AdvancedBreastCancer.net is TWO!

Happy birthday, AdvancedBreastCancer.net! The end of January marks the 2-year anniversary of our community. To celebrate this anniversary, we want to focus on another year full of meaningful connections, conversations, articles, and an amazing community. To this end, we want to share some highlights from the past year and give a special THANK YOU to all our members and advocates.

Sharing experiences

Below are articles and stories that are written by advocates and community members who have been impacted by advanced breast cancer. These posts highlight the different experiences of this community, including different stages and different types of advanced breast cancer. We learn so much from others who have been diagnosed. Although no 2 cancer experiences are the same (different types of breast cancer, different treatment choices, or symptoms and side effects), there are often similarities or shared experiences. Knowing you are not alone and having a place to ask questions, share frustrations, and find support can make an incredible difference.

Newly diagnosed

Have you been diagnosed with advanced or metastatic breast cancer over the past 6 months? Hear from others who talk about their new diagnosis:

• Community Shares: Advice for Newly Diagnosed with Advanced and Metastatic Breast Cancer
• Fear, Part I
• Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Series – Things to Know If You Are Newly Diagnosed
• Medical Bias

Understanding advanced breast cancer

An advanced breast cancer diagnosis is overwhelming. There are so many things to consider, including determining a treatment plan. Understanding the type of breast cancer is important for determining treatment options. Check out our articles below that highlight some of the differences and the impact on treatment:

• Treating Different Types of Breast Cancer
• Common Breast Cancer Subtypes and Metastasis Locations
• What It Was Like
• What is Inflammatory Breast Cancer?
• Breaking Up Is Hard to Do: Why It May Be Time to Break up with your Oncologist
• Understanding HER2-Positive and HER2-Negative Breast Cancer
• A HER2+ Diagnosis Interview

Living with an advanced breast cancer diagnosis

Some of you were diagnosed advanced right from the start, while others were initially diagnosed early-stage and then had a recurrence. No matter what your diagnosis path, people with advanced and metastatic breast cancer and their loved ones need help and support. Hear from some of our advocates:

• Having a Village: The Importance of Friends when Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer
• A Thrivers Life
• Living With MBC Without a Caregiver (Part 1)
• Do Patient Advocates Need A Special Type of Support?
• Journaling Series – Getting Started
• 10 Myths and Facts About Male Breast Cancer

Caregivers

Receiving a diagnosis of advanced breast cancer can be a life-altering experience, not only for the person diagnosed but also for the person who becomes the person’s primary caregiver. Being a caregiver asks for a lot of time and patience, and we want caregivers to know that we recognize all you are doing and continue to do for your loved one. We are here for you. Read one of our articles about caregiving, or share your story below:

• Community Views: How Does Being a Caregiver Impact Your Life?
• What Is It Really Like to Be a Caregiver? Results of the 2020 Caregiving In America Survey

The reason we are here

In December, we asked you why you are a part of this community. This is how some of you responded:

• "They are my people." (Abigail, Advocate)
• "It helps knowing other people out there experience the same things I do, like fatigue and pain, fear and anxiety." (Debra, Community Member)
• "It's nice to talk to people who actually understand what I'm going through. Tired of having to explain why, how, when, where over and over..." (Rachel, Community Member)
• "This group of people gets me, understands my daily pains and joys, and offers unconditional love and support." (Amy, Advocate)
• "Hopefully I can inspire others being an almost 5-year survivor." (Donna, Community Member)
• "There is excellent information as well as personal experience and support." (Donna, Community Member)
• "I enjoy the friendship, support, and helpful information, as well as reminding me that I’m not alone in this disease." (Caroline, Community Member)

Today, tomorrow, and always, we are here for you to offer information and support.

In loving memory

We would also like to take a moment to honor our advocates who have passed away over the past year. While they are no longer physically with us, they remain forever in our thoughts and hearts.

• Bob Holden
• Emily Garnett
• April Doyle

If you would like to honor the memory of a friend or loved one who is no longer with us, please visit our memory wall.

A message to our community

It has been an honor to continue to grow this community with you over the past year. Each of you has contributed to creating an environment where we can share our emotions freely, knowing there are others who understand what you are going through. We know an advanced breast cancer diagnosis is life-changing. That is why we are here. Thank you all for showing each other support, connection, sharing your hopes and fears, picking each other up, and most of all, just being here. We look forward to continuing to share with you over the next year and beyond!

Love,
Laura and Amani (AdvancedBreastCancer.net Team Members)