Finding Breast Cancer Community Support

1. Finding Breast Cancer Community Support Having a solid breast cancer community is integral to a woman’s fight against breast cancer. A community will surround and support her throughout her diagnosis, treatment, and recovery so she is never alone in the battle. However, finding that community can be challenging amidst the ongoing appointments, treatments, and other stressors. If you are a woman battling breast cancer and need a community, you are not alone. Luckily, there are multiple ways to find support from a loving community. If you do not know where to search, here are a few places to start. Where Can I Find Support From the Breast Cancer Community? Members of the breast cancer community Oklahoma can be found throughout the state, ranging from your closest loved ones to fellow survivors you have yet to meet. Each person serves a critical role in your journey with breast cancer. Seek Out Support from Your Inner Circle More people have a personal connection with breast cancer than you may think. Your family members or friends may have faithfully walked through treatment with a loved one or battled it themselves. These individuals often know you the best, so they can provide a deep level of support you cannot get anywhere else. Try Out a Breast Cancer Support Group Joining a support group can be intimidating and overwhelming, especially in the early stages of your breast cancer journey. However, a breast cancer support group can provide you with a strong community that completely understands what you are going through. Support groups are filled with other breast cancer survivors who have walked in your shoes, so they can help guide you, answer your questions, and provide emotional support during even the most challenging moments. Look Within Your Healthcare Team Your healthcare team, from your oncologist and nurses to your nutritionist and counselor, is ready to support you as you face breast cancer. Their support goes beyond finding the right treatment plan; these professionals are committed to helping you live the healthiest life possible.

2. Join a Breast Cancer Organization Breast cancer organizations are excellent sources of community for breast cancer survivors. Various organizations, such as Project31, often host fun activities and events to connect you with others in the breast cancer community Oklahoma. Plus, these organizations often supply members with a variety of resources to help them throughout their breast cancer treatment and recovery. If You Are Feeling Nervous About Finding Your Community: It is entirely normal to feel nervous or hesitant about building a community as you battle breast cancer. If you can relate to these feelings, there is no need to worry. Here are some tips to keep in mind: Do not rush yourself. Battling breast cancer is overwhelming physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Do not rush into joining a support group or organization if you are not ready. ● Be open-minded. Opening yourself up to a community, no matter what it consists of, may require vulnerability and getting out of your comfort zone. Embrace it if you are ready. ● It is okay to change groups. If you decide to join your first breast cancer support group and it is not the right fit, it is okay to change groups. Finding a group with a dynamic that you are comfortable with is important. ● Build a community for you. Every woman’s community looks different. Surround yourself with individuals and groups that support and love you as you are. ● Find Your Community with Project31 We would love to have you join our breast cancer community at Project31. Project31 was founded by breast cancer survivors to meet the need for a supportive community that so many women desire as they battle breast cancer. Our services extend from monthly in-person and virtual support group meetings to fun and educational events throughout the year. Please get in touch with us to find a support group or for more information on becoming a part of our community.