Breast Cancer changes your life and you can’t go through this change alone. Everything can be affected by your diagnosis. Finances can be strained, relationships can be strained and routines can be disrupted. Don’t hesitate to ask for help and support during cancer treatment.
Health Care Providers
Physicians and hospitals have many resources at their disposal to help guide you through cancer treatment and recovery.
Oncology social workers can help you with both the emotional and practical challenges of cancer. Financial assistance programs, coping with stress, family issues, work concerns and connecting you with helpful community resources are part of the social worker’s job.
Nurse Navigators are often part of breast cancer treatment programs. They guide you through cancer treatment and recovery as both an advocate and teacher. They help you and your family with many issues from coordinating provider appointments to teaching you to manage side effects.
Dietitians can help you manage side effects of cancer by teaching you about foods which are healthy, easy to eat and taste good during cancer treatment.
Psychiatrists/Psychologists can help people cope with cancer diagnosis and treatment. Tell your doctor if you feel you should meet with a psychiatrist or psychologist.
Family, Friends, Church Groups
People may be hesitant to intrude particularly when you are first diagnosed and many may wait until you ask for help. Tell them what you want–a meal, a ride to the doctor/treatment or just a chat on the phone. Cancer is hard on all so always take care of your primary caregiver–build a team and find extra help to give your caregiver a break!
Go tomypinkplanner.com to help organize your life so you can focus on fighting breast cancer. My pink planner allows you to email your friends to encourage them to sign up on your personal website to help with chores which you designate.
Lotsa Helping Hands allows the creation of a free web-based community to help with spiritual, emotional and practical support during cancer treatment.
Cleaning for a Reason Foundation is a non-profit organization which provides professional house cleaning and maid service for women undergoing cancer treatment.
Support Groups
Not everyone is interested in a support group. Some find the discussions uncomfortable and confidentiality is not guaranteed. However, support groups can prevent isolation, provide valuable cancer treatment information and give hope and encouragement.
Community Support Groups
Your doctor, social worker or nurse navigator can help you find support groups to meet your individual needs. Many communities have groups for specific ages, specific cancer types, etc.
The American Cancer Society Reach to Recovery staffed by breast cancer survivors who give emotional support and hope through face-to-face visits or by phone. Go to In My Community on their website or call 1-800-227-2345.
Online Support Groups and Hotlines
Susan G. Komen offers comprehensive breast cancer support. The helpline (1-877-GO KOMEN) provides breast cancer patients and families free professional support services and help finding local resources.
CancerCare offers free online and telephone support groups. Call 1-800-813-HOPE..
Linda Creed has an outreach program called Rainbow Circle which provides education and information to access optimum breast cancer treatment for lesbians, bisexual women and trans gender persons. Call Linda Creed at 215-564-3700 .
YourShoes has a 24/7 hot line staffed by trained breast cancer survivors to provide emotional strength. The support center offers interpreters on the hot line in 150 languages. Call: 1-800-221-214
