Education is POWER! Here is a (growing) list of trusted organizations and resources to expand your knowledge of breast cancer, support cancer patients (emotionally and fiscally), learn how to access genetic testing, and beyond.

Know Your Lemons – “For breast cancer symptoms, there is more than just a lump! Knowing the 12 symptoms of breast cancer can help you be more confident to report a persistent breast change that doesn’t come and go with your menstrual cycle.” – Know Your Lemons

I wish I had known about this site before my diagnosis! It is an amazing resource for learning how to do a self exam, symptoms of breast cancer, and information about breast cancer in general. There is a neat app you can download, too! Breast exams should be done monthly, so please add this to your list of things to do to help keep your health in check. Download the app today and share this resource with a friend.

Tri-Cities Cancer Center – I am a proud patient at the Tri-Cities Cancer Center and their Foundation does so many amazing things to support patients like providing gift cards for transportation, helping with out of pocket expenses that insurance won’t cover, free screenings, providing meals for patients, and so much more. If you are in a position to do so, I would encourage donating to TCCC or getting involved as a volunteer.

Metavivor – Did you know that each year, 200,000 Americans are diagnosed with breast cancer? Six to ten percent of these diagnoses are metastatic, or stage IV, and approximately another 30% of breast cancer patients develop metastatic breast cancer, but only 2-5% of research funding goes to metastatic breast cancer.

Metavivor is a great resource for learning more about what it means to be stage IV and learning how we can better support stage IV patients. Those with a diagnosis of MBC have unique needs such as the need for expedited benefits, including Social Security and disability income. They also want to have the right to try new treatment and therapies and, of course, need affordable health insurance that will meet their unique needs.

I think this is a great site for educational purposes, but also for supporting fiscally.

Invitae Genetic Testing – I realize genetic counseling can be a financial barrier for folks who don’t have insurance or your insurance won’t cover it. Sometimes getting a referral for genetic testing can be challenging, if not impossible. Fear not! Invitae is an awesome organization that provides cancer, cardio, and genetic health screening. You do not need a referral from a doctor. Screenings range from $250 – $350 and an independent physician reviews your results (there is an additional fee for the review, though.) My genetic testing was sent through this site. I highly recommend it.

Chemo bags – Chemo bags are like the quintessential item for surviving treatment, aside from the chemo itself, duh. If you hear of a friend starting treatment, you should build them a bag. You may be asking how or what to put in that bag and I am so glad you asked! As your unofficial cancer guide, I am here to offer some ~pro~ tips! (I should add “cancer pro” to my LinkedIn skills section!) Customize as you see fit, but I am just saying that a chemo bag was one of the nicest, most considerate things anyone has ever given me.