No One Should Face Breast Cancer Alone
You can help give people with breast cancer the educational resources and community support they need most
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Breast cancer is the world's most common cancer. Currently, there are more than four million people living with a history of breast cancer in the United States.
"I was not prepared for the amount of information I need to feel sufficiently comfortable to make decisions for my treatment."
To have a real impact, we must empower people facing breast cancer with the knowledge and support they need to make the best decisions for their treatment and care.
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Before my breast cancer diagnosis, my life was pretty content. My husband and I were looking forward to retirement. Our two boys were complete with college and on their way to their professional lives, and our special needs child was a priority to start planning for possible living options for her future.
However, it was the quiet before the storm, and my world was about to be shaken abruptly.
In early December 2020, I thought I felt a lump on my right breast. Due to the backlog of the COVID-19 shutdown, my yearly mammogram had been delayed. I thought this couldn't be a lump that I was feeling and dismissed it.
After my routine mammogram, I was asked to return for another mammogram, and then again for a biopsy. The agony of waiting turned to worry and fear. About 10 days after the biopsy, my diagnosis of triple-positive breast cancer forever changed my life.
Initially, I was filled with fear and was concerned that I would die at age 59. I could only focus on how I wouldn't see my kids marry or have children or how anyone could care for my disabled child the way I, a mother, know my child. And how would my husband and life partner handle all the pressures without me?
It was a time of sadness, anger, and anxiety. At the same time, I had to make quick decisions on my treatment and navigate the process to begin treatment.
I reached out to Breastcancer.org and learned about their virtual support group meetups. I finally felt that I found a group of people who understood what I was experiencing. Though my family was there for me, the meetups with others like me were invaluable.
The meetups were a safe place to share my fear, anxiety, sadness, and even joy. The group helped me identify questions to ask my care team and shared best practices on treatment and side effects. Most valuable to me was having people listen to and empathize with me.
After my treatment, I focused on refining my life. I educated myself on eating healthier. I walk all the time. I found a more meaningful job and reduced stress in my life. I refined my life in ALL possible ways to avoid reoccurrence.
I still participate in the Breastcancer.org meetups when I can, as the group is a source of comfort and learning that I didn't find anywhere else. I feel connected with all the people I have met. There is nothing better in a time of need as well as a time for the future.
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About Breastcancer.org
Breastcancer.org is a leading patient-focused resource for breast health and breast cancer education and support. Their mission is to engage and empower people with research, expert information, and a dynamic peer-support community to help them make the best decisions for their lives. A nonprofit organization founded in 2000 by chief medical officer Marisa C. Weiss, MD, Breastcancer.org has reached 232 million people worldwide since inception. Visit Breastcancer.org for more information.
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