white blood cell count or low platelet count (concern arises with platelets below 50,000), you will need to refrain from vaginal, anal, or oral sex. This is because there is an increased risk of infection or bleeding when your counts are low. If you have mouth sores (mucositis), you should not perform oral sex. Do not have vaginal intercourse if you have open sores on the genitals or in the vagina. There are certain chemotherapies that caution you about becoming pregnant while on treatment and for a specific amount of time after treatment is done. See the package insert for your chemotherapy or ask your pharmacist for this information.” Read More. Intimacy After Breast Cancer ( Fox Chase Cancer Center ) “After breast cancer treatment, women often have complex emotions about visible scars, loss of sensation, or losing your breasts or nipples. ‘Learning some self-compassion is important,’ said Jennifer Barsky Reese, PhD , a psychologist and behavioral scientist at Fox Chase Cancer Center who studies breast cancer and sexuality. ‘It may take a while to become adjusted to those changes. These types of concerns are very common, and for many women they may improve over time. If you’re having significant trouble adjusting, it could be useful to visit with someone about those concerns. For instance, if you notice yourself avoiding looking at your body, looking at your body too much or in a judgmental way, or if your body image is interfering with your sex life, mood, or relationships, these may be signs that it could be helpful to deal with these issues head-on.’ Talk to a health care provider who you feel comfortable discussing these kinds of topics with. Counselors or sex therapists could also be helpful, depending on your needs. ... Some women with breast cancer are treated with chemotherapy or hormonal therapies that may cause symptoms of menopause, such as vaginal dryness or tightness. Over-the-counter products such as vaginal lubricants for use with sexual activity and vaginal moisturizers that are used regularly whether or not sexual activity is happening can help with vaginal dryness, and these are available at your nearest pharmacy.” Read More. Sex after breast cancer ( Breast Cancer Now) “Tips for getting back to sex: Start afresh: Try not to compare things now to how they were before you were diagnosed with breast cancer. It can take time and patience to adapt to the changes resulting from breast cancer. Explore your body: It can be useful to explore your body on your own first. You may wish to use your fingers or a vibrator. You may find using a vaginal lubricant helpful. This can help you discover what kind of touch is still pleasant or where it is painful. Don’t rush: Taking things slowly at first may help. Think about what kind of level of intimacy you feel comfortable with and how much energy you have. There may be practical things to consider, such as taking pain relief if necessary. Wear what makes you comfortable: Some women may feel uncomfortable naked and choose to wear nightwear. Others wear a prosthesis and bra to bed. It’s important to do whatever makes you feel more comfortable and relaxed, even if this makes intimacy or sex less spontaneous. How you feel about having your breasts touched after treatment is very personal. You may want your partner to touch the area that was treated, or you may not want any touching at all. Some women don’t want their partner to touch the breast that wasn’t treated if it reminds them of the loss of the other one. Your partner may also feel differently about touching your breasts after treatment. It may be helpful to tell your partner what sort of touching you want or don’t want. If you find talking about it embarrassing, you could use your hand to guide them. How you feel about having your breasts touched may change over time.” Read More. Overcoming physical and emotional roadblocks to intimacy after breast cancer ( Cancer Treatment Centers of America ) Traci Owen, RN, BSN, CSC, SE, Oncology Sexual Health Specialist at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), Tulsa shares some of the common concerns and challenges that women experience around intimacy after breast cancer, as well as what healthcare providers can do to help their patients through this transition. ... “‘During treatment, a woman's breasts are touched by a lot of medical professionals—the surgeon, plastic surgeon, radiation team, medical oncologist, and the physical therapy team,’ says Owen. ‘Suddenly what is typically a private and sensual part of the body becomes a clinical body part, and there can be trauma attached to that exposure. As healthcare professionals, we need to be aware of the vulnerability many of our patients are feeling in these physical exposures of clinical care. Early in the woman’s treatment I want to initiate a conversation about breast touch, what it has meant in the past, what it means in the moment, and ask her if it is mentally and physically acceptable for her partner to touch the breasts in a sensual way at this time.’ she says. ‘For many women during their time on active treatment, they are not connecting their breasts to thoughts of physical intimacy and may not want their partner to touch their chest. I find it helps for the partner to have some perspective about why sensual touch may be a struggle.’ If the woman decides that the breasts are a no-fly zone, Owen suggests the woman have a gentle conversation with her partner about her feelings and consider wearing a camisole to cover her breasts. The cami can serve as a reminder to her partner not to touch that area, while also providing the woman with ‘a sense of a protective shield.’” Read More.

One in eight women in the US will receive a breast cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. There are many different types of breast cancer. The type of breast cancer is often determined by where the cancer started in your breast, if it’s spread. Metastatic Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Metastatic Triple-negative is a breast cancer subtype that tests negative for estrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptors 2 (HER2)—receptors commonly found on other breast cancer cells. Until recently, because most approved therapies that target those three receptors didn’t work, triple-negative breast cancer was difficult to treat. Metastatic breast cancer means cancer spreads beyond the breast to one or more other areas such as bones or other vital organs, including the liver, lungs, and brain. The tumor divides quickly, grows, and proliferates with a higher chance of metastases, making TNBC extremely aggressive. Facts About Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Breast cancer is diagnosed based on the presence or absence of three receptors that drive the development and growth of breast cancer: estrogen, progesterone, and HER2-neu. Triple-negative breast cancer is diagnosed when there is a negative pathology for all three receptors. Triple-negative breast cancer occurs most often in women ages 40 to 50 (younger than the average age of other forms of breast cancer), African American and Hispanic women, and those with BRCA1 mutations. Triple-negative breast cancer is more aggressive than other forms of breast cancer, making it more likely to spread to other organs and recur after treatment. Traditionally, triple-negative breast cancer is typically treated with a combination of therapies, including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, but new treatment options such as immunotherapy, PARP inhibitors, and ACD’s are all actively being explored. Approximately 10-15 percent of breast cancers are triple-negative. Promising Emerging Therapies Recently, several new treatment options have become available, and others are on the horizon. New treatments include immunotherapy, PARP inhibitors, and the antibody-drug conjugate Trodelvy (sacituzumab govitecan). In addition, in 2019, atezolizumab, a form of immunotherapy targeting triple-negative breast cancers with PDL1 mutations, was the first approved targeted therapy in metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. Recently, the DESTINY-breast04 trial has had great success with a new antibody-drug conjugate known as trastuzumab deruxtecan. They found that compared to standard chemotherapy, those given the new treatment had about a four month increase in median progression-free survival, as well as a longer overall survival. Their data was recently presented at the 2022 ASCO Annual meeting, and was one of the most promising new therapies featured. A similar study examining an antibody-drug conjugate known as the TROPiCS-2 study, was also featured at the meeting, as were results from a third study, the DetermaIO , which looked at immune checkpoint inhibitors in six cancer types, including triple-negative breast cancer. Researchers are also considering if targeting cancer stem cells, or cancer cells with stem-cell like gene expression would be a viable option. One such study looked specifically at a gene called DOT1L, and used a molecule named EPZ-5676 to inhibit it in different triple-negative breast cancer cell lines and organoid models. They found that not only did DOT1L act on many cell survival pathways that contributed to the growth of cancer cells, but inhibiting the gene also seemed to inhibit cell and tumor growth. While therapies like these still need to undergo animal and human testing, it’s exciting to see potential new treatment options emerging. Additionally, other types of drugs and regimens are currently being studied, including drugs targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, the androgen receptor pathway, and regimens that combine PARP inhibitors, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and other types of drugs. As many immunotherapies are still actively being developed and studied, some patients may experience some unexpected side effects from immunotherapies. In order to combat this, ASCO has an informational document for patients which highlights the NCCN guidelines of potential adverse reactions from immunotherapies, and when to be concerned about them. However, if you are experiencing significant side effects or are concerned about the efficacy or safety of a newer treatment, it’s always best to consult your doctor or a medical professional about your concerns, as they will be able to best advise you about your treatment plan. We are always working closely with you, our SBC members and the scientist, researchers, and medical oncologists to advocate and be the voice for our needs and quality of life! Learn more about metastatic triple-negative breast cancer with some resources from SBC: Triple Negative Breast Cancer In Your 20's and 30's Trodelvy (Sacituzumab Govitecan) for Metastatic Triple Negative Breast Cancer Treat, Scan, Repeat: Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer

Recently, baby formula has been extremely difficult to find. While this has been an issue since May, the problem likely won’t be solved in the near future: in fact, some sources say it is only going to get worse . In short, the United States simply does not have enough supply for the demands of the population, and this problem is only heightened by the fact that there are only three manufacturers of baby formula in the US, along with stringent FDA regulations and company monopolies on low-income supply in each state. So, where does that leave parents who cannot breastfeed their children? While breastfeeding is protective against breast cancer, for those who are undergoing or who have already undergone breast cancer treatment and can no longer breastfeed, the ongoing formula shortage is another issue to worry about during an already stressful time. In order to help combat this, we have a selection of articles that more fully explain the shortage, what it’s like to be a new parent while dealing with breast cancer, and some resources that might be able to help. The infant formula shortage and the breast cancer community This comprehensive breakdown of the formula shortage from Living Beyond Breast Cancer has a timeline of how the crisis began, why it’s happening, and how mothers with breast cancer are responding. Dr. Helen Coons, a professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and a member of the advisory board at LBBC, notes that “There is inordinate pressure to breastfeed in the United States, and some women are treated as ‘lesser’ or feel criticized and marginalized for using formula”, and these sentiments seem to be compounded by the lack of formula availability. This is especially an issue for low-income families who may not have as much access to formula sources. If you’re experiencing difficulty getting access to formula, LBBC recommends reaching out to your pediatrician, milk banks or milk sharing groups, and getting support from friends, family, or a mental health professional. Read More Breast milk banks get surge in calls from parents amid baby formula shortage Breast milk banks are one of the main alternative sources of nourishment for babies that cannot be breastfed, and with formula being difficult to get, banks are becoming increasingly busy with the demand for milk. While they try to prioritize premature or medically fragile infants, they are also supplying milk for full-term or healthy children as well. Parents are reaching out in the hopes that the banks will be able to help solve some of the worries being created when trying to feed their child, and the banks are doing everything they can to support them. Read More Breastfeeding while fighting breast cancer: What you should know This informational resource has statistics on how breastfeeding can reduce the risk of breast cancer in women, but also how breastfeeding may complicate cancer diagnosis and/or treatment. Chemotherapy often delays breastfeeding, as the treatments could potentially be passed to the baby in breastmilk. Additionally, breast cancer treatments may also limit breast milk production, leaving the parents more dependent on formula or donor milk to feed their child. Read More Milk Banks and Other Resources Milk banks are a great way for those who are able to donate their excess milk so that children who are in need of it can benefit. In the U.S. and in Canada, the Human Milk Banking Association of America has 31 locations where parents can give or request milk. Especially for those battling breast cancer while pregnant, Hope for Two is a support website that connects women with another facing the same type of cancer. They have informational content and stories from other women, and aim to provide a sense of community and understanding during a difficult time. We hope that these resources will be able to add some context to the situation, or provide some much needed information to those struggling. If you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer while pregnant and would like to share your story, we’d love to hear about it! You can see some other breast cancer stories from our readers here . And for those looking for additional support, try downloading the SurvivingBreastCancer.org app , where we have community discussion boards and private groups so that you can connect with others in a similar situation and get peer to peer support.

On June 24th, the Supreme Court voted 5-3 to overturn both Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey in their ruling on the case Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization . In essence, the ruling returned the decision to allow and provide abortions to the individual states rather than being upheld as a constitutionally protected procedure for all states. While some states will continue to uphold this right, others have already enacted bans on abortion, and many will do so in the coming weeks and months. At SurvivingBreastCancer.org, we understand that while some may be supportive of this ruling, others are shocked, saddened, or afraid, especially when it so directly affects many women’s reproductive freedoms. No matter where your opinion may fall, our main goal is to provide support for you during your breast cancer journey so that you can make informed decisions about your health. Below, we have compiled a collection of resources about abortion and breast cancer and how Dobbs v. Jackson may affect those seeking cancer treatment. Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade, ending right to abortion upheld for decades NPR summarizes the main points from Justice Alito’s opinion, which defines the new sets of guidelines regarding abortion within the U.S, along with the concurring opinion made by Justice Clarence Thomas and the dissenting opinion made by Justices Stephen Breyer Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan. The article additionally explains the legislation changes happening within individual states, and how future legal battles may begin regarding people traveling across state lines to get abortions. If you want to know more about the legal background of the ruling, Read More . Abortion and Breast Cancer Risk: Position Statement This literature review from National Breast Cancer Coalition tackles an older belief that getting an abortion increases the risk of developing breast cancer. Citing both older, less reliable studies as well as a few newer studies with more rigorous follow-up, they note that the newer studies find no significant association between abortion and breast cancer development. Additionally, many medical associations such as the National Cancer Institute and The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have stated that there likely is no increased risk of cancer following an abortion. Read More What the Reversal Of Roe v. Wade Could Mean for Cancer Patients? A Lot More Than You Might Think While you might not think abortion rights relate directly to cancer, for some people, having the ability to get an abortion could directly impact their treatment. Given that on average, 1 out of 1000 pregnant people per year receive a cancer diagnosis, and some cancer treatments are not advisable, or even forbidden, during pregnancy, for those that need an abortion to receive treatment, the ruling severely limits their options. Additionally, some cancer treatments can cause gestational trophoblastic diseases, which do not produce viable pregnancies and often require abortion to save the patient’s life. And for those looking for fertility options post-cancer, the ruling may even affect procedures where embryos are frozen, such as with IFV. In essence, the ruling severely limits a woman’s ability to advocate for her health, and this could unfairly target cancer patients with a uterus. Read More For Doctors, Abortion Restrictions Create an ‘Impossible Choice’ When Providing Care This resource reveals the challenges that healthcare providers may face when challenged by the new abortion requirements, especially in states that have totally outlawed abortion except when the health of the pregnant person is imminently at risk. Dr. Lisa Harris, an OB-GYN and professor at the University of Michigan says, “There are many conditions [where as] pregnancy progresses, it puts enormous stress on all of the body's organ systems – the heart, the lungs, the kidneys. So they may be fine right now – there's no life-threatening emergency now – but three or four or five months from now, they may have life-threatening consequences." To Harris and many other healthcare providers, the laws are vague, and test the ethics of “Do No Harm” while still remaining legal: at what point is the patient immenently at risk, and is it right to potentially risk lives in waiting to get there? Read More We hope that these resources explain the Supreme Court ruling a bit further as well as its potential consequences, specifically in regards to your breast cancer journey. For those looking for additional support, the SurvivingBreastCancer.org app has community discussion boards and private groups so that you can connect with others and get peer to peer support.

Sleep is critical for good health. Studies show that people who don’t get good quality sleep may be at risk for many diseases and disorders, from heart disease and stroke to obesity and dementia. In addition to offering preventative benefits, sleep is often touted as a miracle cure, helping the body recover from illness and surgery. The research suggests that most cells in our body work harder when we're awake. However, a recent study from Switzerland found that breast cancer cells may be the exception, spreading faster while the body and mind rest. ​​The acceleration of cancer cells affects how breast cancer metastisizes. Metastases occur when circulating cancer cells break away from the original tumor, travel through the body via blood vessels, and form new tumors in other organs. Cancer is more challenging to treat once it metastasizes. Before this study, researchers thought tumors released circulating cells all the time. Sleep Is Not the Enemy As startling as this news is, researchers emphasize that more studies are needed to investigate the findings. Until further information is available, sleep should not be thought of as the enemy of people with breast cancer. The results have not proven that breast cancer patients don’t need sleep or should get less sleep. On the contrary, not getting enough sleep can be detrimental to people with cancer, and some studies have shown that less than seven hours of sleep per night may be linked to a higher risk of death. Disrupting the Body’s Circadian Rhythms The study, which included 30 female cancer patients and mouse models, confirmed that the tumor generates more circulating cells when the organism (the cells) is asleep. In addition, cells that leave the tumor at night divide more quickly and possibly have a higher potential to form metastases than circulating cells during the day. The study tested blood collected at 4 AM and again at 10 AM from 30 women hospitalized with breast cancer. Physicians measure circulating tumor cell (CTC) levels in the blood — a type of liquid biopsy. The researchers found that the bulk of the CTCs they detected in the blood samples — almost 80% — appeared in the portion collected at 4 AM when the patients were still resting. The study suggests cancer cells may spread more efficiently at night due to disrupting the body’s circadian rhythms and the hormones this cycle regulates. For example, the research shows that melatonin — a hormone produced by the pineal gland that dictates sleep patterns — enables the cancer cells to spread more efficiently when the body is at rest. A person’s circadian clock is controlled by various genes that express specific molecules on a 24-hour timetable, influencing many processes in the body, including metabolism and sleep. Previously researchers believed that rogue, mutated cancer cells wouldn’t conform to a schedule. However, disrupted circadian rhythms were listed as a “probable” carcinogen after long-term studies concluded that people who work odd hours — such as flight attendants and night nurses — were at a higher risk of developing breast cancer. Implications for Breast Cancer Treatment Researchers are determining how these findings can be incorporated into existing cancer treatments. For example, can existing therapies be more successful if patients are treated at different times? In addition, results could differ depending on the time doctors take tumor or blood samples. Another theory may change timing of certain drug-targeted therapies to block cancer spread, if given during sleep when the body’s immune system has its highest activity. In a pilot study including women with metastatic breast cancer who were given docetaxel (Taxotere) during sleep, about one-third responded well after two days compared to five days in those who received it while awake. The findings suggest sleep could give new drugs more time to work, specifically blocking or slowing down tumor growth and spread throughout the body — particularly if combined with other treatments like chemotherapy or hormone therapy. Count On Us for Information, Resources, and Support Whether you’re newly diagnosed with breast cancer , are navigating survivorship, or are the loved one of someone experiencing breast cancer, you can count on Surviving Breast Cancer to keep you informed. We provide educational information to help you better understand symptoms, testing, treatment options , surgery, etc., and podcasts that feature professionals, advocates, and caregivers that share valuable information. Our global online community not only offers opportunities to connect with others for safe, judgment-free, peer-to-peer support but also ensures that you’re never alone. We also offer healing workshops and mindful movement classes , and you can join any of our groups or get matched with a mentor. Contact us today to learn more about or benefit from our services.

With many states beginning to legalize medical marijuana , or cannabis, you may be curious about whether or not it could help with some of the more difficult side effects of breast cancer and breast cancer treatment. Generally, it is used to help mitigate pain, nausea, and anxiety, among other symptoms, and many who use it swear by its efficacy. However, federally, cannabis use for any reason is still considered illegal, and many worry about other potential side effects from longterm marijuana use. Here, we’ve collected a series of articles and scientific reviews examining how and if medical marijuana use can affect your breast cancer journey. As with most therapies, there are both pros and cons to its use. Check out the resources below to learn more. What to Know About Medical Marijuana for Breast Cancer Cannabis use is fairly common in those being treated for breast cancer; it is reported that in 2021, up to 48% of those with a breast cancer diagnosis had tried it between then and 5 years prior. It is commonly used to help with pain, nausea, insomnia, anxiety, or stress, and others find that cannabidiol, an isolated component from marijuana, can also help with these symptoms. There is very preliminary research that marijuana use could potentially even slow the rate of tumor growth, however there is also preliminary research that the active component of cannabis may undermine some chemotherapy agents by making them less effective, so at this stage it is unclear wheter it truly affects breast cancer treatment in any meaningful way. Read more Cannabis Use Before, During and After Breast Cancer Treatment This scientific study published in Cancer examined medical marijuana use in breast cancer patients at all stages of treatment and beyond. Through online surveys, they found that 42% of their study population used cannabis for symptom relief, but only 39% of those people had discussed using cannabis with their medical team beforehand. The researchers concluded that while there were benefits in terms of symptom management, many of those trying cannabis were unaware of potential consequences of the drug, and the quality and dosage of marijuana across participants varied significantly, indicating that there should be more of an effort by medical professionals and patients to be candid about medical marijuana use in cancer treatment. Read More Medical Marijuana and Cancer While this article is generalized to any type of cancer, it contains an overview of the legal status of marijuana in the country (federally illegal, but state regulations vary), the active components in it that may act as a therapy (THC and CBD), and the common side effects and conditions it is used to treat (pain, neuropathy, nausea/vomiting, and appetite/weight loss). However, it also emphasizes the importance of consulting with a medical professional, as each person’s treatment is unique, and cannabis use may have other undesired side effects. Read more Nearly Half of U.S. Breast Cancer Patients Use Pot or CBD, Many Don't Tell Doctors Denise Mann integrates the statistics with personal and professional testimony on whether or not using cannabis with breast cancer is a good idea in this piece written for U.S. News and World Report . While marijuana users like Suzanne Weiner remark that, ‘“Pot helped me tremendously with the anxiety and stress of my diagnosis… I was a mess."’, doctors worry that when patients don’t discuss this with them, it may have unforeseen consequences. Dr. Marisa Weiss, chief medical officer of BreastCancer.org, notes, ‘"Some chemotherapy drugs are broken down by the same part of the liver that cannabis is, and you don't want to overtax the liver… smoking or vaping when receiving radiation or other therapies to your chest could affect lung function.”’ Generally, the consensus is that while marijuana use can be immensely helpful, it’s a good idea to check beforehand with your medical team. Read more Cannabis Consumption Used by Cancer Patients during Immunotherapy There is also a recent study brought to us by one of our readers related to this topic that we felt was important to share. According to the prospective cohort study, conducted with 102 cancer patients taking immunotherapy with or without cannabis use, those that were using cannabis alongside immunotherapy showed significantly reduced time of tumor progression as well as shorter times for overall survival. In analyzing cannabis metabolic byproducts in the blood of the participants, 4 cannabis metabolites were associated with overall survival times. However, the risk of immune related adverse events were decreased in those using medical marijuana. Since the study participants were not required to use a specific dosage, brand, or kind of cannabis and participants were allowed to vary these characteristics throughout the study, it is difficult to say whether or not these factors may affect the findings. Generally speaking, the study serves as a cautionary finding for those who are considering medical marijuana use while also taking immunotherapies. As always, we recommend that you consult with a medical professional before trying substances such as marijuana for your cancer care. Read More We hope that these resources help to clarify the not well discussed relationship between breast cancer treatment and medical marijuana use. If you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer, have used or considered cannabis, and would like to share your story, we’d love to hear about it! You can see some other breast cancer stories from our readers here . If you’re looking for a support group to join and discuss topics like this more, then look no further: SurvivingBreastCancer.org has a few programs that may be able to help provide a community for that.

"I'm sorry. Your tests came back positive. You have breast cancer .“ Being newly diagnosed with breast cancer is the equivalent of a bomb exploding on your life. Regardless of your doctor's exact words to break the news, a breast cancer diagnosis will irrevocably change your life. Even if you have a family history of breast cancer or a genetic predisposition and understand that your statistical risk is higher, you may still be overwhelmed by the news. But you’re not a statistic. You’re a person with hopes, dreams, and emotions. And a breast cancer diagnosis can send your stress levels into overtime. We understand, first hand. There’s no right or wrong way to feel after receiving a breast cancer diagnosis. You may experience an emotional roller-coaster, with your feelings changing day to day or even hour to hour. Shock, fear, disbelief, numbness, and anger are just a few of the ways a breast cancer diagnosis may make you feel. It may take time to accept that you have cancer and adjust, especially if you don’t feel sick. You might walk around in a daze. Another person might rush to their computer and frantically Google “breast cancer.” Or, someone else might go home and cry for hours. When facing a breast cancer diagnosis, your stress levels can quickly spin out of control. Uncertainties about the future, finances, your family, and the sheer number of questions that occupy your mind can all lead to stress. And while there’s no easy fix, there are ways to help better manage the stress that comes with a breast cancer diagnosis. 5 Ways to Manage Stress After Receiving a Breast Cancer Diagnosis 1. Get the Facts Dealing with the unknown can contribute to stress. It’s essential to gather the information you need to make informed decisions about your health. Get as much basic, helpful information as possible. While you want as much information as possible, trying to grasp volumes of frightening information at once can be mind-boggling. It’s a good idea to write a list of questions and concerns before your appointment with the doctor to make sure you get the information you need. An example of the types of questions you might ask include: What kind of cancer do I have? Where is the cancer? Has it spread? Can my cancer be treated? What is the chance that my cancer can be cured? What other tests or procedures do I need? What are my treatment options? How will the treatment benefit me? What can I expect during treatment? What are the side effects of the treatment? When should I call the doctor? What can I do to prevent my cancer from recurring? How likely are my children or other family members to get cancer Consider having a family member or friend attend appointments with your doctor. If you cannot have someone participate in person due to COVID, ask your doctor if you can call someone and have them on speakerphone or if you can record the discussion. Having a second pair of ears can help you remember what was discussed and serve as your advocate. Surviving Breast Cancer also provides overall educational information to help you better understand symptoms, testing, treatment options , surgery, etc., that you can pursue privately. We also produce podcasts that feature professionals, advocates, and caregivers that share valuable information. Think about how much detail you want to know. Some people want all the facts and be very involved in the decision-making process. Others prefer only learning the basics and feel comfortable leaving details and decisions to their doctors. Everyone is different. Think about which approach works best for you. 2. Find a Support System That Works for You A breast cancer diagnosis can wreak havoc on your mental health. A strong support system can provide immense comfort and help with coping strategies , but what works for one person won’t necessarily work for everyone. Some people may choose to work one-on-one with a therapist or counselor, while others prefer group therapy or online communities. Still, others may choose all three. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Our global online community not only offers opportunities to connect with others for safe, judgment-free, peer-to-peer support but also ensures that you’re never alone. We also offer healing workshops and mindful movement classes , and you can join any of our groups or get matched with a mentor . 3. Consider Your Finances The financial burden of a breast cancer diagnosis can be incredibly stressful. Even if you’re fortunate enough to have good health insurance, taking time away from work or an extended time away from home during treatment may impact your finances. Of course, we understand that dealing with the financial burden is easier said than done, but you can take steps to minimize the stress. Surviving Breast Cancer offers multiple resources about financial support, including financial management guides, podcasts, and webinars. In addition, many clinics and hospitals keep lists of resources to help you financially during and after your cancer treatment. Talk with your health care team about your options. 4. Do Things That Make You Feel Good Many things outside of medicine can add to your well-being and lower your stress. While you should follow the advice of your medical team, take the time to find and do things that make you feel good. For example, connecting with your creative side can be a great way to help alleviate stress and relax. 5. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle Getting bad news might make you want to stuff your mouth with Chunky Monkey, raid your chocolate stash, or drown your anxiety with copious amounts of alcohol. Deep down, you know those aren’t the right choices, but you may need to indulge briefly. We get it! However, living a healthy lifestyle is the best choice once diagnosed with breast cancer. While a specific diet or lifestyle doesn’t provide a cure for cancer, there’s sufficient scientific evidence that making healthy diet choices can help. From making subtle changes to embracing a clean-living lifestyle , knowing you’re making better choices can reduce some of the stress. Another aspect of a healthy lifestyle involves physical activity. For some people running helps clear their head and reduce their stress. Low-impact activities like yoga , tai chi, or pilates might better suit others. Remember, exercise produces endorphins in your body, and endorphins help make you feel happy! Always check with your doctor before beginning any exercise routine. You Can Count On Us A breast cancer diagnosis can upend your life. Between dealing with your emotions, searching for information, finding the doctor that’s right for you, and taking care of yourself, it may sometimes feel like your head is spinning. But, we are here for you from day one, with resources, a caring online community, and anything else to give you strength and hope. Whether you make a cash donation , host a fundraiser, or volunteer , your support enables us to make those resources available to as many people as possible. Featured Article: Managing the Emotional Stages of a Breast Cancer Diagnosis Check Out More SBC Resources for Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer

“Ipsilateral”, as defined by the National Cancer Institute , means “on the same side of the body as another structure.” True to form, ipsilateral breast cancer is when there is a recurrence of cancer in the same breast as a previous occurrence of cancer (i.e. a new tumor in the same breast there was a former tumor in). It stands opposite to contralateral breast cancer , where a new tumor develops in the opposite breast from where there was a previous cancer. While contralateral breast cancer tends to either be an entirely new manifestation of cancer or a metastasis, ipsilateral breast cancer is more nuanced. Usually originating after a lumpecotmy , or a breast-tissue conserving surgical intervention, ipsilateral breast cancer is predominantly a recurrence of the initial cancer. Because breast cancer recurrence is an unwanted outcome after lumpectomy, lots of research has been conducted on when, where, and how often ipsilateral breast cancer recurrence occurs. Here, we’ll walk you through a few studies examining ipsilateral breast cancer that will hopefully provide some insight into the risk factors associated with ipsilateral breast cancer, and prognoses of those who experience it. Criteria and Procedures for Breast Conserving Surger y This literature review looks at when breast conserving surgeries are usually done globally, and when, based on prior research, they should be done in order to limit post-operative complications, including ipsilateral breast cancer recurrence. Overall, the researchers find that mastectomy is done in a large number of cases, however, this may not always be necessary. Absolute deal-breakers for breast conserving surgery were noted in only about 20% of cases; these include locally widespread disease (large tumors), multiple tumors, malignant calcifications, late-stage disease, patients with mutations on BR-CA1 or other high-risk genes, and an irradiated thoracic wall (extensive inflammation). If breast-conserving surgery is done on these types of tumors, then the risk of ipsilateral breast cancer recurrence are higher than average. Classification of ipsilateral breast tumor recurrences after breast conservation therapy can predict patient prognosis and facilitate treatment planning When you have ipsilateral breast cancer, it can arise in one of two ways- as a completely new tumor, or recurrence of a former tumor. This study aimed to categorize ipsilateral breast cancer cases as from one of these two origins using two distinct classification methods. Overall, the researchers found that about 50% of instances were new tumors and 50% were recurrences by both classification systems. They also found trends in contralateral breast cancer rates associated with new tumors, and that systemic metastatic disease was associated with recurrent tumors; the researchers conclude that for new cases of ipsilateral breast cancer, therapeutic interventions may be targeted towards the origin of the new tumor, whether it is new or recurrent, for more optimal outcomes. Ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence in early stage breast cancer patients treated with breast conserving surgery and adjuvant radiation therapy This retrospective cohort study followed a series of people being treated for stage 0-II breast cancer with a lumpectomy and adjuvant radiation, and assessed whether or not they developed ipsilateral breast cancer. They then assessed the new tumor for gene mutation concordance; that is, they checked whether or not the ipsilateral cancer had the same genetic markers as the original removed tumor. In a way, this is similar to the above study, in determining whether or not the new cancer is genetically related in any way to the original cancer. However, unlike the previous study, they found that up to 80% of surveyed cases of ipsilateral breast cancer had the same gene mutations as the original tumor; specifically estrogen and progesterone receptor mutations were significantly associated with ipsilateral breast cancer, while HER2+ cancers were not at a significantly increased risk . Interestingly, they also found that those being treated with endocrine (hormone) therapy for their primary tumor and those with larger tumors (greater than 1.5 cm) were less likely to develop ipsilateral breast cancer. Prognosis After Ipsilateral Breast Tumor Recurrence This study, similar in design to the above study, followed a cohort of women with breast cancer that were treated with lumpectomy, radiation, and adjuvant therapy. Researchers found that 9.7% of their study sample developed ipsilateral breast cancer, with 62% of cases occurring within 5 years after surgery, and 88% of cases occurring within 10 years of surgery. They noted that risk factors included not receiving hormone therapy, specifically Tamoxifen, and being under 50 years old, although none of these risk factors were statistically significant. The researchers did find that estrogen receptor mutations were significantly associated with ipsilateral breast cancer, but found no association with progesterone receptor status, and did not appear to examine HER2 mutation status. So, what can this tell us? Based on current and former research, the consensus on ipsilateral breast cancer seems to be that it is overall a rare outcome following lumpectomy. Some factors that might reduce the chances of developing ipsilateral breast cancer even further include the use of endocrine therapy, such as Tamoxifen. However, undergoing lumpectomy at a younger age or having genetic markers such as estrogen receptor or progesterone receptor mutations might make it more likely that ipsilateral breast cancer occurs up to 10 years in the future. However, that’s not to say that the presence or absence of these factors will make or break your chances of tumor recurrence. Every cancer is unique, for better or worse; the best predictor of long-term outcomes after lumpectomy will be your medical team, and yourself, as an advocate of your own care. However, we hope that these studies have helped you better understand the possible risks and benefits regarding your treatment when considering ipsilateral breast cancer as a potential long-term complication. If you’ve had experience with ipsilateral breast cancer, and want to share your story, we’d love to hear it- let us know here . And if you’re looking for a place to meet with others facing similar difficulties in cancer treatment and recovery as you are, try joining one of our support groups here.

There is a cruel myth about surviving cancer. In this myth, when the medical treatment is successful, the story ends. Having survived cancer, we pick up our lives where they were interrupted and carry-on, with increased gratitude for the simple acts of daily life and the clarity of purpose that only a brush with death affords. The real story does not end in this way. Instead we live in limbo. After cancer, we know that we are on uncertain ground. We have to adjust to the trauma on our bodies from the effects of intense treatments and surgeries. Some symptoms (and treatments) may last for months, years or even the rest of our lives. In addition to the physical trauma, there is: The emotional trauma, The grief, The loss of our bodies as we knew them, The loss of the trust in our world and in some of our loved ones who disappeared or didn’t show up when we needed them. We have unsure footing and anxiety of what’s next. There is no longer order in our universe. When we resume daily life, we are disoriented, confused, fragmented, worried, jumpy and we no longer “fit in”. The people in our lives think we are getting back to normal but nobody realizes that normal is actually gone. The trivia of life drops away and there is no question about what’s important, but those around us have trouble relating to us, and us to them. This is a lonely place to be. All of these things are omitted from the survival myth. #Breastcancer

Wildfire Magazine Interview With Director Paula Mozen, June 2018 Issue A few months after I was first diagnosed with ILC breast cancer, I was speaking with a film friend and she said, “ well you know, YOU should make a film about this, you have the film awards and now you have the breast cancer credentials.” And I said absolutely not. It was a shocking diagnosis for me and I just wanted to get it over with and move on with my life. The last thing I want to do is get involved with a film, a project that I knew would take several years. As a documentary filmmaker, two of my previous documentary films that garnered international attention, were no rewind and 3 girls I know…These documentaries viewed health and societal issues through the lens of diverse female experience. The topics covered included teenagers and HIV and young women coming of age as they are dealing with teen pregnancy, coming out gay to their friends and family and living with AIDS. As I dealt with my breast cancer, the film idea came up again and again and I kept rejecting it. I didn’t think I would be an interesting subject and I didn’t want o make a personal film. I prefer to be behind the camera, not in front of it. As I got more distance from my diagnosis, I began to read more articles about breast cancer in the general population, and see more mention of diverse survivors who connected online and at conferences. I became aware that each breast cancer diagnosis is unique to the individual in terms of the chemistry of the tumor, how it interacts with each person’s unique body and how individual circumstances influence access to treatment, choices and longevity. “One size does not fit all” when dealing with each individual’s circumstances and cultural context. Each person’s breast cancer situation is unique. Breast cancer patients are often asked to make their own choices in terms of treatment. The moment the diagnosis is received, each person must gather information and make life-altering decisions under extreme emotional duress, all in a relatively short period of time. Individual circumstances are unique and yet, breast cancer is an equal opportunity disease. It doesn’t care if you’re rich or poor, black, white, Asian, or brown. It doesn't care if you live in the North, South, East or West, in the city or in rural isolation. It does not discriminate. It was at this point, as I was realizing all of this, that I knew I wanted to make a film. Hearing and seeing truthful stories from articulate and resilient women who have traveled the road before would be invaluable for navigating the treatments and keeping hope alive. Knowledge is power, the successful prevention and treatment of breast cancer depends on this. The film would have a purpose and that is what motivated me to finally take on the project that eventually lead to the film LIFE INTERRUPTED. I wanted to include multiple stories, multiple perspectives to simultaneously show the uniquely personal aspects and universality of the disease process. I also wanted to use my own experience to connect with other women-we were, after all, sisters by way of our experiences with breast cancer. I wanted to connect with women who were, in my opinion, underrepresented in the media portrayal of breast cancer: women of color, rural women and younger women. Eventually, I made the film I wish I could have see when I was diagnosed. LIFE INTERRUPTED is an open and honest film about some of the most deeply personal aspects of a breast cancer diagnosis. Waiting in doctor’s offices, taking off my clothes to be poked and prodded and waiting for test results to make life saving/life altering decisions, took up most of my time during my diagnosis. This is not unique to me and my experience. After diagnosis, we focus in on what needs to be done. In my case, I think I disassociated from my breasts in order to “get the facts” and put information together to make intelligent decisions. I did not feel I could get all emotional about it I am as vain as the next person - believe me - but for that moment in time, when I was going though two separate breast cancer diagnosis and finally the mastectomy, I was dissociated from my breasts and my inhibitions. As the director of the film, and so I became one of the patients depicted in the film. I would not ask anyone else to do what I myself would not do in front of the camera, that just did not seem ethical or fair. It may affect the ability to show the film in more places but I do think that if you are doing a film on breast cancer, you kind need to be able to show breasts (in this case mine). These are true stories after all. My mom was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer at age 65. Although she had yearly mammograms, they failed to detect her tumor. I believe this failure over time lead to her being diagnosed with MBC. She had a lumpectomy as part of her diagnosis but she never had a mastectomy. Her cancer had already spread to her stomach and bones, it was not warranted for her situation. Her disease influenced my checking of my own breasts on a monthly basis which lead to me finding my first lump, which I found 2 months after a clean mammogram. We both had very dense breasts, which I believe played a big role in the failure to detect our individual tumors. My decision to have a bilateral mastectomy was made for the following reasons combined: I was diagnosed twice within five years, I was the daughter of a breast cancer survivor, I was premenopausal and ILC is known to jump to the other breast. Though I was only diagnosed with breast cancer in my right breast, both times, I decided to go with a bilateral mastectomy. In the film, there is another survivor whose story is told; Debi. As it turned out, Debi and I both had our fathers be very present during our cancer “journeys.” There was an instant connection between Debi and I, the way we both felt about our Dad’s as support systems. I felt very fortunate to have my Dad through both diagnoses and all the treatments. He is caring and has a background in biochemistry so has a scientific and logical mind. He also spent 12 years prior with my mom after her metastatic breast cancer diagnosis. My dad was very experienced with the whole breast cancer realm, including patient advocacy and partnering with one’s doctor to make the best choices for your own situation while keeping in mind quality of life issues. I will always be appreciative of the time and energy he spent helping me navigate my choices and treatments. He was THERE for me and I will always be grateful for the time and energy he spent helping me navigate my choices and treatments. We are currently launching the film via festivals and community screenings. In 2018, the film screened seven times in three countries (Germany, United States, Switzerland) for over 2500 people, received BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE AWARD from Long Beach Indie International Film Festival and was nominated for a Dolores Huerta Award. Most importantly, as the filmmaker, I was able to attend most of the screenings and meet with dozens of breast cancer survivors, caregivers and family members who told me what a positive impact the film had on them, a moving and humbling experience for me as both a survivor and filmmaker. AND WE ARE JUST GETTING STARTED… In 2019 we will continue with screenings and collaborate with community organizations to bring screenings to many more people, providing HOPE for survivors as it promotes understanding and education to everyone about what it truly means to survive breast cancer. Our ultimate call to action is: · Take responsibility to advocate for one’s own health. · Get exams and diagnostics when appropriate · Make decisions from knowledge rather than fear. · Instill hope · For people who aren’t personally diagnosed, to support survivors in their lives and to support research and programs that directly benefit survivors. Finally, I hope to use this film to start a foundation to provide young survivors financial resources to help them make it through their diagnosis and treatments. Putting a huge hole in the pocketbook is a well-known and experienced side effect of any breast caner diagnosis. If you would like to see a screening in your area or want to find out more about the film, please click here For more information about the film including trailer, press, awards and more click here Note: This piece has been updated & republished with permission from WILDFIRE Magazine, the 2018 “Body” issue (Vol 3, No 3, Copyright (c) June 2018 by Wildfire Community LLC). More information available at wildfirecommunity.org .

My Year of Living Cancerously, by Ann Loonam January 26, 2020 In November of 2012, I found myself putting off my annual mammogram which I knew I needed to take care of. I have an extensive family history of cancer, and my Mom had just passed way from metastatic endometrial cancer a few months earlier. As a result, catching up on my medical appointments was not a high priority. Though in hindsight, it certainly should have been. My Dad died in 1986 from prostate cancer when I was a junior in college. One of my sisters has had thyroid cancer and all three of us girls in my family have had skin cancer. My brother is the only one in my immediate family who has not had a cancer diagnosis and I pray that he never hears the words ‘you have cancer.’ After my initial mammogram in 2012 I was called back for additional imaging. This had happened a couple of times before, and I wasn’t all that concerned about it. When I walked into the imaging area, the same technician greeted me who had done the initial mammogram. ‘Do you know why they wanted you to come back in?’ she asked. ‘I’m guessing they just needed more images.’ I responded. Then I saw the computer screen with my mammogram up on it. I could see the two spots as bright as day, one larger than the other. More mammogram images were taken, then I was told an ultrasound would be needed. The ultrasound was conducted, and it was after that when the radiologist came in and sat down. He said in effect that there were some spots that looked ‘suspicious for cancer.’ He told me a biopsy would need to be done, and asked since I was there already did I want to do it then or come back another day? I opted to have it done then since I was there, I then went into to a small changing area and waited for the procedure room to be prepped. That’s when it hit me, I most likely have cancer. The radiologist noted that I seemed fairly calm, that’s when I told him I had just lost my Mom to cancer and couldn’t believe this was happening to me now. I have 3 siblings, 2 live out of state, and my other sister an hour away. As I got changed for the biopsy, I sent a text to my sister in Oregon saying, ‘it looks like I have breast cancer.’ The gut feeling I had was correct, it was cancer. This was confirmed after the biopsy by my primary care doctor the next day. I wasn’t surprised at all, though I was numb and a little stunned. The official word was stage 2, triple negative breast cancer, and after genetic testing I have the BRCA2 gene mutation as well. What followed was treatment that did not go as planned. It was to be surgery, chemo, then radiation. Being diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer, there was no disputing that chemotherapy was in the plans. After the first surgery the margins weren’t clear, so I was given two options: go back in and do a re-incision to get the margins clear or go straight to a mastectomy. I opted for the re-incision. From the time of my diagnosis I was hoping and praying that I wouldn’t have to undergo a mastectomy. After the second surgery I had a call from the surgeon who let me know the margins still weren’t clear, and that a mastectomy would be necessary. I sat there and let the word sink in, mastectomy. My sister was visiting and helping me after my second surgery and after I hung up with the surgeon I asked her to let my other two siblings know what the new plan was. Again, I found myself stunned and, in a fog, trying to wrap my head around this latest news. What was truly awful when I look back now, is that I started chemo not long after hearing this news that I had cancer and knowing that when I was done months later, I would have to undergo a third surgery (the double mastectomy) and have my ovaries removed due to the genetic mutation. The cancer was on the right side, but I saw no reason to have a one-sided mastectomy with my family history. What followed was months of nausea from the chemo that nothing, and I mean nothing, helped. Debilitating bone pain in my legs that was so bad I could literally hardly stand it (thank you Neulasta!) I had made it through 10 infusions of the second chemo drug and had to stop before I could complete all 12. I was in so much pain and so miserable that I just couldn’t do it. There was no ‘final chemo’ celebration, no bell to ring, no signs stating that I was done with photos taken, etc. It came to an end when I called the nurse and told her in tears that I couldn’t come in that day as planned for chemo, I had given up, the side effects were too extreme. After some time to recover from chemo (about a month or so I believe) it was time for my last surgery. Honestly, I had been in such a fog of grief and sadness that thoughts of that final surgery hadn’t really been top of mind for me. At that point I just wanted to get it over with. I couldn’t work at all through my 8 months of treatment. The side effects from chemo were too extreme which ruled out even working part time. What followed the final surgery was the biggest surprise to me. I felt relatively ‘good’ for a month or so then came down with pneumonia. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d had pneumonia. After pneumonia, it was one virus or illness after another, and I was beyond frustrated. It wasn’t the ‘every day will feel like your birthday’ feeling that a friend and fellow survivor had told me during treatment to look forward to. After finally seeing an integrative MD about 5 months post treatment I found out that stress takes a terrible toll on the immune system, and that I went into 8 months of treatment broken down in a variety of ways. Having just lost my Mom and all the grief and stress associated with that had taken a huge toll on my body and I had absolutely no idea. Not having that important piece of information, understanding the state of my health before treatment, is what I wish had been handled differently. It’s important in my opinion, for anyone undergoing such harsh treatment for a terrible disease, to know what kind of shape they are in (other than having cancer) beforehand. What I would do if I could go back and change anything would be to have seen an integrative or functional medicine MD before chemo and find out if there was anything I could do to help my immune system and to detox from the medications. I can’t say for sure, but I would assume chemo would have gone a bit smoother, and I wouldn’t have ended up getting sick so much post treatment. My oncologist told me that in her 20 years of practice I was the one patient who had such a horrible time with chemo. I kind of wish she hadn’t told me that, but I don’t doubt it, it was awful. It was an odd feeling once I had gone through the three surgeries and 2 cycles of chemo – one of finality but not having any direction as to ‘now what?’ I believe that survivorship, and all the mental and physical aspects that come with it, should get more attention. I could have used some type of guidebook of what to expect, but I had nothing to go on. Just watching other friends go through treatment but we are all unique and handle treatment differently. Since 2013 and getting through my treatment it has taken a very long time to get my physical and mental health on track at the same time. I worked with a nutritionist, the integrative MD and others to learn as much as I could. Fast forward to today and in August I’ll celebrate being cancer free for 7 years. A big takeaway from my cancer experience is that I don’t want what I went through to be for nothing. I learned a great deal post treatment as I’ve focused on my health and that’s why I freely share my story others. In 2016 I set up my Luckygirlbyann FB Blog page and Instagram account to talk about what I learned along the way post cancer, other topics I am passionate about, along with quotes I find inspiring. What helped me get through my ‘year of living cancerously’ was the vision of a bridge and getting to the other side of it. Using the word ‘journey’ to describe going through what cancer patients do every day did not resonate with me from the beginning ( nor did it resonate for Andrea ). That bridge turned out to be a lot longer than I had planned on or anticipated but I did eventually cross it, and for that I am grateful.

By Veronica Marie I had been feeling a rather strange pain in my right breast for a few weeks back in the summer of 2017. I didn’t think much of the pain at first. In my mind I thought it was from the towel I used wrapped around myself, perhaps I was wrapping it too tight! I hadn't been to the gyn for a few years so an examination was in order. I had started a new job and wanted to be successful. I was taking care of everyone else and not myself. I finally went to a mobile mammogram van which was on-site at my new job. I can still hear the technician say she felt a lump in my breast. Needless to say, I was devastated because now I had to go for further testing. I felt alone because I was alone in this big New York City. Over the next few weeks, I would undergo more tests, a sonogram and finally a biopsy. I would go to a breast specialist only to have them blurt out that you have cancer, all before a biopsy was performed. It was discovered that I had two pea sized lumps in my breasts. The diagnosis was Stage II breast cancer. I was 1 in 8! You know one out of 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. No not me, I couldn’t be a statistic. I had witnessed my beloved father succumb to lung cancer, as well as my brother who would perish from multi myeloma. I am thankful for all the people that helped me along the way. One day as I was walking down the street I ran into a very good friend I had lost touch with. A few weeks later she would become my closest confidant and she even recommended my surgeon to me. She was there when the doctor said those three horrific words, “you have cancer”! The saddest thing she said to me is why are you crying? I needed to cry and grieve as there was no history of breast cancer on my maternal family side. We did have a history of female problems ranging from difficult menstrual periods, endometriosis, and fibroids. On January 3, 2018 I was officially diagnosed with breast cancer. I wished there was a treatment facility, you know like a one-stop shopping facility, to go to but there was not. The most difficult part of my journey was that my doctors were scattered. I needed an oncologist, a plastic surgeon and a radiation specialist, plus my surgeon! This was difficult because my Sister and Mother all lived out of state. How was I going to get through this chapter in my life? I found a way to cope after I dried my tears. It was like I went through the five stages of death. I cried a river of tears; I was mad at God for some reason and I had no control. My old gyn doctor had retired, but in the interim he said it was just a cyst! I felt a sense of relief which only lasted for 24 hours. Next step – Surgery The entire month of January I spent meeting my team of physicians and traveling all over Queens. I called Memorial Sloan Kettering for advice about the BRACA gene, and taking chemotherapy, however they never returned my call. I went out on sick leave and had the surgery. I was told to be at the hospital at 7am. In order to prepare for the surgery, I had to undergo some tests that morning. I wish my doctor had informed me how hard this day would be. It has been 4 months since my mammogram and so many other tests in between. I had to drink a silver potion in order for the technician to see the tumor. I sat or should I say I leaned forward in a chair like concoction for 22 minutes, and was unable to make even the slightest move. So, when I was wheeled into another x-ray room on the morning of my surgery I was horrified when she said I had to have four incisions in my breast. No one told me. Thank goodness she was a kind and gentle technician and made me feel calm. My Sister and best friend were right outside the door, but we were locked in the room. I needed just one more hug. I just kept saying to myself they are cutting my breasts off why do they have to put me through this, I.e., four needles into my breast and no pain medicine. In the last decade I have had two or three surgeries and had to walk into the operating room on my own. A long time ago one was wheeled into surgery on a gurney, tired and sleepy, and a little mellow from medicine. Well not anymore. So, I had a nice dressing gown on that was attached to a warming heater. After that was detached a nurse walked with me into the operating room. I also want to say that I had a wonderful anesthesiologist who put me to sleep like a baby. I woke up about five hours later to see my sister and best friend. After the recovery room I went to my room and thus began my journey at becoming cancer free! After surgery you are told that you are cancer free. However, I wish someone had told me this fact earlier in my journey. My Sister stayed with me for a week and we remained in constant contact by phone, text messaging and email. I consider myself to an extraordinarily lucky woman now that I have survived and can make that statement. I don’t know how I endured all those invasive tests, and the breakup of a relationship, but I did. I went to every chemotherapy session without fear or too much emotion. I have come a long way in my journey from cancer statistic to a self-proclaimed God-fearing woman. I want to be a survivor, and I think I am! Listen to Veronica's interview on the podcast, Breast Cancer Conversations where she shares her experience leading up to a breast cancer surgery and what she wishes she had known.

To all the gorgeous ladies who are struggling with breast cancer: “You are stronger than you think, and you are beautiful; it doesn't matter how cloudy your life looks”. Today, rock painting is my hobby and escape. Painting rocks gives me peace and allows me to share my happiness with others. Besides giving them away to my friends, I like to leave newly painted rocks next to others in public places. Today, I proudly celebrate being a breast cancer survivor. So far I learned to listen to my body and put my life into perspective. Two years ago, at the age of fifty-one, I was introduced to the world of cancer. I was a mature and fulfilled person being a lead esthetician at the peak of my career. I enjoyed my job and every day of work was a pleasure for me. The doctors said I had an Invasive Lobular Carcinoma of my right breast, 2 cm, HER 2 negative, stage II. When they told me the diagnosis, I felt like my days were numbered. All the horror stories about breast cancer and chemo came to my mind. Their confidence that this disease is treatable helped me. But, I said, "I don't want to do chemo!" I looked at the treatment plan and I didn’t understand it. My brain was unable to process anything; the only thing that came to my mind was that it will take forever.  My cancer journey started with a mastectomy surgery which also involved the removal of my sentinel lymph nodes and partial reconstruction (July 3rd, 2018). Later on, I had a second surgery, which was about more lymph nodes (August 3rd). After that came the chemo, the scariest days of my life. The procedure prescribed by my oncologist involved four rounds of Adriamycin and Cyclophosphamide, which were followed by twelve rounds of Taxol. After the chemo, I did six weeks of radiation treatment (twenty-four sessions), but this was like a walk in a park compared to the chemo. The fear of not being able to practice my job any longer was a scary thing. I had nightmares that I would not be able to use my fingers, which is essential in my job. I also worried about getting sick during treatment due to my weakened immune system. But the support I got from my family, friends, and medical staff helped me overcome my anxiety. For me, the worst part of my cancer journey was the day I lost my hair. I have to confess, I prepared myself in advance for what was coming, but the way I felt the minute I started to lose my hair was unreal. It hit me hard for days because a woman’s hair is her treasure. My husband showed me the bright side of wearing wigs, which is having the option of different hair colors. My advice is to have two wigs ready before you begin chemo. My meals, at that time, were based on fresh fruits and vegetables. I had a lot of fluids that helped me avoid any complications and strengthen my immune system. Also, I covered my feet and hands with ice to prevent neuropathy. Chemo brain is real! I felt disoriented, lost, and tired. So, I did tons of yoga, meditations, and I began rock painting. Let me tell you, my fellow beautiful ladies, how relaxing and rewarding rock painting is; it's like therapy. Before I had never thought that a painted rock could bring me so much happiness. Yes, it was a long, difficult journey, but honest to God I had a smooth sail. I worked every single day; I was able to have a normal life filled with lots of love from my family and friends. Right now I am still painting rocks, and I am on hormonal therapy with Tamoxifen. Every day when I wake up I thank God for giving me another beautiful day on this Earth. ~KT

By Mary Ladd When I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer at age thirty-nine, people became needy and pushy, wanting me to help them feel better about my disease. I didn’t have the energy to answer so many questions. My solution? Email stories, medical stats and updates using my usual sarcasm and sass. I wrote things down so that I could document and process my emotions and experiences. I also realized chemo brain is real, and having a written record was necessary when I couldn’t remember vitals. From the comfort of my couch, I felt connected to the outside world, even if I missed the hustle bustle and normalcy of my pre-cancer life. With the support of writers such as Mary Roach, Daniel Handler, Robert Mailer Anderson and Vanessa Hua, I wrote my way through things like: Nursing a crush for my surgeon Digging poop out of my own body after days of constipation Little girls telling me to take off my wig (that’d be a no!) Searching for an end point. There isn’t an end point! Singing “Dildos Are Forever” under anesthesia in the surgery stadium I partnered with a friend, cartoonist Don Asmussen, creator of the  San Francisco Chronicle  feature "Bad Reporter." He was a cancer survivor at the time and had me giggling and spitting out my coffee as he made fun of me while sharing his own side effect-tales about losing his hair. We’d meet in a mall food court to talk about “The Wig Diaries” book project, and the result is an illustrated compilation of essays that tackles druggy wig shopping, going naked at the hot springs with a mangled body and only one nipple and the sorrow of hair loss and withered sexuality. Because I use humor, this is not Chicken Soup for the Cancer Soul . As I said goodbye to body parts, I fretted over finances while also debating if eating too much BBQ or wearing cheap and sparkly drugstore make-up contributed to my cancer. Bouts of middle of the night insomnia made me feel especially afraid. There was also the aching grief and guilt of mourning patients who were Stage Four. I sincerely wanted to take away their pain and disease. Cancer forced me to learn to sit still with this kind of terrible helplessness and discomfort. It was cathartic to lay it all out via my stories, while sharing helpful tips on what to say to someone with cancer. We don’t get enough practice using language about illness, death and grief, and it takes practice. I try to have compassion when folks screw up, and give me advice to drink more lemon water or ingest a lot of turmeric and brown rice. Yet many studies show that writing about thoughts and feelings in the face of unexpected life happenings such as cancer lowers anxiety and stress. Sign me up! Coronavirus remains incredibly challenging for many. Yet writing things down has been a great way to keep moving forward. When I teach writing classes, students enjoy using writing prompts, which are short bits of text used to kickstart our creativity. Once coronavirus started shutting many aspects of “normal” life, I went into research mode. So many of my friends were now being forced to face their fears and experiences in the same fashion I did with cancer. I decided to create a book called “Write it Down: Coronavirus Writing Prompts,” using 186 short writing exercises. Writers of all stripes can choose their own adventure. Some tips: At first, it may be tough and possibly surprising when certain thoughts and emotions surface. Write what you can. Keep the pen to the paper (or fingers on the keyboard) for five minutes. If you stumble, write a list of thoughts and ideas that you can come back to. There’s no need to fuss over spelling or word flow. Note any prompts we do not get to are for you to try out in your writing practice. Writing: You might find it helpful to write as if you are in conversation with a close friend, favorite teacher, or other trusted person. Describe how people move and talk, including posture, voice and/or mannerisms. What colors, textures, people and things are nearby? Colors and scents are especially evocative. Dig into these sample prompts from the book: What’s your secret weapon: Are you organized? Strong? Fierce? Forward-thinking? Smart? Calm? Hardworking? Funny? Describe the ways in which you’ve recently used this secret weapon. Write an underwater scene with a cast of marine-life characters. Make it a drama, romance, science fiction piece or something else. When’s the last time you had a great, rolling belly laugh? What happened? Write in detail about what you’ve learned about your roomies/family after being forced to spend way too much time together in close quarters. What are some things that annoy you? Could be loud chip-eating noises, 20-minute shower takers, or the not-so-mysterious way a certain someone leaves dirty dishes everywhere. If you live alone, examine the things you do that would annoy others, or create a cast that lives together in a large co-op, cramped apartment or other scenario. Writing has helped me realize how fragile, weird, sad and exciting life can be. The routine has now become celebrated. When I was bald, bloated and exhausted from cancer, I used to look out the window and assume everyone was having a wonderful time doing amazing fun things. Now I have to use my brain to remember some of the fun and amazing things we all used to do because those activities are on hold and things feel especially upside down. Mary Ladd teaches online writing classes at The Writers Grotto and has written for Playboy, Time Magazine and the San Francisco Chronicle. She collaborated with Anthony Bourdain on “No Reservations” and is the author of “Write it Down: Coronavirus Writing Prompts” and “The Wig Diaries.” Ladd plans dance parties for Bay Area Young Survivors (BAYS), a support group for young people living with breast cancer. You can find her upcoming events, classes and book information at  maryladd.com . “Write it Down” can be purchased at Lulu.com, Barnes & Noble and as an e-book at Smashwords. “The Wig Diaries” is available at Green Apple Books and other bookstores, as well as on Amazon.

By Amanda Hulton Diagnosed age 37 Stage 3 Hormone Positive HER2 Negative Working full time, exercising regularly, lots of socializing, mom of 2 boys ages 7 and 10, 13 years married to my high school sweetheart and cancer! It was the day after trick or treating with my kids, doing all things a 37-year-old Mom would be doing and that phone call with the words “You have breast cancer”. We all are only one moment away from our lives being forever changed and this was mine. A year before my own diagnosis my Mom had completed genetic testing and was BRCA2 positive, we have a family history of breast, ovarian and pancreatic cancer. Her and I met with a breast surgeon to discuss her preventative double mastectomy. I remember listening to my Mom's questions, hearing about the procedure and wondering what I would do if it was me. She was nearing 62 and I was 37, would that make a difference? Little did I know at that time I already had cancer and I too would test positive for BRCA2. Cancer does not care you are a young mom, working, a wife, a sister, a friend, a daughter and healthy otherwise. My treatment plan included chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, salpingo-oopherectomy and hormone blockers for 10 years. Sounds good right? I had an aggressive tumor that spread to my lymph nodes and I was going to be starting chemotherapy in 3 weeks. I was set up for 8 rounds every 2 weeks so long as I could handle it. Well, I almost couldn’t, that was the toughest 4 months of my life. I had a picc line, showering was not normal, I slept for days, I was dehydrated, puffy from meds, allergic to the infusions, allergic to the tape, had no hair and was gaining weight and feeling so far from what I felt only one month earlier. Two of the things I struggled the most with and stressed about in the early days of my diagnosis was losing my hair and how having cancer was going to affect my marriage. In the early days I googled for hours, all day, all night looking up how long before hair grows back, styles for short hair, timelines for re-growth and products to help speed up the process. Chemo day 17… just as I was told I had my head shaved. I still get teary remembering this moment. I now not only felt sick, I looked sick and I didn’t look like the girl I had known for 37 years. Who was this person staring back at me? I got a wig right away; I called her my lifeline. Once I had it, I wore it ALL. THE. TIME. It made me feel confident to leave my house, to have visitors, to go to my kids’ school and sports. I even wore it down a waterslide just so I could live life with my kids. Coping with Chemo: ♥ Stay hydrated ♥ Sleep ♥ Eat small meals ♥ Get dressed, put on some makeup on the days you feel well ♥ Ask for meds if you feel sick or unwell ♥ Call if you are worried ♥ Get a wig and one you feel good in ♥ Buy pretty hats, scarves and experience with them ♥ Walk even 5 min on days you can Marriage… This was also a big concern of mine. I read so many heartbreaking stories and equally as many heartwarming stories. I wondered where we would fall. My husband stepped up, he was now a single parent, working full time, full time caregiver, cleaner, chef and everything else. He ROCKED it. I have so much respect for him and that he too was going through his own worries and unknowns and continued to keep us afloat. We are going to be married 14 years this month and I look at him with so much love, my heart could burst. I wish I hadn’t wasted so many hours worrying and had a little faith. With being BRCA2 positive I was scheduled for a double mastectomy and felt it was the only option. What was troubling was my decision to have reconstruction, this was one decision I had to own. I was not supported by my radiation oncologist to have implants; this created a lot of tears and fears. However, my heart of hearts was that I wanted to wake up from surgery with breasts. I needed this, this was for me and my overall wellbeing. I considered all options and being that I would require radiation did not take this decision lightly. I went ahead with implants over the muscle and am proud of myself for standing my ground on what I wanted and in this case, needed. Recovery from a double mastectomy looked like this: ♥ Sleeping in a recliner for 3 plus weeks, ♥ Never missing the next dose of pain killers, ♥ Sleeping, ♥ Adjusting to 5 drains hanging from my body for 2 weeks, ♥ Scars across each of my breasts, ♥ Swelling, ♥ Watching for bruising ♥ Arm reach being no more then inches from my body ♥ Post-surgery exercises I healed well and was off pain killers within 10 days. I transitioned to my bed around week 4, sleeping on a wedge to keep me upright and pillows among pillows. It felt like I barely recovered from one treatment and was prepping for the next. My pathology showed 3 of 11 lymph nodes positive and my oncologist was now starting me on tamoxifen and zoladex immediately. I was getting ready for radiation; I would have 25 rounds. I wore a bolus for the last part of each treatment, this helped the radiation be closer to the top of my skin which would cause more burns. I also was being radiated on my left side and so I had to hold my breath putting space between the radiation and my heart. I almost got through all 25 rounds with very little reaction, but on day 25 my skin started to break, I was not prepared for the next 3 weeks as the burns got worse every day. I peeled from the top of my armpit across my breast and underneath. I got an infection that had to be treated. I didn’t feel supported through this time, no doctor visits, no one looking at my skin, just me trying to play nurse with a burnt body. It was summer and I missed out on pools, lakes, swimming and stayed indoors to stay cool and avoid the sun. Again, mentally it was just as tough as it was physically. Coping with Radiation: ♥ Buy non adhesive cloths to cover when skin breaks, will help peeling and sticking to clothes. ♥ After showering leave affected area under arm wet, this will allow you to get dressed with it being a bit slippery and not sticking. ♥ Air it out as much as you possible can. ♥ Use polysporin plus pain when skin breaks to help prevent infection and reduce pain. ♥ Moisturize constantly, all throughout treatment and do both breasts this will help reduce scars. ♥ Avoid sun. ♥ Advil helped with inflammation and pain. ♥ Where t-shirts that are snug and create a barrier between your arm and body. ♥ Drink lots of water. ♥ Rest So, here’s where things change. I am all done chemotherapy, surgery, reconstruction, radiation and am 4 months into hormone blockers and ovary suppression. I am struggling, I feel shocked what just happened. Emotionally and mentally I am having a hard time. Why? When I should be celebrating, I am done treatment. But I wasn’t I didn’t know how to feel and was re-playing the last 10 months over and over in my head. I started to see a social worker who helped me navigate these feelings and once she labelled them as grief, the loss of my previous life, the changes to my body and mind. I started to recognize that was exactly what I was experiencing. I continued seeking support for 6 months. I worked through a lot of feelings, it felt like I just woke up to realizing I had cancer and what I experienced. I slowly am still working on this; I am prioritizing self-care and it looks like this: ♥Yoga ♥Meditation ♥Reading ♥Saying No ♥Saying Yes ♥Slowing down I was a fairly private person most of my life and once I knew I had cancer I started to open up a bit more. It was hard to say the words “I have breast cancer”. Managing all the reactions, tears, fears and “you will be fine’s” was a challenge. As time went on, I did create a private group on social media where I would post updates, it was an online journal and served me well. I look back somedays and am starting to not recognize that girl who lived in a world of unknowns. I was supported by colleagues, friends and family and that felt good. It was close to my one-year anniversary before I made it Facebook official with what I had been going through. It was freeing, I felt a weight off my shoulders. I didn’t need to be embarrassed or ashamed of my diagnosis. I was fighting for my life. During this time, I had a salpingo-oopherectomy (tubes and ovaries removed). I was immediately into surgical menopause. SOOO HOT! I am finding this difficult even 6 months into it, finding ways to cope with a 39-year-old that feels 90. I have always been one to find ways to continue living, I don’t want to be defined by cancer and so I got a portable battery-operated fan, I have stopped drinking alcohol and with intermittent fasting find I have lessened these side effects. Coping with menopause: ♥ Personal fan ♥ Limit or avoid alcohol and caffeine ♥ Regular sleep ♥ Dress in layers ♥ Mild anti-depressant for night sweats and sleeping ♥ Keep hydrated ♥ Yoga ♥ Short walks I am now back working full time, managing the fatigue by taking regular breaks and not over scheduling my days off. Being okay with an untidy house somedays and choosing making memories as often as I can. On my 39th birthday I decided I was ready to help others; I launched my blog BreastCancerBeyond.com. I want to share the “real” story and inspire other women who are diagnosed. I have a whole new perspective, I see things I never saw before, I hear things I never heard before and I am looking at a world I didn’t know existed. I am proud of my journey; of my soul and the way I chose positivity. We control our minds it is not the other way around. A day in the life of a survivor is still new to me, I sometimes take a double take at my scars and am proud of my body for fighting along with me. I am embracing the new hair, being playful with my looks and appreciating every strand. I worry about unknowns and my kids and husband, and so I don’t sit on the beach watching them swim. Get in the water, swim, splash and laugh. All we have are memories, remember we are all only one moment away from our lives being forever changed. We are stronger together. Be kind to yourself, you are doing the absolute best you can in this very moment.

It all started in May of 2019. There was an annual exam I put off for quite some time. I thought to myself, I need to make an appointment. I finally went in for my exam. All was well until my doctor checked my breasts. She found a lump. "Did you ever feel this lump before?" she asked me. "No. Should I be worried?" "No no. I will send you to another place to get it checked." I went on with my day, but I was a little worried. Did not think much of what she said. I told my mother about it, and she said no way, it cannot be anything serious. I never made an appointment at that time. I did not have insurance or Medicaid. Luckily, a lady from a non-profit clinic called me to make an appointment. I said to her “I am sorry ma'am, but I do not have $500 to make an appointment for a mammogram.” I got my information wrong. The lady told me "it is free!" Well, in that case, I made the appointment.  Summertime was approaching, and my kids were getting out of school. I made plans to go visit my family in Virginia. I booked my tickets for three weeks. Beforehand, I made sure to get my mammogram. Stepping into the doctor's office I did not see anybody my age. The nurse calls my name to get a mammogram, and I am in high spirits. "You wait outside, and the doctor will see if we need any more pictures from you." They called my name back. Now I am having an ultrasound done. The nurses are taking multiple pictures. They move the ultrasound stick inch by inch. The nurses call the doctor in. "I need you to come back to get a biopsy." I asked why?! I told the doctor I already booked tickets to see my family. The doctor nervously said to cancel my tickets, or to do a biopsy in Virginia. "Doctor, can you at least tell me if it is cancerous or not?!" "No, not until the biopsy." My heart sunk. It is a feeling I do not want to have. It was hard to breathe. The room was caving in. I walk over to another lady to make an appointment for the biopsy. "When would you like to make it? Is July 3 okay?" I choked up then started crying. I am in total shock. The poor lady tried to comfort me. I stuttered and said that date was fine. I walked into a dark parking lot, sat in my car, and called my husband right away. I told him what was wrong, and he tried to console me. He tells me it will be okay. Everything will be alright. What a sweetheart. While I was visiting my family, my diagnosis was always on the back of my mind. My sister and mother did not think for a second it was breast cancer. After all, it does not run in our family. I would be on my phone looking for answers and support. My heart kept sinking...this seems like breast cancer. No no it can’t be, I thought. I went on with the next couple of weeks, enjoying my vacation. I came back to do a biopsy appointment. A week later, they called me in for my results. I went in by myself. Unfortunately, they confirmed it was indeed stage 2b breast cancer. Then I spent about a month doing tests after tests. I was scheduled for 6 months of chemotherapy. One month A.C. chemo, then Taxol. A single mastectomy in March of 2020 was done, and had 33 rounds of radiation in June 2020. During my first round of chemo, I was not too nervous. I kept my head up, and my spirits high. First one done, three to go! It was pretty rough the first week. I was fatigued and barely ate. Also, I felt sick to my stomach. My mother and husband were there to help with the house and kids. I will never forget all the support I got. I zoomed by my other rounds of chemo. Luckily, they were surprisingly easy. No effects, did not feel sick, I even had energy.  Throughout my breast cancer journey, I relied on God and kept a positive outlook. That was what helped me the most. How can I worry if my life is in God’s hands? Whatever He has planned for me it is for The Best. I thank God for everything. As of September 2020, I have been cancer free since March 2020. I have hormone therapy left for five years. It’s okay. I will do it. I will make it and you will make it too.

On November 15, 2016 I had my annual mammogram, which I have had every year since I turned 40. After my mammogram in 2013 I remember how my heart dropped when I got a call saying I needed to come back for an ultrasound of my right breast. What they saw turned out to be a small cyst, absolutely nothing to worry about. So, when I received a similar phone call after my 2016 mammogram about something that needed to be examined further in my left breast, I was so unconcerned it was almost two weeks before I called to schedule the necessary appointment. On December 22, 2016, a few weeks after my 46th birthday, I returned for the additional testing; mammogram compression views of my left breast, and an ultrasound. Lying on the table in the ultrasound room, I assumed the position with my left breast exposed and my left arm above my head as the technician did her thing. I watched as she measured something she saw on the screen. When she finished she said, "Stay in the same position. I'll be right back." She returned with a male doctor who told me I had a mass in my left breast that would require a biopsy.  Baffled, I asked, 'So, this is something different than the cyst that was seen in my right breast 3 years ago?'  He quickly responded, "This is something completely different." Then proceeded to explain what the needle biopsy would be like. He said other than a needle stick to numb the area I shouldn't feel anything. Next, they allowed me to get dressed and took me to the "quiet room" so a very nice woman named Vanessa could softly tell me not to worry and that 90% of the time it turns out to be nothing. I'm thinking, 'Well Vanessa, it may not be cancer, but it is obviously SOMETHING or I wouldn't be sitting here in the quiet room with you so you can make sure I understand what the doctor told me." The biopsy was scheduled on January 9, 2017. Biopsy day finally arrived. I was not nervous or anxious at all. I was at peace. I got dressed, put on make-up, took a selfie, sent it to my family and joked that I had to make sure I looked my best just in case the doctor or someone involved with the procedure was a hot, single, tall, Christian man. I figured he would've already seen my boobs, which may qualify as a first date. No such luck. That day I learned to never let a man tell me what will or won't hurt my lady parts. The assault on my left breast that they called a needle biopsy was far more painful than described. When it was over I was told my doctor should have the results within 72 hours. On January 10th, the very next day, I got a call from my doctor's nurse who told me my doctor would like me to come into the office so he could talk to me that day. I went alone, knowing the results must be cancer. That day, I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma. My doctor carefully explained my new "team members" would be a breast surgeon and an oncologist who would begin the process of "staging," which would require more diagnostic testing. After the overwhelming amount of tests, scans, and doctor appointments. It was determined the tumor in my left breast was just shy of stage 2 by 0.3 centimeters. After a long heart to heart with my breast surgeon, she and I agreed a lumpectomy was a good option for me. She explained she would also remove two lymph nodes to be certain the cancer had not spread. On January 30, 2017, as I was being wheeled into surgery, I prayed, ‘God, I don’t want to wake up from this surgery. I’m tired of fighting.’ I had just spent five years recovering and adjusting to my new normal after suffering a stroke on February 2, 2011, which required extensive physical, occupational, and speech and language therapies. From the day I received my breast cancer diagnosis to the moment I was being wheeled into surgery, I was never afraid of dying from breast cancer. I was afraid of what it would take to live through breast cancer. Just before the anesthesia kicked in, I heard softly in my spirit, “If you promise to wake up, I promise to carry you through.” The results of the pathology report indicated my tumor was high grade, ER+. My breast surgeon and oncologist hoped I would be able to bypass chemotherapy and begin radiation four weeks after surgery. However, the results from my Oncotype Test determined chemotherapy would also be a part of my treatment plan. That day, I cried.  For the entire year, I would go on to complete what I now call my, “Breast Cancer World Tour 2017.” I met some amazing people along the way and have a medical team that has become family to me. I did six months of chemotherapy, seven weeks of radiation, and was prescribed Anastrozole to take for five years. Chemotherapy was as hard as I thought it would be. Radiation, though not invasive, left me feeling like I had the flu on steroids. Not to mention the painful burns that occurred during the last week of treatments. On January 12, 2019 I suffered another stroke. Though milder than the first in 2011, I was taken off of the Anastrozole immediately, because of the associated risk of stroke. Two and half years later, I don’t know that I would say I am a breast cancer “survivor.” Warrior, seems a much better word for all of us that get up each day and fight an enemy we cannot see with our eyes, but know is lurking in the shadows. I’ve discovered recovery and healing from such a viscous disease and its treatments is a lifetime process. Each morning that I open my eyes, I am so very grateful that I woke up!