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When facing a breast cancer diagnosis, the last thing anyone should worry about is financial burden. While the medical journey itself is challenging enough, there are numerous free resources available that many patients don't know about. Today, we're sharing an extensive collection of free support services, items, and experiences designed specifically for breast cancer patients, survivors, and thrivers. Post-Surgery Recovery Items The recovery period after breast cancer surgery can be challenging, but several organizations provide free post-surgical items. The American Cancer Society's "Reach to Recovery" program offers free post-mastectomy bras and breast prostheses. Similarly, Knitted Knockers provides handmade breast prostheses at no cost. These soft, lightweight alternatives to traditional prosthetics are created by volunteers nationwide and can be requested through their website. Healing Retreats and Getaways Little Pink Houses of Hope offers week-long beach ...

You never truly know the strength of your friendships until cancer crashes into your life like an unwanted houseguest. In 2022, I made what I thought was a considerate decision – telling my closest friends about my breast cancer diagnosis before sharing it on social media. It seemed like the right thing to do. These were people I'd shared laughs with, celebrated birthdays with, people who I thought would be pillars of support during the scariest journey of my life. I remember carefully planning those conversations, bracing myself for each one. "I have cancer," I said, the words feeling foreign on my tongue. Their responses were predictable – shocked gasps, "Oh my gods," and promises to be there for me. But here's what nobody prepares you for: the deafening silence that follows. For three months into my chemo, I stayed quiet on social media. Those were dark days – days filled with nausea, fear, and a loneliness that felt like a second diagnosis. My phone stay...

Black women who advocate for breast cancer awareness on instagram @aisha_patterson @dearcancer_itsme @avamarie @angelaftercancer @brooklyn_style @trish_newyorkcity @tatatuesdays @maimahkarmo @meamotocycle @browngirlandbrcaplus @ms.ladee.sade @feminine_phenom  @britmull @blackgirlcancerclubpodcast @rickidove here's mine just in case you do not follow @elleviews

You know what's wild about surviving cancer? It's not just the disease you have to survive – it's the aftermath of realizing who people really are. Recently, I had one of those conversations that make your soul tired. You know the type – where someone tries to rewrite history while you're still living with the scars. Let me be crystal clear: I'm not sharing this from a place of anger. I'm sharing this because it's real, it's raw, and somewhere out there, another cancer warrior is going through the same thing, feeling crazy for feeling abandoned. You're not crazy, sis. Your feelings are valid. After finishing chemo and surgery, I found my tribe at Camp Breastie. For the first time, I was surrounded by people who got it – really got it. No explanation needed. No fake smiles. Just pure, unfiltered understanding. And wouldn't you know it? That's when the guilt trips started rolling in. One of my "friends" – and yes, those quotation mark...

Let me keep it a hundred with y'all – this cancer journey ain't just about the medical stuff. It's about finding your people, your tribe, your community. And let me tell you, that journey has been just as wild as anything else I've been through. When I first got diagnosed, I was thrown into these support groups that had me feeling like I walked into my grandma's church social – except everyone was talking about cancer. Don't get me wrong, I respect their journeys, but sitting there listening to people who had cancer before I was even born? Baby, that wasn't it. They're talking about retirement and grandkids, while I'm trying to figure out how to be a mama to my 8-year-old while fighting for my life. Different struggles, different chapters, different books entirely. But here's where it gets real – every time I meet young cancer warriors, the first thing I ask them is, "You involved with any support groups? The Breasties? Tigerlily? Triple Neg...

 1 . Stupid Cancer:      - Instagram: @stupidcancer    - Website: www.stupidcancer.org    - Provides free resources, support, and events for young adults affected by cancer. 2. CancerCare Young Adult Program:    - Instagram: @cancercare    - Website: www.cancercare.org    - Offers free counseling, support groups, and financial assistance for young adults with cancer. 3. The Samfund:    - Instagram: @thesamfund    - Website: www.thesamfund.org    - Provides grants for young adult cancer survivors to help with financial burdens related to treatment and recovery. 4. Ulman Foundation:    - Instagram: @ulmanfoundation    - Website: www.ulmanfoundation.org    - Offers free support services, scholarships, and resources for young adults affected by cancer. 5. Cancer and Careers:    - Instagram: @cancerandcareers    - Website:...

1. Follow your doctor's instructions: It's important to follow your doctor's post-operative instructions regarding wound care, medications, and activity restrictions. 2. Take pain medication as prescribed: Managing pain is crucial for your comfort and recovery. Take your prescribed pain medication as directed by your doctor. 3. Gradually increase activity: Start with gentle movements and gradually increase your activity level as tolerated. This can help prevent stiffness and promote healing. 4. Perform shoulder exercises: Regularly perform gentle shoulder exercises recommended by your healthcare team to prevent frozen shoulder and maintain range of motion. 5. Use pillows for support: Place pillows under your arms or between your arms and torso to provide support and reduce discomfort while sleeping or resting. 6. Wear comfortable clothing: Choose loose-fitting, soft clothing that doesn't put pressure on the surgical site. Front-opening or loose-fitting tops can be easie...

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that living with TNBC means finding a balance between vigilance and living your life. The fear of recurrence never fully goes away, but it doesn’t have to define you. Surround yourself with people who lift you up, seek out information and support, and don’t be afraid to make the choices that feel right for you. This is your journey, and you have the right to navigate it on your terms.

I know I’m not the most articulate person. I know I come from the ghettos of America. My jargon isn’t perfect, and my physical appearance might scream “around the way.” You wouldn’t know just by looking at me that I’m actually pretty educated. It’s wild to me that, despite all of that, I’ve been getting so many opportunities within the breast cancer community. I’ve been consistent, and people want to hear my horrifying story of being a Black woman from the ghetto who was misdiagnosed for two years. Boo hoo, right? But seriously, my story is doing something I’ve always dreamed of—it’s changing the narrative of what people think breast cancer looks like. That has always been one of my goals because, let’s be real, breast cancer doesn’t care if you’re young or old, Black or white , rich or poor. It doesn’t discriminate. When I first started sharing my story, I didn’t think it would resonate with so many people. I thought, “Who’s going to listen to me?” But the more I spoke, the more I re...

At 33 years old, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was a moment that shattered my world and forced me to confront a reality I never thought I’d face so young. Now, at 36, I’ve learned so much about my body, my mind, and the unconventional ways I’ve managed to navigate this journey. One of the most transformative decisions I made was choosing cannabis over the narcotics my oncologist prescribed. It wasn’t an easy choice, but it was the right one for me. Before my diagnosis, I had been a regular cannabis consumer for years. Like many young adults, I used it recreationally, but I also noticed how it helped me manage stress and sleep better. When I started chemotherapy, I quickly realized that the medications I was prescribed weren’t helping me—they were hurting me. The anti-nausea drugs, painkillers, and sleep aids left me feeling loopy, disconnected, and, frankly, worse than the symptoms they were supposed to treat. I ended up in the ER multiple times because of side effects like se...

T hey say cancer changes you. What they don't tell you is how it changes everything else – especially your relationships. Now that my hair has grown back and I'm "out in the world" again, people see me and think everything's okay. They see the surface – the physical recovery – but they don't see the years that cancer stole from me. They don't understand that while they were living their lives, I was frozen in time, fighting for mine. C ancer ghosting That's what happened. When I was in the thick of things – when I needed support the most – certain friends just... disappeared. The silence during those vulnerable moments spoke volumes. Now, these same people act like nothing happened, like there isn't an elephant in the room the size of my chemotherapy port. I ran into an old friend recently. The encounter was awkward, heavy with unspoken words. They smiled and chatted as if the past few years hadn't happened, as if they hadn't been absent du...

Survivorship isn't just about beating cancer. It's about navigating this new reality where some relationships don't fit anymore. It's about accepting that while cancer took years of my life, it also gave me clarity about who and what truly matters. To my fellow survivors: it's okay to feel this disconnect. It's okay to outgrow relationships that couldn't weather your storm. You don't owe anyone an explanation for protecting your peace. And to those who disappeared: I've learned that not everyone is equipped to handle the weight of cancer. That's okay too. But understand that your absence left a mark deeper than any surgical scar, and my silence now isn't forgiveness – it's forward motion. Because the truth is, I do breathe different now. Each breath is more intentional, more precious, and I choose carefully who I share this new air with.

2024 marked my first year in remission—my first year of survivorship. Real talk though: being diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer as a young Black woman hit different. The stats don't lie—Black women are 41% more likely to die from breast cancer than white women, and we're getting diagnosed younger and at later stages. For real, Black women under 35 are getting TNBC at twice the rate of white women, and that shit is wild. I was talking to someone recently about how the word "SurvivHer" feels heavy on my tongue. Still got my port, still getting infusions, haven't even touched reconstruction yet. I know, I know—"You're a SurvivHer from diagnosis," that's what everyone says. But it just don't sit right with me yet, so "Shriver" it is until I'm ready. People always asking me, "How do you deal with triple-negative and knowing recurrence could come quick?" I keep it 100—I just do. It is what it is. No fancy speeches...

 today. I spoke too the committee whewwwwww I was so nervous. I  have been volunteering with the American cancer society since I was first diagnosed I met this amazing Dr. at an event in my hometown we kept in contact via instagram , asked if she could connect me with someone of course I said yes , I honestly assume it was a newly diagnosed person. It was actually acs asking if I ever receive bioMarker testing I told them I'm pretty sure I did , so I contacted my nurse navigator asked her to confirmed an she called me right away . She confirmed an sent over exactly what type of testing I had, I actually told her what it was for so she broke it down in jargon I can understand lol which helped me out so much. That was march of 2023 a week out of surgery . I didn't know what I was doing making all these videos professing my urging for biomarker testing, I just didn't think my story would be the story that politicians would agree pass ME???? October 2024 I was invited to share ...

 Here's what happened this yea!!!!  Lately I have been trying to reconstruct the website, to my vision it's been a wild ride with trying to build this ,authentically by myself. Its important to me that women receive the same if not better resources that I have been granted. I wanted to share my journey while actively going through it although its been hard af , its exactly what I needed I am so grateful for the community I have created for myself my new friends , new family , new sisters I mean honestly who the fuck would have thought Cancer would do this.  In 2024 I thought I would have went under reconstruction but NO I still have not ! most of ''24'' I was upset about that seeing my other breasties , get their surgeries made me feel so stuck. I was so happy for them , still am but I often feel like when am I next ? Well I now know ! No official date but thats my fault ,  I just recently was introduced to a new surgeon tho I think may be my potential new dr. I...