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A breast cancer diagnosis is life-changing for patients and their families. The SBC community will support you through every step of your treatment journey. Lifestyle & Wellness Resources Programs Content Library Podcast Download the App Subscribe Make a Gift All Stages More Newly Diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Now What? What brings you to this website is most likely a breast cancer diagnosis. Perhaps you found a lump, noticed swelling or experienced pain; maybe you are awaiting test results; or you just heard the words that you've been diagnosed with breast cancer; or perhaps you are experiencing a recurrence. Whatever the reason, I want you to know that you will be supported and that our Surviving Breast Cancer (SBC) community is here for you! We are here to help! A breast cancer diagnosis disrupts our lives and throws us into a whirlwind of doctors appointments, follow ups, tests, scans, and the like. Each and every one of us have unique experiences, and what our SBC platform and community provides is education, support, and resources for you as a complement to your medical care. We are not medical professionals, nor provide medical advice. But what we do offer is content, stories, and community when you need it most! What I mean by that is you are welcome to dive in to absolutely everything we offer today, or, you can take bite size approaches to get the information and support when you feel ready for it. We've listed a few links and resources to help get you started and to hopefully make things a bit less overwhelming. Download. Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Download PDF Questions to Ask Your Radiologist Downlod PDF Questions to Ask Your Oncologist Download PDF Burning Questions Latest News Who Should I Tell? Learning that you have been diagnosed with breast cancer can set you into a whirlind of uncertainty and that is to be expected. There is probably a lot of information you do not yet know. At this time, you may want to start thinking about who you should tell. While this can also be difficult for loved ones, family, and friends to hear, you are actually in the process of cultivating your support team! Remember, you do not need to tell everyone all at once. Perhaps starting with close family, let friends know how they can help support you during this time. It is a personal decision on how private or public you want to be and completely your choice in how much information you choose to share. You may want to have seperate conversations with your children depending on their ages. We also recommend speaking with your medical team about your treatment options and getting a plan in place for when you may need to take time off from work or be out of the office. Should I Get A Second Opinion? You may consider receiving a second opinion from another medical oncologist or breast surgeon. In some cases, people get multiple opinions before making any decisions on their care and medical treatment plan. Women in our Breast Cancer Support Group often share that it is important for them to feel comfortable with your doctors; that there is a rapport and trust. After all, your medical team is going to be your primary caregiver throughout treatment so it is important you feel comfortable with the person, able to ask questions, and feel confident in your plan of action. Your Medical Care Team may consist of one or several of the following: Breast Oncologist Breast Surgeon Breast Plastic Surgeon Radiation Oncologist Social Worker Psychologist What Treatment Options Do I Have? Thanks to continued research taking place in Breast Cancer, people diagnosed today have a variety of treatment options and are able to live long healthy lives. Treatment options will be tailored to your specific diagnosis and dependent on the stage of your breast cancer (1-4) and it's characteristics. For example, is it HER2 positive or negative, is it triple negative meaning it is estrogen receptor negative, progesterone receptor negative and HER2 negative. Your oncologist will also take into consideration how advance the cancer is. During this phase you may be getting more tests and scans. During this phase, you may also consider genetic testing. Genetic testing is helpful for a multitude of reasons including helping to make surgery decisions. If you end of testing positive for a genetic pre-disposition to developing breast cancer, your surgeon may recommend a full double mastectomy. Traditional standard of care includes: Surgery (not always required if you are diagnosed with metastatic stage IV breast cancer, that is, your cancer has spread beyond your breast to your bones, lungs, liver, or brain) Radiation (not always required) Chemotherapy (not always required) Hormonal Therapy (not always required) Oftentimes people will also consider integrative therapies as a complement to the standard treatments which also has been shown to reduce some of the side effects of treatment: Acupuncture Yoga Meditation Additionally speak to your oncologist about Clinical Trials and if you would be a candidate. Will I Need Chemotherapy? Not everyone diagnosed with breast cancer will need chemotherapy. There are several factors that go into this determination and should be a conversation you have with your oncologist. For example, your doctor will take into consideration the stage of cancer that you have (i.e., stage 1, 2, 3, 4) and the characteristics of your tumor, (i.e., if it is hormonal positive or negative) etc. In some instances, chemotherapy will be an option for people prior to surgery. This is called neo-adjuvant chemo. Other times, chemotherapy may be prescribed after surgery which is referred to as adjuvant chemotherapy. . Join our community SBC offers a safe space to build community. We provide reliable information and offer what you most need during the diagnosis: understanding. English Español

In Loving Memory We honor the brothers and sisters we have lost to Metastatic Breast Cancer and the 119 people we lose each day to this disease. We promise to: Say their names Talk about them often Share their stories and honor their legacy

Círculo de Mujeres Un espacio recurrente diseñado especialmente para mujeres diagnosticadas con cáncer que buscan trabajar en sí mismas, descubrir nuevas herramientas de crecimiento personal y fortalecer su bienestar emocional. A través de dinámicas de coaching, reflexión y acompañamiento grupal, cultivamos juntas la resiliencia, el empoderamiento y una nueva mirada hacia la vida. Multiple Dates Thu, Sep 17 Círculo de Mujeres: Apoyo Emocional y Crecimiento Personal / Zoom RSVP Sep 17, 2026, 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM EDT Zoom Círculo de Mujeres es un encuentro recurrente creado especialmente para mujeres diagnosticadas con cáncer que buscan trabajar en sí mismas, descubrir nuevas herramientas de crecimiento personal y fortalecer su bienestar emocional. Share Multiple Dates Thu, Oct 01 Círculo de Mujeres: Apoyo Emocional y Crecimiento Personal / Zoom RSVP Oct 01, 2026, 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM EDT Zoom Círculo de Mujeres es un encuentro recurrente creado especialmente para mujeres diagnosticadas con cáncer que buscan trabajar en sí mismas, descubrir nuevas herramientas de crecimiento personal y fortalecer su bienestar emocional. Share Multiple Dates Thu, Oct 15 Círculo de Mujeres: Apoyo Emocional y Crecimiento Personal / Zoom RSVP Oct 15, 2026, 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM EDT Zoom Círculo de Mujeres es un encuentro recurrente creado especialmente para mujeres diagnosticadas con cáncer que buscan trabajar en sí mismas, descubrir nuevas herramientas de crecimiento personal y fortalecer su bienestar emocional. Share Multiple Dates Thu, Nov 05 Círculo de Mujeres: Apoyo Emocional y Crecimiento Personal / Zoom RSVP Nov 05, 2026, 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM EST Zoom Círculo de Mujeres es un encuentro recurrente creado especialmente para mujeres diagnosticadas con cáncer que buscan trabajar en sí mismas, descubrir nuevas herramientas de crecimiento personal y fortalecer su bienestar emocional. Share Multiple Dates Thu, Nov 19 Círculo de Mujeres: Apoyo Emocional y Crecimiento Personal / Zoom RSVP Nov 19, 2026, 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM EST Zoom Círculo de Mujeres es un encuentro recurrente creado especialmente para mujeres diagnosticadas con cáncer que buscan trabajar en sí mismas, descubrir nuevas herramientas de crecimiento personal y fortalecer su bienestar emocional. Share Multiple Dates Thu, Dec 03 Círculo de Mujeres: Apoyo Emocional y Crecimiento Personal / Zoom RSVP Dec 03, 2026, 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM EST Zoom Círculo de Mujeres es un encuentro recurrente creado especialmente para mujeres diagnosticadas con cáncer que buscan trabajar en sí mismas, descubrir nuevas herramientas de crecimiento personal y fortalecer su bienestar emocional. Share Multiple Dates Thu, Dec 17 Círculo de Mujeres: Apoyo Emocional y Crecimiento Personal / Zoom RSVP Dec 17, 2026, 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM EST Zoom Círculo de Mujeres es un encuentro recurrente creado especialmente para mujeres diagnosticadas con cáncer que buscan trabajar en sí mismas, descubrir nuevas herramientas de crecimiento personal y fortalecer su bienestar emocional. Share Comunicación asertiva con familiares, médicos y cuidadores Aprender a establecer límites, expresar necesidades y tomar decisiones informadas es clave durante el proceso oncológico. En el Círculo de Mujeres, fomentamos la comunicación asertiva como una herramienta poderosa para mejorar las relaciones personales y el autocuidado. Las participantes desarrollan confianza para dialogar con su equipo médico, familiares y cuidadores desde un lugar de claridad, respeto y seguridad. Manejo emocional después del diagnóstico En el Círculo de Mujeres abordamos el manejo emocional tras un diagnóstico de cáncer como una parte fundamental del proceso de sanación. Reconocer, expresar y validar emociones como el miedo, la tristeza o la incertidumbre ayuda a liberar tensiones y a fortalecer el equilibrio emocional. A través de dinámicas grupales, técnicas de journaling y ejercicios de mindfulness, las participantes aprenden a cultivar una mentalidad más compasiva y resiliente. Autoestima y reconexión con el cuerpo El cáncer puede transformar la relación que una mujer tiene con su cuerpo. En este espacio, trabajamos la autoestima y la reconexión corporal desde la aceptación y el amor propio. Usamos herramientas de visualización, movimiento consciente y diálogo interior para recuperar la confianza, reconectar con la feminidad y honrar el cuerpo como un aliado en el camino de recuperación. Multiple Dates Círculo de Mujeres: Apoyo Emocional y Crecimiento Personal Thu, Sep 17 Zoom Círculo de Mujeres es un encuentro recurrente creado especialmente para mujeres diagnosticadas con cáncer que buscan trabajar en sí mismas, descubrir nuevas herramientas de crecimiento personal y fortalecer su bienestar emocional. Share RSVP

Looking for more breast cancer support content? Explore on-demand wellness classes designed for breast cancer thrivers to heal, strengthen, and thrive. On Demand classes On Demand classes On Demand classes On Demand classes Flexible Practice for Busy Lives Explore 900+ on-demand videos Access 900+ on-demand videos designed to support every stage of the breast cancer experience. Explore expert-led educational webinars, Breast Cancer Conversations podcasts, movement classes including Pilates, DIEP Flap Yoga, Tai Chi and Qi Gong, guided meditation, hypnosis, expressive arts, and mental health resources. Learn, move, heal, and connect—anytime, anywhere. On-Demand Movement Classes Access on-demand movement classes designed for breast cancer recovery and wellness, including Pilates, DIEP flap yoga, Tai Chi, and gentle exercise videos—available anytime to support strength, mobility, and healing. DIEP Flap Yoga Hosted by Jen Tipton, DIEP Flap Yoga invites participants to improve their mobility and emotional well-being at any point during their breast cancer journey. This program is especially beneficial for those who will or already have had DIEP flap surgery. Tai Chi / Qi Gong Led by experienced instructor Ann Ford, Tai Chi & Qi Gong utilizes ancient mind-body practices to reduce stress, strengthen physical function, and reconnect with your body. This program is curated specifically for those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Pilates After Breast Cancer Strength Hosted by classical Pilates instructor and oncology RN, Nina Prol, this community-favorite program invites participants to rediscover their strength, uplift their spirits, and bond in a supportive community setting. Restorative Yoga Guided by instructor Kate Garcia, Restorative Yoga combines natural imagery's soothing influence with an accessible and nurturing body sequence to create an inviting, cozy atmosphere for the breast cancer community. On-Demand Mental Health Classes Explore on-demand mental health and wellness videos, including meditation, hypnosis, expressive arts, and supportive resources to reduce stress, improve emotional well-being, and support your healing experience. Meditation Reflection Hosted by Gloria Shoon, this guided meditation series invites participants to cultivate awareness and inner balance through the teachings of the Buddhist Eightfold Path. Deepen self-awareness, reduce stress and build sustainable mindfulness. Hypnosis Hosted by Dr. Jennifer Kane, Guided Hypnosis invites participants to explore positive mindset shifts, emotional resilience, and personal empowerment through guided relaxation and visualization. Release limiting beliefs and reduce stress during or after a cancer diagnosis. Reiki Infused Meditation Hosted by Marie McGuire, Reiki Circle of Care invites participants to relax, restore, and reconnect through guided meditation and distance Reiki energy healing. Designed to promote emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being for breast cancer thrivers. Meditation for Self-Care Meditation for Self-Care invites participants to pause, breathe, and reconnect with themselves through gentle guided meditation practices. Designed to promote calm, resilience, and self-compassion while supporting emotional well-being, stress reduction, and balance. Breathwork These brief sessions provide viewers with simple yet powerful breathing exercises to promote mindfulness, balance, and tension-relief. Perfect for a quick and effective refresh. Expressive Arts Brought to you by SBC's own Elisa Herrera, our Artistic Expression program aims to help breast cancer thrivers reconnect with their creativity for emotional healing and regulation. Forest Bathing Led by breast cancer thriver and certified forest therapy guide, Regan Stacey, forest bathing invites those impacted by cancer to engage in a sensory awakening meditation. On-Demand Webinars & Educational Content: Explore expert-led webinars and podcast episodes on breast cancer education, treatment, survivorship, and wellness. Access trusted insights, practical guidance, and supportive conversations anytime. Breast Cancer Conversations Radiation Chemotherapy Nutrition Screenings Hormonal Therapy Breast Cancer Breast Cancer Surgery MBC Webinar Series On-Demand Poems & Music for Relaxation: Discover calming poems and soothing music designed to support relaxation, reduce stress, and promote emotional healing during and after breast cancer treatment. Poems Music for Sleeping Music for relaxation

Looking for a distraction from treatment? Join our Breast Cancer Book Club for great reads and greater support from other breast cancer patients and survivors. Breast Cancer Book Club Where we read books that have nothing to do with cancer! What we are reading this month: We Are All Guilty Here by Karin Slaughter The Breast Cancer Book Club™ is a monthly virtual book club for breast cancer patients and survivors. Unlike the traditional support group, where breast cancer is the usual topic of discussion, this book club is designed to take our minds OFF of cancer, while still providing opportunities for support and connection! When do we meet? The Book Club meets the first Sunday of every month at 11 am ET. You are welcome to join each month or pick and choose your month based on your availability and the book we are reading. How do I know what book to read? During our Sunday virtual Book Club, we will announce the next book the group will be reading. Once announced, the information will be published on our website. You can purchase the book and join the discussion the following month. If you want to plan ahead you can access the list of upcoming books. Membership Membership is free! Those who join the Breast Cancer Book Club™ are encouraged to follow our Instagram Account as well as get involved in the weekly discussions through our private online group. How do I sign up ? It's easy! Each month, we will have that month's book club published on our Event's Page . Just RSVP and you will receive the zoom link to attend the meeting. Join Us the First Sunday of Each Month 11:00 a.m. Eastern Multiple Dates Breast Cancer Book Club – A Monthly Escape Into Stories, Connection, and Joy Sun, Oct 04 Zoom Meetings Share RSVP Looking Ahead At each gathering, we reveal the next book selection for the upcoming month to create a sense of surprise and anticipation. However, we also understand that reserving books from the library on short notice can be challenging. If you’d like to plan ahead, you can view the list of upcoming book selections below. Explore Looking Back Curious about the books we've read before? You can check out our list of past books below! Explore Support Our Book Club! Your donation enables us to provide books to those diagnosed with breast cancer at no cost to the patient. We firmly believe in access to services and resources and breaking down those financial barriers. thank you for your support. DONATE TO THE BOOK CLUB Frequently Asked Questions: Join the Breast Cancer Book Club Community~ Membership FREE Come Join Us The First Sunday of Every Month at 11 AM ET

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Surviving Breast Cancer offers guidance on sex after breast cancer, helping survivors navigate intimacy, relationships, and emotional healing. Breast Cancer & Intimacy Sex After Breast Cancer In a previous blog and podcast we opined on the difficulties of maintaining relationships with loved ones, family, spouses, partners, etc. following a breast cancer diagnosis. Now we look at the adversarial effects of breast cancer towards sexual intimacy. Many, although not all, women find that breast cancer treatment, I.e. surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, estrogen eliminating hormonal therapy, severely hampers intimate sexual relations. Poor self image, physical exhaustion, painful treatment, and emotional distress all tend to weigh in negatively regarding sex drive. But overall recovery from breast cancer is partially dependent on overcoming the above referenced issues and participating in warm loving sexual acts. Sex can thus play a pivotal role. As we have mentioned in previous posts, single women who have been diagnosed worry how breast cancer will affect their relationship prospects, and also about how and when to tell those prospective lovers about their condition. The most uncomfortable stuff to talk about is probably your sex life and the changes that have taken place with your illness. You may not know what needs fixing or how to fix it, but you know things are different. Many women report having less sex than before their illness, for several reasons: • The breast cancer experience slows down your body. It takes longer to do lots of things, including getting interested in and starting and finishing sexual intercourse. • Sex may be uncomfortable or even painful if you've been thrown into sudden onset menopause. No surprise that you tend to have less sex, for now. Many women may have had little or no sex from the time of diagnosis through treatment. Most people have wild ideas about what goes on in other people's bedrooms. Give yourself a break: The carefully researched book Sex in America (by Michael, Gagnon, Laumann, and Kolata) tells us that Americans have a lot less sex than the movies, television, and the guys in the locker room would have you believe. The averages reported in that book are: • seven times a month between ages 30 and 40 • six times a month between ages 40 and 50 • five times a month between ages 50 and 60 For people over 60, the numbers continue to decline. But although you may assume that no one in their 70s and 80s has a sex life, that's just not so. Don't let the myths about other people's sex lives get in the way of what's happening in yours. And remember that there are exceptions to every pattern. 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. Help from a pro 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! Someone has to break the pattern. A trained social worker, sex therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist can help you open up communication with your partner and get around to talking about intimacy and sex issues. A support group may be more helpful than you might realize. Women in these groups often share advice that extends to the bedroom, including ways to increase sexual pleasure that are explicit and specific for women who've had breast cancer. Meeting needs in other ways Most marriages have problems that don't get fixed. Marriage is a package deal, and in marriages that work, the good things outweigh the bad. But as a survivor, you may find that breast cancer highlights the problems in your marriage. Can you live with those problems? Can you enjoy your marriage even as you contemplate what's missing? Can you capture the missing pieces in other ways? Give serious thought to your needs and how to meet them. Other ways to meet your needs: • Fantasy can enrich your life. Countless women read to fill the vacuum (romance novels are enormously popular). • Join a book club, a church or synagogue, or a group that meets to discuss investments, movies, or local politics. • Do more with individual friends, like walking, shopping ("retail therapy"), or travel. • Make a bigger deal of birthdays and anniversaries. • Expand your involvement in community or spiritual activities. • Get politically active in the breast cancer movement: camaraderie for a cause close to your heart. Having a serious illness almost always takes some kind of toll on your sex life. But breast cancer can bring all thoughts of intimacy and sexuality to a screeching halt. Treatments can bring on temporary -- and sometimes permanent -- premature menopause, making intercourse painful. Chemotherapy and radiation often lead to crushing fatigue. You may want to stay in bed, but you don’t want to use it for anything but sleep. The medications you take, as well as the emotional effects of the disease, can lead to depression. And of course, from the changes wrought by surgery to the hair loss and puffiness of chemotherapy, breast cancer can have a devastating effect on your body image and your ability to feel sexy. The sexual side effects of breast cancer can linger long after treatment stops. A 2007 follow-up report on young breast cancer survivors, conducted by researchers at the University of California-Berkeley, found that some women reported persistent sexual difficulties five years after their treatment had ended. And according to the National Cancer Institute, about one out of every two women who’ve undergone breast cancer treatment experiences long-term sexual dysfunction. That’s the bad news. But the good news is there is sex after breast cancer! > Sex and self-image Breast cancer changes the way you see your body. “Women sometimes feel very disconnected from their bodies when they go through this,” says Jean Carter, PhD. Carter is a licensed psychologist and the sexual health counselor for the sexual health program at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. “Your body’s been through so much and it’s worked to get well,” she says. ”But there have been sacrifices.” One thing you need to know early on is that your partner still finds you attractive and desirable. That’s rough on the days when you look in the mirror and can’t imagine ever feeling sexy again, much less looking sexy to someone else. It’s important to prepare yourself and your partner for what you’ll see. If you haven’t yet had surgery, ask your breast center if they have photographs of women after the kind of surgery you’ll undergo. Look at them with your partner and talk about what to expect. There's no denying that the sexual side effects of breast cancer can linger long after treatment is over, but there is sex after breast cancer. Lumpectomies, Mastectomies, Breast Reconstructions and Thoughts on Body Image. It was created by women in a cancer survivors’ group at Penn State. “The way your partner looks at your incision for the first time,” says Lillie Shockney, RN, “you’ll remember that forever.” Shockney is administrative director of the Johns Hopkins Breast Center and a breast cancer survivor herself. “If he has no clue what to expect and has a puzzled look on his face, the woman may interpret it as ‘He thinks I’m ugly, he thinks this is awful.’ Showing photographs can take the surprise away.” Communication is important. Talk with your partner about what you’re comfortable with, and what you’re not. “Both partners may be waiting for the other one to make the first move,” says Shockney. “She’s waiting for him to tell her he wants sex, and he’s waiting for her to touch him.” Your partner may be afraid of hurting you, or afraid that you’ll think he’s pushing you to have sex when you’re not ready simply by asking about it. If your breasts were major erogenous zones for you before surgery, you may be feeling particularly bereft after a mastectomy or even a lumpectomy . Shockney suggests taking the pressure off by exploring and discovering other areas of your body, rather than trying to “force it” in areas where you still have performance or body image issues. “For some women, the diminished arousal in areas of a newly constructed breast or scar tissue might serve as a painful reminder that their sex life has changed,” Shockney says. Instead, think of areas like shoulders, ears, and knees as new hot spots for intimate touch. If you’re still not comfortable with your new body, that’s what lingerie is for! There’s nothing wrong with getting a little help. A soft, satin nightie can be sexy and arousing. At the same time, it can help to conceal areas you’re still shy about. Or you can get even more creative. “I asked a patient to try using a feather boa to help her feel sexy, and at the same time keep her scars from being so evident. She loves it!” says Shockney. “It’s all about finding what you’re comfortable with.” Coping with changes But even as you get comfortable with the “new you” in the mirror, other parts of your body may be causing you problems in the bedroom. You may go through temporary menopause because of chemotherapy. Or if you have estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer, you may be taking hormonal therapy that can leave you in a menopausal state for years. The resulting vaginal dryness and other symptoms may make it painful to even think about having sex. “A lot of women I see are afraid to have sex,” Carter tells WebMD. “They’re really struggling. And it’s a shame, because there are wonderful, simple strategies to improve your sexual experience that, taken together, can work wonders.” Vaginal moisturizers. These aren’t lubricants, which are meant to be used during sex. Instead, they’re like the moisturizers you use on your face and hands, to benefit the tissues themselves. “They’re introduced as a suppository into the vagina adding moisture back into the vaginal space and giving it that natural elasticity,” says Carter. “It’s meant to be absorbed, and it helps the vagina to have more health and moisture for several days.” Lubricants. You definitely still want a lubricant for use during intercourse, says Carter. But lubricants should be combined with regular, ongoing use of vaginal moisturizers for best results. “If you’re feeling a rubbing or burning sensation during intercourse,” Carter says, “you don’t have enough lubrication. If it’s a stretching , painful sensation like the skin is going to split, you don’t have enough moisture.” Exercises. The classic Kegel exercises -- tightening and releasing the sphincter muscle as you do when you urinate -- that so many women use during pregnancy are also great for making intercourse easier. “If intercourse has been painful,” Carter says, “you may tighten up in anticipation of the pain. If you do Kegels right before intimacy , you fatigue the vaginal muscles and it is more open.” Vaginal dilators. A sex therapist, like Dr. Carter, can teach you how to use these dilators, which help gently stretch the vaginal tissue. Over and over again,” Carter says, “I’ve seen women who are completely hormonally deprived be able to have comfortable, enjoyable intimacy by using these strategies. A lot of the time, it’s so easy to fix. It astonishes me how often women come into my office and ask, ‘Why didn’t anyone tell me this? Shockney advises her patients to shake up their previous sexual habits. She tells them they may have been a silent player in bed before. But now she wants them to speak up. She tells them, “Say, ‘This feels good. This doesn’t feel good.’ Don’t rely on grunting for him to figure it out. That’s not the best way to communicate.” She also tells her patients, “If you’ve never watched an x-rated movie, try one -- just one. It may jump-start things, and you’ll be amazed at how active you’ll become. Or try various sex toys. So what if you never did these things before. You never had breast cancer before, either! I’ve had women come to me and say ‘I thought my sex life was great before, and then I thought I was going to lose it. But now it’s better than ever. TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE -People who refuse aspects of therapy including radiation. -What to expect when going in for radiation-Planning appointment -What is radiation and why would I need it? -Radiation and skin care -Proton Beam Radiation (the science behind protons; a number of clinical trials exploring proton beam radiation in the breast cancer community to minimize cardiac toxicity). -Risks association with radiation, but we still sign the consent. As a young breast cancer survivor, I ask Dr. Jimenez to explain the 10, 20 and 50 year plan for women who go through treatment. HEALTH RISKS -Cardiac toxicity -Field of cardio oncology partners and have mapped out the ideal -Herceptin and anthracyclines. After 5 years of survivorship, you should have a cardiac stress test. -Getting a baseline with an ultrasound of the heart so if there are changes, doctors can track them. -Our job (in Radiation Oncology) in follow up is to open up and make sure that referrals are made. How is your nutrition? Are you exercising? Did you schedule your next mammogram? QUOTES: "Your providers are your providers for life". "You are never a bother, it is our job and privilege to take care of you! " What's the Difference between Diet and Nutrition? On Breast Cancer Conversations, the Podcast Listen Now Looking for more ways to support your healing journey? View Programs

Explore other great resources for those facing a cancer diagnosis. These organizations provide various services for the cancer community. BREAST CANCER SUPPORT SERVICES Cancer Support In General Cancer Support in Specific Financial Assistance Insurance Assistance Healthcare Assistance Prescription Drug Assistance Transportation Assistant Lodging Assistant Child Care and Elder Care Assistance Low-cost and Free Mammograms ABCD: After Breast Cancer Diagnosis ABCD: After Breast Cancer Diagnosis provides free, customized one-to-one emotional support for anyone impacted by breast cancer. Founded in 1999 by Melodie Wilson Oldenburg, ABCD matches individuals with trained volunteer Mentors who have a similar lived experience, offering compassionate support based on diagnosis, treatment, age, and lifestyle. With a fully virtual platform, ABCD supports people around the world and ensures that no one faces breast cancer alone. Voice: 1-800-977-4121 Byrd Cancer Foundation The Byrd Cancer foundation is an education and advocacy organization effectively assisting individuals battling cancer by connecting them to vital support and resources. Their mission is to ensure that all relevant information reaches those in need, guiding them towards the resources necessary to fight their battle against cancer. Email: info@byrdcancerfoundation.org Cancer + Careers Nonprofit that empowers and educates people with cancer to thrive in their workplace, by providing expert advice, interactive tools and educational events. Its free services include a comprehensive website and library of publications in English and Spanish; legal and insurance information; career coaching; resume review, and much more. Email: CancerAndCareers@cew.org Cancer Care Provides free counseling for cancer patients and their families, financial assistance, information and referrals, community and professional education, teleconference programs, and ongoing telephone and in-person support groups. Voice: 1-800-813-4673 Cancer Hope Network Provides one-on-one support to cancer patients and their families undergoing cancer treatment from trained volunteers who have survived cancer themselves. Voice: 1-877-467-3638 Cancer Support Community Provides support, education, and hope through a global network to people affected by cancer. E-mail: Help@CancerSupportCommunity.org Caring Bridge Offers personal, protected websites that can be used during a health journey to share updates with family and friends. Foundation 96 Provide a safe and supportive care community consisting of multidisciplinary service providers, for people and their care-givers who are transitioning from active cancer treatment to everyday life. Look Good… Feel Better Helps cancer patients improve their appearance during treatment, including free workshops across the country. Voice: 1-800-227-2345 MD Anderson Cancer Center’s My Cancer Connection Matches cancer patients with others who have had the exact same diagnosis for support. Voice: 1-800-345-6324 R.A. Bloch Cancer Foundation BLOCH Cancer Hotline Connects persons with cancer to home volunteers with same type of cancer. Provides free books about cancer. Voice: 1-800-433-0464 Rebuild-A-B Rebuild-A-Bitch is women impacted by cancer helping women impacted by cancer. Their vision is to ensure that every woman impacted by cancer has access to the mental and physical health support she needs to come back stronger. Through scholarships, they provide survivors and thrivers with resources like mental health care or intimacy coaching — because healing isn’t just about surviving, it’s about truly living. Womanity Portrait Foundation Womanity Portrait empowers women through visual storytelling media, particularly through photography as a vessel for healing, visibility, and leadership. Their mission is to help women, especially breast cancer survivors, see themselves as beautiful, powerful and whole. Cancer Support & Community Top of Page Cancer Support & Community Identity & Population-Specific Support Travel & Lodging Assistance Family, Child & Elder Support Financial, Legal & Insurance Help Prescription & Treatment Cost Assistance Retreats & Experiences Screening & Prevention (Mammograms) Asian Women for Health Asian Women for Health is a peer-led, community-based network dedicated to advancing Asian women’s health and wellness through education, advocacy, and support as well as through their 8-week Achieving Whole Health online wellness program. The goal is for Asian women to be well informed, have access to care that is of great quality and culturally appropriate so they are inspired to live happy, healthy lives. FORCE - Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered FORCE helps people with hereditary cancer risk find vital information regarding genetic mutations, testing, and support to improve the lives of those with a predisposition for cancer development. His Breast Cancer HIS Breast Cancer Awareness nonprofit organization was founded in honor of all men who are at risk of, diagnosed and surviving with the Disease of Breast Cancer and to those who have died because of it. Our mission is to increase awareness and hence the early detection for all men and to help those who are at high risk due to genetics and other risk factors to gain access to regular screenings. Email: HisBreastCancer@gmail.com Indian Health Service If you are a member of a federally recognized tribe, you may be eligible for health services within the Indian Health Service. Lobular Breast Cancer Alliance The Lobular Breast Cancer Alliance's (LBCA’) mission is to make all who are touched by ILC aware of its unique characteristics and the critical need for more ILC research; to be the go-to source for information on ILC studies, clinical trials and educational tools, and much more. Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance Our mission is to advocate for all men diagnosed with breast cancer to ensure they receive equal access to support and treatment; to serve as a source of support and resources for the men, their caregivers, and their families; to ensure that men are appropriately represented in research and clinical trials, and to recruit volunteer “ambassadors” to increase awareness of breast cancer in men on a global scale. Men Against Breast Cancer Offers educational materials, online videos, workshops, and one-on-one networking with other men whose loved one has breast cancer. Conducts National Male Caregivers Conference and regional training workshops. Voice: 1-866-547-6222 My Density Matters My density matters raises awareness for the cancer imaging obstacles facing dense breasts and empowers women to test their breast density for more reliable breast cancer screening results. National Native American Cancer Survivors’ Support Network An educational community-based research study created to help improve the quality of cancer care and the quality of life for all American Indian, Alaska Native, and First Nations cancer patients and their loved ones. Voice: 1-800-537-8295 Navigating Cancer Care Decisions for Older Adults The Lobular Breast Cancer Alliance's (LBCA’) mission is to make all who are touched by ILC aware of its unique characteristics and the critical need for more ILC research; to be the go-to source for information on ILC studies, clinical trials and educational tools, and much more. Project Life A membership based virtual wellness house for those living with Metastatic Breast Cancer and their loved ones. Sharsheret (Hebrew for “chain”) Supporting young women and their families, of all Jewish backgrounds, facing breast cancer. TigerLily Foundation Tigerlily Foundation’s mission is to educate, advocate for, empower, and support young women, before, during and after breast cancer. We envision a future where a breast cancer diagnosis doesn’t inspire fear, but ignites hope for a future. Through our programs, we seek to educate and empower women of all backgrounds, including those at heightened risk, those facing health disparities, and those with less access to care. Twisted Pink Twisted Pink is a non-profit organization headquartered in Louisville, KY with a mission to provide hope and connection to people living with metastatic breast cancer by funding bold breakthroughs in research and awareness of the disease. We offer support, research and hope to people of all stages of breast cancer through our monthly Lunch & Learn programs, our Box of Hope program and our annual advocacy scholarships. Young Survival Coalition Provides information and support for young women with breast cancer. Identity & Population-Specific Support Top of Page Cancer Support & Community Identity & Population-Specific Support Travel & Lodging Assistance Family, Child & Elder Support Financial, Legal & Insurance Help Prescription & Treatment Cost Assistance Retreats & Experiences Screening & Prevention (Mammograms) Air Charity Network - Long-distance transportation Offers air travel to treatment centers for cancer patients and their caregivers. 877-621-7177 Corporate Angel Network Uses empty seats on corporate planes to help cancer patients reach treatment centers (Travel for caregivers is not covered). 866-328-1313 Hope Lodge - American Cancer Society Offers lodging for families during cancer treatment. 800-ACS-2345 (800-227-2345) Joe's House Find an online directory of free and discounted lodging for cancer patients and their families. Lifeline Pilots Offers air travel to treatment centers for cancer patients and their caregivers. 800-822-7972 Mercy Medical Airlift Offers air travel to treatment centers for cancer patients and their caregivers. 800-296-1217 National Patient Travel Center Offers free or discounted air travel to treatment centers for cancer patients and their caregivers. 800-296-1217 Road to Recovery - American Cancer Society Offers local transportation to and from cancer treatments. 800-ACS-2345 (800-227-2345) Travel & Lodging Assistance Top of Page Cancer Support & Community Identity & Population-Specific Support Travel & Lodging Assistance Family, Child & Elder Support Financial, Legal & Insurance Help Prescription & Treatment Cost Assistance Retreats & Experiences Screening & Prevention (Mammograms) AVONCares Child Care Program - CancerCare Offers financial assistance for child care during treatment. 800-813-HOPE (800-813-4673) BrightSpot The Bright Spot Network provides young cancer survivors who are parents of small children with a safe space for individual and familial healing, recovery, and reconnection. Kesem 5 million children are coping with a parent's cancer diagnosis. That’s 5 million children at risk of experiencing increased anxiety, emotional isolation, loss of social interest, and/or feelings of hopelessness. And that’s why, at Kesem, we are committed to creating a world where every child who has a parent with a cancer diagnosis or has lost a parent to cancer is never alone. We support these children through and beyond their parent’s cancer with free, fun-filled creative programs and a lasting community. Pickles Group Pickles help support children affected by their parents or guardians cancer. Pickles Group creates thriving communities of kids supporting kids through and beyond their parent’s cancer journeys. Pickles kids strengthen resilience, have fun with friends who get them, and heal along the way. Take Them a Meal Provides meal planning service for caregivers, friends, and family. Family, Child & Elder Support Top of Page Cancer Support & Community Identity & Population-Specific Support Travel & Lodging Assistance Family, Child & Elder Support Financial, Legal & Insurance Help Prescription & Treatment Cost Assistance Retreats & Experiences Screening & Prevention (Mammograms) Affordable Care Act (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) Find information on choosing a health insurance plan and the Affordable Care Act. A.M. Best Company Find insurance company ratings. American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Find detailed information on Medicare and other health insurance programs for people over 50. 888-OUR-AARP (888-687-2277) American Cancer Society – Understanding Financial and Legal Matters Find information on financial topics. 800-ACS-2345 (800-227-2345) Cancer Angels of San Diego Serving residents of San Diego County, this non-profit provides financial aid to stage IV patients of all kinds of cancer. They aim to provide consistent help for as long as our patients are ill or unable to work and facing severe financial distress. HealthWell Foundation The HealthWell Foundation is a national non-profit organization that provides financial assistance to insured Americans who struggle to meet their out-of-pocket costs for medical treatments. National Association of Insurance Commissioners Find your state's insurance commissioner. National Cancer Legal Services Network Find a directory of organizations that offer free legal help for people diagnosed with cancer and their families. National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship Find the booklets “Understanding Your Health Insurance” and "Your Employment Rights." 877-NCCS-YES (877-622-7937) National Underinsured Resource Directory - Patient Advocate Foundation Find local, state and national resources for people who have insurance but struggle to pay out-of-pocket costs of care. 800-532-5274 Patient Advocate Foundation Offers financial assistance information and legal and advocacy help if an insurance claim is denied. 800-532-5274 The Catherine H. Tuck Foundation Offers financial assistance for personal expenses including rent, utilities and food, and transportation to and from cancer treatments. Triage Cancer Offers legal and practical materials in English and Spanish to help understand and compare your insurance options, what to do when you lose your insurance and work, and appeal denials of coverage. Financial, Legal & Insurance Help Top of Page Cancer Support & Community Identity & Population-Specific Support Travel & Lodging Assistance Family, Child & Elder Support Financial, Legal & Insurance Help Prescription & Treatment Cost Assistance Retreats & Experiences Screening & Prevention (Mammograms) Co-payment Assistance Foundation - CancerCare Offers health insurance co-payment assistance for chemotherapy and targeted therapy drugs. 866-55-COPAY (866-552-6729) Patient Advocate Foundation – Co-Pay Relief Program Offers financial assistance for prescription drug co-payments. Myriad Financial Assistance Program Offers financial assistance for genetic testing. Partnership for Prescription Assistance Offers low-cost and free prescription drug programs for people with limited income. 888-4PPA-NOW (888-477-2669) Quest Diagnostic's Patient Assistance Program Offers financial assistance for genetic testing. 888-4PPA-NOW (888-477-2669) Rx Hope Find an online directory of prescription drug assistance programs. Strings for a Cure Offers financial assistance for prescription drugs co-payments. The Pink Fund Offers financial assistance for health insurance premiums. Prescription & Treatment Cost Assistance Top of Page Cancer Support & Community Identity & Population-Specific Support Travel & Lodging Assistance Family, Child & Elder Support Financial, Legal & Insurance Help Prescription & Treatment Cost Assistance Retreats & Experiences Screening & Prevention (Mammograms) Casting for Recovery Casting for Recovery offers free outdoor retreats for people in breast cancer treatment or recovery. Epic Experience Epic Experience provides free week long adventure camps for adult cancer survivors and thrivers. Epic Experience accepts all applicants 18+ no matter where they are in their cancer journey - whether it be in treatment or out of treatment for many years. Faces of Courage The “Women’s Cancer Retreat” is uniquely designed for women who are newly diagnosed, undergoing treatment, and/or survivors. First Descents Outdoor adventure programs for young adults impacted by cancer. Image Reborn Foundation No cost renewal retreats to those diagnosed with breast cancer and to support them in living rich and fulfilling lives. Little Pink Houses of Hope Little Pink Houses of Hope empowers breast cancer patients and families to live each day to the fullest, with direction, purpose, and hope for the cancer journey. We accomplish this through free, week-long vacation retreats. Living Beauty Cancer Foundation Wellness Retreats: single day or 4-day journeys that transport our participants out of the everyday challenges of coping with cancer into a peaceful retreat environment. Mary's Place by the Sea Mary’s Place by the Sea offers two unique wellness retreat options free of charge to women with cancer. MBC Travelers MBC Travelers empowers MBC patients through bucket list travel. Project Koru Camp Koru is a free outdoor, adventure, wellness, and community program that helps young adult cancer survivors (ages 19-39) find healing and renewal beyond cancer. Send It Foundation Send It provides outdoor adventures for young adult (ages 21-40) cancer patients and survivors, removing them from their cancer experience and creating the space to play, connect, and have fun in the outdoors. Shay's Warriors The I Am Hope Survivors Reset Retreat is a four day, three night experience for cancer survivors hosted in the beautiful Coachella Valley. The Breasties Camp Breastie: A four-day summit where hundreds of people impacted by breast and gynecologic cancer come together for community, patient advocacy, and education. Retreats & Experiences Top of Page Cancer Support & Community Identity & Population-Specific Support Travel & Lodging Assistance Family, Child & Elder Support Financial, Legal & Insurance Help Prescription & Treatment Cost Assistance Retreats & Experiences Screening & Prevention (Mammograms) Affordable Care Act Since September 2010, the Affordable Care Act has required all new health insurance plans to cover yearly mammograms with no co-payment (co-insurance) for women ages 40 and older. In many parts of the U.S., low-cost or free mammograms are also offered through national programs and community organizations. FDA Each October, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, many imaging centers offer mammograms at reduced rates. To find a certified mammography center in your area, visit the FDA website. Komen Affiliates Fund Komen Affiliates fund breast cancer education and screening projects in their communities for those who need it most. Find an Affiliate in your area to learn what resources are available. Komen also offers transportation services to and from cancer treatments, financial assistance for child care and elder care during treatment, and financial assistance for some medications, medical equipment, and lymphedema supplies. To help find low-cost options in your area, call the Komen Breast Care Helpline at 1-877 GO KOMEN (1-877-465-6636) Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET and from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. PT National Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program Provides access to breast cancer screening to low-income, uninsured and underinsured women. Planned Parenthood Offers clinical breast exams and referrals for mammography (and any follow-up testing, such as breast ultrasound). Screening & Prevention (Mammograms) Top of Page Cancer Support & Community Identity & Population-Specific Support Travel & Lodging Assistance Family, Child & Elder Support Financial, Legal & Insurance Help Prescription & Treatment Cost Assistance Retreats & Experiences Screening & Prevention (Mammograms)

Your generosity gives hope. Find out how you can get involved and make an impactful and meaningful difference. Donate to breast cancer and make a difference. Lifestyle & Wellness Resources Programs Content Library Podcast Download the App Subscribe Make a Gift All Stages More Make a Difference Through Asset Based Giving & Charitable Bequests Donating assets and making charitable bequests to SurvivingBreastCancer.org holds significant value and contributes immensely to our mission of providing comprehensive support, resources, and advocacy for those battling breast cancer. Below are several key points highlighting the importance and advantages of asset-based donations: $50 $100 $250 Making a Meaningful Difference: Your asset donations directly contribute to providing essential services, financial aid, emotional support, and educational resources to breast cancer patients, survivors, and their families. Each donation helps in fostering a community of hope and resilience. Tax Advantages and Financial Benefits: Because we are a federally recognized 501(c)(3) non profit donating appreciated assets, such as stocks, real estate, automobiles or other investments, may offer substantial tax advantages. It can result in tax deductions for the fair market value of the donated assets, potentially reducing capital gains taxes and providing significant financial benefits to the donor. Supporting Ongoing Programs and Initiatives: Asset-based donations contribute to sustaining and expanding SurvivingBreastCancer.org's programs, including support groups, awareness campaigns, research initiatives, and access to vital resources for underserved communities. Creating Lasting Legacies that live on: A legacy gift is a deeply personal way to ensure that your values, compassion, and commitment to community continue to make an impact—today and for generations to come. By including SurvivingBreastCancer.org (SBC) in your estate plans or making a legacy gift during your lifetime, you help ensure that no one faces breast cancer alone. Your generosity sustains free education, community connection, and integrative oncology–inspired programs for individuals and families navigating breast cancer at every stage. Encouraging Others to Give: Your donations serve as an inspiring example, encouraging others within our community and beyond to contribute, fostering a culture of generosity and philanthropy. The people in this community are so warm and welcoming. The conversations transcend beyond breast cancer stories, thus creating even stronger connections. I finally found my tribe! Your donation transforms lives How to Donate I encourage you to consider the significant impact of donating assets to SurvivingBreastCancer.org. Your contributions, whether large or small, play a pivotal role in our collective efforts to support and uplift those affected by breast cancer. Together, let's continue our mission of bringing hope, support, and strength to individuals and families facing the challenges of breast cancer. Or contact William at 603.361.7018 Email William Today Contact William directly to discuss the endless possibilities and to set up your donation. More Ways to Give If you would like to schedule an appointment and discuss legacy donations or endowments, please contact SBC. We are happy to partner with you! Donate by Check Survivingbreastcancer.org 5 Cedar Street, Suite 1 Roxbury, MA 02119 Checks can be made out to "Survivingbreastcancer.org" Donate by Venmo @Survivingbreastcancerorg Donate Securities Contact SBC Donate Now English Español

Breast Cancer is hard enough so why not gift yourself or someone you love essential items to enjoy! Shop Survivingbreastcancer.org's brand, cloths, and lifestyle products and feel the love! Quick View 5x7 IBC Flyers (50) Price $25.00 Excluding Sales Tax Quick View Event Flyer (English and Spanish) Price $25.00 Excluding Sales Tax Quick View Tri-Fold Brochures (English and Spanish) Price $25.00 Excluding Sales Tax Quick View Variety Pack Price $45.00 Excluding Sales Tax Quick View 5x7 MBC Flyers (50) Price $25.00 Excluding Sales Tax Quick View 5x7 Book Club Flyers (50) Price $25.00 Excluding Sales Tax Quick View 5x7 Expressive Writing and Meditation (50) Price $25.00 Excluding Sales Tax Quick View 5x7 Art Therapy Flyer (50) Price $25.00 Excluding Sales Tax Products Designed With You & Your Patients In Mind All Proceeds from our sales go directly back into SBC to support our programs and services. Thank you for shopping for a cause!