Breast Cancer Resources - they are out there

In the short amount of time since I've been diagnosed with BC, I have been surprised at all of the resources and assistance available to cancer patients.  Hearing the words that you have cancer is probably in the top three scariest things that a person will ever hear.  Once past the shock of that news, the fear sets in as you do your research to try to determine what your chances are of surviving this thing.  I've come to learn that I am already a survivor - I'm still here!  Next comes the worries about finances, how are you going to pay for everything involved in your treatment; worries about work and whether or not you'll still have a job at the end of your treatment; and then you finally get down to the reality of how the treatments are going to change your looks, lifestyle, etc.  Lots to process and it all seems to be thrown at you at rapid fire speed.

Through my research and in talking to others I have been learning every day about services that exist for cancer patients.  First and foremost, you will want to contact your local American Cancer Society.  They are absolutely wonderful and will answer any questions that you may have and can refer you to the appropriate venues for the services that you need.  A friend told me about a website that will assist with some of the necessities that will incur during treatment:  www.breastcancerfreebies.com.  Another site that will provide services to patients and their caregivers is bcconnections.org. 

Today I went to a class at the Cancer Society called Look Good Feel Better.  They provided each person in the class with a beautiful makeup kit full of great products, along with instructions on how to apply (and draw in those eyebrows that are about to fall off).  They also went over hair loss and how to tie scarves, wig care, etc.  It was informative and, I thought such a nice gesture to help women look and feel better when they are really about to be feeling their worst.  After the class a few of us were escorted to another area of the building where they had a "wig bank".  We were allowed to try on many different wigs (all brand new and high quality) and were told that we could choose any one that we wanted and take it, along with a hat or cap for free.  All the ladies left the two hour class feeling a little bit better and with a smile on their faces.  Being pampered is a nice thing when you are feeling kinda low.  It was also a gentle reminder that we are not in this alone.

I am grateful for all of the nice people who devote their lives to making other people's lives just a little bit brighter when things seem so grim.  To have these services available allows the patient to concentrate on the healing process and alleviates a lot of the other worries that get in the way.  I hope and plan to give back and help others when I reach the other side of this battle.