Support for You

Breast cancer can be scary and confusing, both for those diagnosed and for their friends and family. It’s important to have a strong support network to help with the physical and emotional demands of the disease. Remember, you are not alone. There are many support services available to assist you on this journey, including:

• 1-877 GO KOMEN, a free breast care helpline offering professional support services to anyone with breast health and breast cancer concerns, including breast cancer patients and their families.
• Website Resources - A comprehensive listing of internet resources, including information on risk factors and prevention, early detection and screening, diagnosis, treatment, social support, and financial issues.
• The Co-Survivor section of Komen’s national website, where friends and family members can share tips and advice, and read personal stories from others who have been in similar situations.

Other links of interest:

• Lotsa Helping Hands, a free online tool for family and friends to organize help and support for a person undergoing treatment for breast cancer.,
• CaringBridge an online space where you can connect, share and receive support – kind of like a personalized "caring" social network. Thanks to those who donate, we are available 24/7 to anyone, anywhere at no cost.

Support groups can provide a confidential and supportive arena where the many challenges of living with cancer can be shared with others with similar experiences.

Since every support group is different, it is often helpful to visit several groups to determine where you feel most comfortable.

Many local support groups are organized by cancer centers and other medical facilities. If you are interested in joining a support group speak to your doctor. For those who are not comfortable joining a group or who cannot easily get to a meeting there are online support groups that can be one of your best bets in coping with cancer. You still maintain some of your anonymity, which helps many become more candid about their feelings, fears, and frustrations. Plus, you can discover information and tips that you might not have been aware of about your disease.

Here are some online cancer support groups definitely worth checking out:

• Komen Forums - "The Race for the Cure" community with posts on matters of concern breast cancer survivors, their friends and family, with facts on treatment, tips on how to talk to your doctor and related issues.
• Breast Cancer Support - One of the oldest and largest support groups online featuring a very active forum, nightly chat, success stories, related news and top-notch resources.
• Breast Cancer Discussion Boards - On any given day find boards buzzing with posts and responses about chemotherapy, alternative therapies, Lymphedema concerns, breast reconstruction, inspiring stories, humor, related research news and more.
• American Cancer Society - WhatNext is an online support network of people committed to providing those facing cancer with timely access to peers, perspectives, and resources based on their specific diagnosis, treatments, and other experiences. In addition, WhatNext provides an organized way for individuals to share their cancer journey and insights, so others can get a better idea of what they might expect as they move through their own cancer journey.
• Living Beyond Breast Cancer - Active posts among the newly diagnosed, young survivors, metastatic breast cancer patients and general discussions open to all.
• Young Survival Coalition Bulletin Board - A good resource geared specifically to young breast cancer survivors with discussions on treatments, reconstructive surgery, fertility, and pregnancy after breast cancer, risks and genetics.
• Pink-Link - When you join Pink-Link (it's free!), you are instantly linked to a network of fellow survivors, family members, medical pros and others who, in essence, become your "pen Pals" via their website. 24/7. Ask questions, share experiences, dig for information, give a resource, help each other through rough spots. Join free and they welcome you!

Financial Resources may be a concern following a breast cancer diagnosis. The following are links to information about ways of obtaining help

•  Komen.org - links to information on financial assistance, insurance issues, transportation or lodging and health care assistance.
• SAMFund - a non-profit organization created to assist young adult survivors of cancer with a successful transition into their post-treatment life, by providing financial support through the distribution of grants and scholarships.