The Breastcancer.org Community

A safe place to connect, share and learn.

New to Breastcancer.org?

Learn how to post, find the info you need, and more.

Start here

Words of wisdom

"I am simply ETERNALLY grateful for this forum. I found your site when I was first dx and thought my life was over; now I'm starting year 17 and focus less on the clinical posts and more on the "friends" I've made. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!"

wallycat

Looking for a support group?

Join our Zoom meetups for moderated peer support.

Join a group

Concerned about my risk
Family history? Genetic mutation? Dense breasts? Talk with others.
Connect with others like me
Find people who share your diagnosis, age, stage, and more — because details matter.
In treatment
Real talk and tips about surgery, radiation, chemo, and everything in between.
Living with metastatic disease
For when the goal isn't a cure — it's living well, for as long as possible
Managing life with cancer
Work, finances, family, relationships, emotions — because cancer affects everything.
Finished treatment
Now what? Scanxiety, survivorship, fears, and figuring out your different normal.
Caring for someone
For partners, parents, friends, and family — caregiving is hard and you're not alone.
Tributes
Share your story, advocate for change, celebrate milestones, and remember those we've lost.
Discussion forum resources
How-tos, tips, and announcements from the team.

Middle Aged Memories
Let's see, so far we've reminisced about dittos, drive in theaters, lick-a-stick candy, five-and-dime stores, Donny Osmond, Dark Shadows, what have I missed?
New Protocols
I am a 10 year survivor of breast cancer (stage 1a, ER/PR+, HER2+). Now my 75 year old sister has been diagnosed with stage 1a, ER+,HER2- breast cancer. She Iives in a distant state, so I cannot go with her to all of her doctor's appointments. She saw her oncologist today for the first time and was told she is most likely…
Birads 5 with calcification
I’ve been hesitant to post because I didn’t want reality to set it but here I am. I’m a 33 year mother of 3, youngest is 6. Just like most of the ppl in the group, It all started with me noticing a lump. I took action almost immediately. I made an appointment to see my primary doctor which took me 2 weeks to get in. I…
Need help deciphering what my QT results mean.
recently I had an MRI done and there was a mass observed on my right breast, They scored it at a BIRAD 4 and it was very concerning. Not wanting to get a mammogram, due to fear of causing trauma to the affected tissue, I elected to get a QT scan done, can anyone read this and tell me what they think this means,…

View All

Welcome!

It looks like you're new here. Sign in or register to get started.

Quick Links

Anonymous 105

zogo 60

Breast Cancer News

Lobular Breast Cancer Rates Rising Steeply in the U.S.
Rates of lobular breast cancer, which is harder to spot on mammograms, have spiked, according to the American Cancer Society.
Proton, X-ray Radiation Therapy Both Offer Good Quality of Life
People reported good quality of life outcomes whether they received proton radiation or traditional X-ray radiation therapy for breast cancer.
Tai Chi Is the Best Mind-Body Therapy for Breast Cancer Pain, Study Shows
Tai chi was the most effective mind-body therapy for breast cancer pain, while qigong was the best for pain overall.
New Topical Cream Reduces Neuropathy Symptoms, Study Finds
Oncapsisens, a cream available in Europe, reduces nerve damage in people receiving chemotherapy by calming skin discomfort.
How to Manage Rising Health Insurance Costs, According to a Financial Navigator
The cost of health insurance coverage is going up in 2026. A financial navigator explains what to expect and shares tips for finding affordable insurance.
ESMO 2025 Breast Cancer Research Takeaways
Learn about the most important breast cancer research presented at the 2025 European Society for Medical Oncology meetings.
Sex Toys and Menopause: The Duo We Didn’t Know We Needed
Women who masturbated with a vibrator-like sex toy found symptom relief (and fun).
Why Are So Many Young People Getting Breast Cancer?
Major lifestyle changes linked to family planning, diet, and exposure to pollutants may be at play, but there’s still a lot researchers don’t know.
How to Prepare for Changes to Your Health Insurance
Recent policy changes will make it harder for some people to get health insurance. Here’s what you can do to protect your coverage and access to care.
Chaos at the NIH: What Does It Mean for Breast Cancer?
The NIH has been canceling research grants and laying off employees. Breast cancer research is at risk.
FDA Approves Imlunestrant (Inluriyo) for Certain HR-Positive Breast Cancers
The FDA has approved imlunestrant (brand name: Inluriyo) to treat certain advanced-stage, hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancers.
Research Hints at New Way to Tell If Breast Calcifications Are Cancerous
Benign and malignant calcifications look the same on a mammogram, but the way they form and their structure is different, according to new research.
How Many Steps Per Day Do You Need?
Around 10,000 steps a day has been a goal for years; new research found 7,000 steps a day lowers the risk of heart disease and dementia.
Cuts to Research Funding Put New Breast Cancer Drugs at Risk. The Story of Herceptin Shows How
The Trump administration has made drastic cuts to cancer research funding, which breast cancer research relies on. Here's what's at stake.
Mindfulness and Tai Chi Boost Mood, Strength in People With Cancer
People who participated in the tai chi or mindfulness programs felt less angry and mentally and physically stronger.
Elinzanetant Becomes Newest Hormone-Free, Hot Flash Medicine to Receive FDA Approval
Elinzanetant is a non-hormonal medication that may help reduce hot flashes and improve sleep in women with breast cancer.
Male Breast Cancer Cases Up Worldwide
Rates of breast cancer in men around the world increased about 2% per year between 1990 and 2021, leading to more men dying from the disease.
Psychedelic Mushroom Compound May Ease Depression in People With Cancer
Psilocybin, a naturally-occurring psychedelic compound in mushrooms, reduces depression and anxiety in people diagnosed with cancer.
Vitamin D Supplement May Make Chemo Before Breast Cancer Surgery More Effective
Women who took a vitamin D supplement got more benefits from chemo before breast cancer surgery than women who didn't take a supplement.
BRCA Mutations Up Risk of Rare Lymphoma in Women With Textured Implants
Women with a history of breast cancer who have a BRCA mutation and textured implants were 16 times more likely to develop a rare lymphoma.
Ovary Removal May Increase Risk of Heart Failure
People who had their ovaries removed before menopause were 50% more likely to experience heart failure than those who didn’t have the procedure.
Two New Mutations Linked to Breast Cancer in Black South African Women
The discovery helps advance our understanding of breast cancer risk in Black South African women.
High Blood Pressure, Other Cardiac Risk Factors Affect Breast Cancer Outcomes
Metabolic syndrome, including high blood pressure, at breast cancer diagnosis is linked to a higher risk of recurrence and worse survival.
Medicaid Is Under Threat: Why That Matters for Breast Cancer Care
Millions of people — including many affected by breast cancer — could lose their health insurance if Congress makes cuts to federal funding for Medicaid.
5 Ways Trump’s Tax Bill Will Limit Health Care Access
Millions of Americans insured by Medicaid and ACA health plans are expected to lose their insurance if the bill is signed into law by President Trump.
How Will Cuts at the FDA Affect Breast Cancer?
Layoffs and policy changes at the Food and Drug Administration could impact breast cancer drug approvals and safety.
Can a Saliva Test Predict Chemo Side Effects? Plus Four Other Breast Cancer Research Updates
Studies suggest that spit contains key information about side effects, 5 days of radiation are as good as 15, and probiotics can reduce fatigue and nausea.
This Omega-6 Fatty Acid May Help TNBC Tumors Thrive
The findings point to one strategy that triple-negative breast cancer cells may use to resist treatment.
Key Breast Cancer Research Takeaways From the 2025 ASCO Annual Meeting
Learn about the most exciting breast cancer research presented at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting.
This Map Shows Where People in the U.S. Could Lose Health Coverage from Medicaid and ACA Cuts
An estimated 8.6 million people could lose health coverage if changes to Medicaid and Affordable Care Act marketplaces go into effect.
Dry Mouth? Citrus Oil Mixture Could Help
The product is not yet available for purchase, but shows promise for providing lasting relief from this painful side effect of some cancer treatments.
Many People With Cancer Wait Too Long to Start Palliative Care, Study Finds
Nearing the end of life, only 1 in 4 older adults with advanced cancer received supportive care focused on improving their quality of life.
New Poll Shows That People Don’t Trust AI-Generated Health Information
A poll of 2,428 U.S. adults finds that most are wary of health misinformation from chatbots like ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, or Google Gemini.
Walking More May Help You Live Longer After Cancer
Taking more daily steps was linked to a lower risk of death among post-menopausal women with a history of cancer.
Black Women Less Likely to Receive Certain Targeted Therapy Medicines for Metastatic Breast Cancer
While both groups had similar rates of PIK3CA mutations, Black women were less likely than white women to receive medicines that targeted the mutation.
This Week’s Healthcare News — And What It Means for Breast Cancer
Healthcare changes in the U.S. this week were not good news for breast cancer — or health, in general. Here are five things to know.
Promising TNBC Drug Now in Limbo Thanks to NIH Freeze
Gloria Echeverria's lab is studying a new drug for treating triple-negative breast cancer. A grant proposal to fund this research remains in limbo.
Study: AI Tool Uses Multiple Years of Mammograms to Predict Risk
Artificial intelligence was better able to predict who would develop breast cancer when it looked at up to three years of mammograms.
Triclosan Linked to Higher Breast Cancer Risk
Triclosan — an antibacterial and antifungal chemical commonly found in deodorants, lotions, and creams — may increase breast cancer risk.
4 Things That Breast Cancer Experts Are Watching in the New Administration
An onslaught of executive orders from the new administration has many breast cancer experts concerned. We talked with them to learn more.
WHO: Urgent Changes Needed in Breast Cancer Screening and Care in Africa
Sub-Saharan Africa has lower breast cancer rates — but higher mortality — than other parts of the world. A WHO report explains why.
New Non-Opioid Pain Medicine Approved
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Journavx (suzetrigine) to treat moderate to severe pain in adults.
Tool Offers Better Measure of Recurrence Risk, Chemo Benefit
RSClinN+ combines the Oncotype DX Recurrence Score and features of the breast cancer to more precisely estimate recurrence risk and chemo benefit.
Breast Cancer Risk in California Linked to Poor Air Quality
A study of a diverse group of women living in urban areas in California adds evidence that fine-particle air pollution increases risk of breast cancer.
Reiki During Chemo Relieves Some Symptoms, Study Finds
People who had a Reiki session while receiving chemotherapy said they felt less pain, anxiety, and nausea after the session ended.
Gut Bacteria May Change How Well Tamoxifen Works
Some bacteria in the gut appear to help this breast cancer medicine move throughout the body, new research shows.
Study Finds 40% of People With Neuropathy Experience Chronic Pain
A look at 77 studies from 28 countries uncovered high rates of neuropathy in people who receive chemotherapy.
Heart Disease May Increase Risk of Advanced Breast Cancer
The study suggests that people with a history of cardiovascular disease could benefit from earlier and more frequent breast cancer screenings.
Researchers Reclassify Hundreds of BRCA2 Variants Linked to Cancer
Researchers say the findings will help healthcare professionals to better tailor screenings and interventions for people with these variants.
Datroway (Dato-DXd) for Breast Cancer
Datroway is used to treat certain advanced-stage hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancers.

View all

Podcast episodes

The Guy With Stage 4 Breast Cancer
Jake Messier tells his story of living with stage 4 breast cancer, and explains why he started the Male Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Can We Stop Fat From Fueling Triple-Negative Breast Cancer?
When triple-negative breast cancer grows, the fat cells around it seem to shrink. Scientists are working to block the cancer cells' access to this fuel.
Coping With the Fear of Breast Cancer Recurrence
After treatment for early-stage breast cancer, many people fear the cancer will come back. Researchers are studying how to help people cope.
Weight Loss Drugs and Breast Cancer
Dr. Neil Iyengar explains what we know and don't know about using weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy during and after breast cancer treatment.
Already Aware: Dealing With Feelings About Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Breastcancer.org Community members share their thoughts about what Breast Cancer Awareness Month is like when you have a history of breast cancer.
TNBC Can Change Hormone Receptor Status If It Comes Back
If triple-negative breast cancer comes back, the recurrence may be hormone receptor-positive. Can hormonal therapy help reduce recurrence risk?
Chelsea’s Story: Diagnosed With Breast Cancer at 25
Chelsea Vangrol shares her story of being diagnosed with breast cancer at age 25 and why she thinks everyone should be their own best advocate.
Teaching the Immune System to Fight Cancer
A new type of medicine, an antibody-toxin conjugate, teaches the immune system to recognize and destroy breast cancer.
Diagnosed With Breast Cancer While Pregnant
It's uncommon, but you can be diagnosed with breast cancer during pregnancy. Rafaela Dreisin discusses her journey through treatment and giving birth.
Health Insurance and Disability for People Living With Metastatic Breast Cancer
Triage Cancer CEO Joanna Doran explains what people with metastatic breast cancer need to know about health insurance and disability benefits.
Managing the Emotions of Metastatic Breast Cancer When You’re Young
Therapist Kelly Grosklags leads a discussion on managing the emotions that come with being diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer at a young age.
Breast Cancer Doesn’t Care Whom You Love
Jaci Field, a member of the LGBTQ+ community discusses her breast cancer experience, her advocacy work, and being authentic in these turbulent times.
Managing Hormonal Therapy Side Effects
Breast cancer expert Hope Rugo discusses the most common hormonal therapy side effects and offers advice on how to manage them.
Financial Toxicity and Breast Cancer: How Doctors Can Help
Dr. Fumiko Chino explains how doctors can help patients facing financial hardship during and after breast cancer treatment.
Top Breast Cancer Research at ASCO 2025
Dr. Eleonora Teplinsky discusses the top three breast cancer studies presented at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting.
Making Sure Exercise is Part of Cancer Care
Dr. Kathryn Schmitz explains how doctors are working to make exercise part of cancer care and talks about research showing exercise can improve survival.
Lifestyle Risk Factors and Breast Cancer Mortality
Which of five lifestyle factors are most associated with dying from breast cancer?
The Research METAvivor Funds
METAvivor President Dr. Kelly Shanahan explains the types of grants the organization offers and why that's so important in today's political climate.
Breast Cancer Doesn’t Care About Gender
Ash Davidson was diagnosed with breast cancer during gender-affirming top surgery. Listen as he shares his experiences with diagnosis and treatment.
Winter 2025 Breast Cancer Research Round Up
Medical oncologist Dr. Kevin Fox explains the PATINA, Young-PEARL, EMBER-3, and COMET studies and what they mean for people with breast cancer.
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer and the TRIM37 Protein
Dr. Sanchita Bhatnagar discusses her research that has found links between the TRIM37 protein and triple-negative breast cancer in Black women.
How Is the NIH Funding Freeze Affecting Breast Cancer Research? One Scientist Explains
Researcher Donald McDonnell explains how the NIH funding freeze is halting breast cancer research and shrinking the pool of new scientists.
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Treatment: Where Are We?
Triple-negative breast cancer expert Dr. Lisa Carey explains the latest research on treatments for this type of breast cancer.
How Does Alcohol Affect Breast Cancer Risk?
Dr. Tracy Crane discusses the proposed label for alcohol warning about cancer risk and explains why alcohol is closely linked to breast cancer risk.
Fall 2024 Breast Cancer Research Round Up
Scientist Kathy Miller discusses what five breast cancer studies mean for people who've been diagnosed.
Biomarker Testing Laws: How Are They Helping?
Triage Cancer CEO Joanna Doran discusses the issues people may have getting biomarker testing covered by insurance and how the new laws help.
Advocates’ Thoughts on SABCS 2024
What were breast cancer patient advocates excited about at the 2024 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium? Five advocates tell us.
Top Research at SABCS 2024
Dr. Marisa Weiss explains the themes of and top research presented at the 2024 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium.
Enhertu for HER2-Low and -Ultralow Metastatic Breast Cancer
Dr. Aditya Bardia explains results from the DESTINY-Breast06 study and also explains the latest information on HER2-low and -ultralow breast cancer.
Breast Cancer in Young Women: What We Know and Reducing Risk
Dr. Matteo Lambertini discusses his research on reducing risk as well as other unique issues faced by young women with breast cancer.
Alamo Breast Cancer Foundation Scholarships
Andrea Hans describes her journey from breast cancer patient to advocate and how she became an Alamo Breast Cancer Foundation Scholarship recipient.
Sexual Health After Breast Cancer
Dr. Don Dizon discusses his research to help all people reclaim their sexuality after cancer treatment.
Can Hormonal Therapy Help Treat Triple-Negative Breast Cancer?
Research suggests blocking the effects of estrogen in people with triple-negative breast cancer may make immunotherapy treatment more effective.
Black Women and Hormonal Therapy Sexual Side Effects
Black women are more likely than white women to have certain hormonal therapy side effects and they’re also less likely to complete treatment.
Diagnosed With Breast Cancer at 26
Cancer researcher LaShae Rolle talks about her breast cancer diagnosis and treatment at age 26, as well as how powerlifting help ease side effects.
What You Need to Know About Inflammatory Breast Cancer
Dr. Filipa Lynce explains how inflammatory breast cancer is diagnosed and treated, as well as why it's always at least stage IIIB.
Transitioning to a Different Normal After a Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Licensed clinical social worker Kelly Grosklags leads a discussion on allowing the conflicting emotions of a breast cancer diagnosis to exist together.
Oral Side Effects of Breast Cancer Treatment
Many breast cancer treatments can cause oral side effects, like mouth sores and dry mouth. Learn why they happen and how they're treated.
The Mastectomy I Always Wanted
What's it like to have a mastectomy and breast reconstruction? A new book shares one woman's experience, complete with photos.
Summer 2024 Breast Cancer Research Round Up
Scientist Holly Pederson discusses what five breast cancer studies mean for people who've been diagnosed.
Osteoporosis and Breast Cancer
Listen to Dr. Anupama Shahane explain how osteoporosis is diagnosed and treated in someone with breast cancer.
Podcasting From the Chemo Chair
Carly Fauth started the Chemo Coffee Talk podcast as a way to ease her fear and give her something to look forward to on chemo days.
What Is Palliative Care and When Do You Use It?
Palliative care, treatments to ease pain and distress, can be used any time during breast cancer treatment. Learn more about palliative care.
Bias in Healthcare AI
AI researcher and data journalist Meredith Broussard explains how AI reads mammograms, as well as the benefits and drawbacks.
Research on Side Effects at ASCO 2024
Scientists share their research on treatment side effects such as sexual dysfunction, hair loss, and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.
How Are Your Oncologist’s Communication Skills?
Dr. Fumiko Chino explains her study on how breast cancer patients' rated oncologists' communication skills and how that affected treatment compliance.
Top Breast Cancer Research at ASCO 2024
Medical oncologist Dr. Eleonora Teplinsky summarizes the most applicable and breast cancer studies presented at the 2024 ASCO Annual Meeting.
Predicting Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Risk in Young Black Women
Drs. Holly Pederson and Elisha Hughes explain their research on polygenic risk scores and how it can predict breast cancer risk in young Black women.
Genetic Testing Saved My Life
Advocate Brooklyn Olumba discusses how genetic testing allowed her to find breast cancer early, before she had any symptoms.
The Boob Bus Wants to Make Mammograms Fun
Genetic counselor Rena Vanzo discusses The Boob Bus, her mobile mammogram business that also offers genetic testing and cosmetic procedures.

View all

Personal Stories

Laura's Story: How Gardening Has Grounded Me
"The scent of the lilacs and lilly of the valley, my bare toes in the grass, chatter of the birds, and breeze on my skin activate all of my senses and bring me into the moment."
Rhonda's Story: Adding Complementary Techniques to My MBC Treatment Plan
"My practice has taught me to pause, breathe, and surround myself with healing light, while also reaching for things that lift my spirits."
Karen's Story: Bringing My Work Home: From Oncology Nurse to Patient
"Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. Familiar words that suddenly felt foreign with my name attached to the report. In this instance I thought about my patient waiting and thought to myself, 'No one more equipped to help her.'"
Vanessa's Story: Gratitude, Grit, and the Gift of Perspective
"It wasn’t my first time facing cancer. That experience shaped me — it taught me grit, gratitude, and the power of early detection. It also showed me how to survive when the world shifts beneath you."
Elena's Story: The Perpetual Outlier: Managing MBC With a Heart Defect
"I sometimes feel as though I am a walking time bomb but I have been beating the odds nonetheless. "
Claudia's Story: A Holistic Approach Treated My Body and Mind
"My cancer journey taught me the importance of advocating for my own health and the value of exploring every avenue, from traditional treatments to complementary therapies."
Wandering's Story: Feeling Fortunate, Even With MBC
"My quality of life has been great at times, especially when the side effects have been eliminated. I feel very fortunate that I have enjoyed my life most of the time."
Audi's Story: How I Went From Shocked to Strong
"Once I got on the table, and the light shone on me to do the surgery, I told the anesthesia doctor I did not want to do it anymore. Seven hours later I woke up with no breasts."
Pat's Story: Being Open and Honest Helped Get Me Through
"Don’t try to go it alone. When you accept someone’s offer of help, you’re giving them a gift as well, the gift of being helpful and supportive."
Karen's Story: How I Got Radical About Living
"I wanted to live, so I wiped my tears, faced the situation head-on, and got radical about living instead of consumed with dying. "
Kate's Story: How I Lean Into Every Day With MBC
"I try not to think of myself as a warrior as much as I am an accommodator. It’s kind of like living with a pesky resident that is as annoying as all get out."
Katherine's Story: A Hysterectomy Did Not Prevent My Breast Cancer
"The first month is a whirlwind of appointments, tests, and decisions. Also a month of hopelessness and worry about yourself and your family and survival."
Athena's Story: How a Mammogram Delay Turned Out to Be a Blessing
"In this case, it was fortunate timing that my delay in scheduling actually resulted in early detection of the cancer."
Kitt's Story: I Don't Look Sick, But I'm Living With Metastatic Breast Cancer
"I somehow manage to put cancer away in a pocket most days and I’m able to just enjoy living. Denial has become a really good thing. Denial is not something I have ever been good at — it’s a new skill that I’m learning. Denial is a good place to be for someone with a terminal illness."
Kate Victoria's Story: What I Learned About HRT and Breast Cancer
"A letter and some booklets came through the post from my GP. A letter starting, ;Sorry to hear you have cancer!' I fell to the floor in shock."
Christina's Story: Journaling Helped Me Look Back and Appreciate the Journey
"My journal enables me to look back to see what I have endured and accomplished with the help of my medical team, my family, and my friends. My progress to now living my best life is amazing, and it makes me proud."
Sadaf's Story: My Advice for Someone Just Diagnosed
"It's important to stay hopeful and never give up. Cancer can be a tough journey, but remember that you are stronger than you think."
dr.burcusengez's Story: I Wasn't Letting Breast Cancer Take My Active Lifestyle
"My doctors told me not to do crossfit and pole dance due to lymph dissection. I disagreed with them. I believed that I could start again."
LaShae's Story: My Journey From Cancer Prevention Researcher to Survivor
"My journey has taught me the value of advocacy and support for young adults with cancer, and I am committed to helping others navigate their journeys through similar challenges."
Kim's Story: My Gut Feeling Told Me an Infection Was Much More
"The radiologist told me he felt that what the MRI picked up was most likely due to the mastitis infection. Two days later, my doctor's office called and she said, 'Your persistence has paid off. You do have breast cancer.'"
Kate's Story: From Caregiver to Cared-For
"We both emerged from these experiences with a greater humility and deeper empathy. The journey of both carer and cared-for is so unique, so profound, and until you have walked it yourself, so uncharted."
Kate's Story: From Strong to Determined: How I Emerged From Breast Cancer
"Strength was the little engine that could. But this is not what I felt. Instead, with fear, nausea, and exhaustion, I was emotionally bare as my head."
Barbara's Story: What Bunnies and Carrots Taught Me About Healing
"I had planted those carrots, but they didn’t sprout and grow in my time frames. They grew exactly when they should, how they should, in divine timing."
Kathy's Story: Treatment Wasn't the Hard Part; Fear of Recurrence Is
"My challenge 8 years later has been the thought of possible reoccurrence. My faith has helped me live each day and kept positive thoughts upmost on a daily basis."
Lynette's Story: Mammograms Saved My Life — Twice
"I recommend that everyone should keep up to date with their regular mammograms as they have saved my life twice now."
Caracozy's Story: How I Went From Patient to Advocate
"My life changed. I don’t take any days for granted. I live to be healthy. I live to help others."
Deborah's Story: COVID Delayed My Diagnosis, But I Triumphed
"This journey of unexpected twists and turns has been trying, but from deep within and from the love and concern from others, you’re able to stand firm and not waiver under the pressure."
Adriana's Story: How My Mom's Diagnosis Changed My Life
"We spent the next few years in and out of hospitals, ER visits, and soon I became adept at discussing medical options with nurses, advocating for my mom's care. I used to be terrified of anything medical growing up. And now here I was, sitting in waiting rooms 90% of the time."
Hope's Story: How I Battled Addiction to Face My Diagnosis
"I chased oblivion, seeking comfort in the next high, the next stolen moment. The lump remained a silent sentinel, growing as I withered with each passing day."
Sierra's Story: Why I See Breast Cancer as a Life Sentence
"I also realize now that what I thought was a death sentence was really a life sentence. In the best possible way. "
DizzyLotusBottom's Story: Giving Myself the Grace to Heal
"I can cry, laugh, love — all of it. Or I can let it strip away the beautiful being I'm becoming. They are my choices to make."
Sandra's Story: Lessons I Learned Through Two Diagnoses
"A million things race through your head and fear takes the wheel. During that time it’s hard to find sunshine, a small ray of light that guides you to peace."
chen chen's Story: My Doctor Wanted to Give Me a Mastectomy Before I Was Diagnosed
"I saw this as a test for me. I tried to apply logotherapy, give some meaning to myself on receiving this terrible news."
Stephanie's Story: A Recurrence Couldn't Stop Me
"Live your life to the max and reach your goals because cancer cannot and will not stop you."
Jacquie's Story: Sweet Peaches: How I Got Through Three Diagnoses Over 50 Years
"I can still see myself sitting in that chair and the man that I thought was in love with me, and thought that were building a life. Then suddenly the bottom falls out of your life."
LAM64's Story: Surprised by the Impact of Using Hormone Replacement Therapy
"I feel that it is very important for women to understand more about hormones and the potential impact on breast care. I hope they by sharing my story, others might benefit."
Miriam's Story: Staying Active Helped Me Through Diagnosis and Beyond
"I have almost forgotten that I went through breast cancer. Once in a while I think about a chance of it or another cancer reoccurring, but I just go on enjoying life and staying active."
Heidi's Story: A Positive Genetic Test Empowered Me to Be Proactive
"I wish people knew that if they have a mutation, they have it whether they know it or not. Knowing has been so empowering and anxiety-reducing for me."
Cher's Story: Blindsided by Cancer
"The ladies in my family live forever. Not forever, of course, but very long and fruitful lives. My mother was 94, her mother was 92, my great grandmother was over a 100, my mom's sisters, 80's and 90's. The thought of breast cancer never entered my simple mind."
Jshahan's Story: Getting Informed Helped Me Make Treatment Decisions
"Don't be afraid to ask questions or ask for material. It's okay to say, 'Let me research this and I'll let you know,' when they want you to rush to a decision."
Jamie's Story: Retirement Did Not Turn Out How I Expected
"After having the retirement party of a lifetime and looking forward to doing the fun traveling, golfing, camping, hiking, backpacking, etc. with my husband, breast cancer decided to intervene."
CG's Story: My Family's Love Got Me Through
"I kept a smile on my face and as I smiled, my family stayed positive and that kept me going."
Linda's Story: Great Care and Good Health Insurance Were a Perfect Pair
"I fully appreciate the care given by the French medical system. My US health insurance surely saw my case as a bargain."
MooseMom's Story: Treatment Wasn't Fun, But Not as Bad as Expected
"I fully expected to receive the 'Great results, see you next year!' letter in the mail. Surprisingly, a few weeks later, the letter said 'something' appeared in the mammogram."
Gail's Story: Combatting Fear of Recurrence 10 Years Out
"My big fear came at every mammogram to follow for the next 5 years: that there would be a recurrence."
Anonymous's Story: Using Research to Make Treatment Decisions
"My own lack of in-depth knowledge and early fears were eased as I read the stories of others and looked up details of my diagnosis and treatment choices."
MKestrel's Story: Why I Should Have Listened to the "Panic Parrot"
"I tried to ignore what I call the 'Panic Parrot' on my shoulder squawking about fears of recurrence. I didn't talk about it because the response was always, 'Oh, think positive.' I was finally trying to move on."
Nicola's Story: How De Novo Metastatic Breast Cancer Changed My Outlook on Life
"I started seeing the light at the end of the tunnel and changed my outlook on life. I felt like I got a new lease on life and started focusing on what's important to me."
Toni's Story: Refining My Life
"I read one article about a woman who had ovarian cancer, and she said cancer has refined her. I resonated with her statement as I have changed many habits because of my cancer diagnosis."
Kattysmith's Story: Navigating an Unexpected Recurrence With Humor
"By the time I had the surgery, more lumps had appeared, including a fast-growing one on my neck."

View all