There’s a ton of information and support for people with breast cancer. But as a person living with metastatic breast cancer, your needs may be somewhat different from those who have earlier stage breast cancer.
Your best resource for medical information is your oncology team. They can provide you with educational materials specific to advanced breast cancer. Chances are you’ll probably want information about a variety of other aspects of life with metastatic breast cancer, too.
Several organizations provide helpful materials specifically for people with advanced breast cancer. Here are some good places to start:
Emotional and social support
Living with advanced breast cancer, you no doubt have a lot on your mind. With all the treatment decisions, physical changes, and side effects, it wouldn’t be at all unusual if you felt overwhelmed at times.
Whatever emotions you’re feeling, they’re not wrong. You don’t have to live up to anyone else’s expectations about how you should feel or what you should do. But you might want someone to talk to.
You may or may not have a spouse, family, or friends who can provide emotional and social support. Even if you do, you could still benefit from connecting with others who are also living with metastatic cancer. This is a group of people who will “get it.”
Whether it’s online or in person, support groups offer a unique opportunity to share common experiences. You can get and give support at the same time. Members of support groups often form strong bonds of friendship.
You can find support groups in your area through your oncologist’s office, a local hospital, or house of worship.
You can also check out these online forums:
Oncology social workers are only a phone call away. They’re available to help you cope with the emotional and practical challenges of breast cancer.
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