Back in 2004 when my mother was first diagnosed with breast cancer, the very first online resource I turned to was Breastcancer.org. I don’t remember how I ended up there or exactly why; I only know that I did. I still have articles I printed off from the site during that tumultuous time.
I’ve been wondering lately about where many of us turn when that information seeking frenzy sets in after a cancer diagnosis hits your family. Often you hear advice suggesting that you should refrain from Googling or seeking medical information online. I don’t agree with that advice. There is a ton of valuable information and support to be found online. And come on, who in this day in age is not going to go online looking for information anyway?
The key is to turn to reputable sites which provide sound information. Breastcancer.org is one of them. As stated on their website, their mission is as follows:
Our mission is to help women and their loved ones make sense of the complex medical and personal information about breast health and breast cancer, so they can make the best decisions for their lives.
I like how the mission specifically includes ‘loved ones’ as well. Maybe that’s how I first ended up there…
Regardless, I appreciate the mission and it’s one reason why I am pleased to make another little announcement which, once again, is kind of a big deal, to me anyway. Breastcancer.org is now featuring my book, Getting Past the Fear: A Guide to Help You Mentally Prepare for Chemotherapy, on their website’s shop for books page. I am very pleased and proud of this new partnership. Thank you, breastcancer.org, for your confidence in and support of my book.
I am very excited to share this news with you, my dear readers, and hope you’ll help me in passing it along!
Reaching more women and helping them face chemo for the first time feeling a little more prepared and a little less fearful, continues to be my mission, well one of them anyway!
Thank you for you help!
Where did you first look for information online about breast cancer?
Where do you turn most often these days?
Fran Thibadeau
Sunday 3rd of August 2014
Nancy, congratulations once again for your book being highlighted on breastcancer.org ! That is an accomplishment that you should never take lightly. I don't know another person who has been recognized in this way. I just wanted to tell you I am very proud of you, and all of your accomplishments. I am sticking with you, Nancy, and have no doubt I will never be sorry. You are the best !
Nancy
Monday 4th of August 2014
Fran, Thanks so much! You're very kind.
eileen@womaninthehat.com
Saturday 2nd of August 2014
That's awesome that Breastcancer.org is featuring your book! That was my go-to site during treatment.
Nancy
Sunday 3rd of August 2014
Eileen, Mine too. And thank you! I am pretty pleased about my partnership with them. Also, thanks again for the wonderful review you wrote for my book too, Eileen. I appreciate your support.
Claudia Schmidt
Wednesday 30th of July 2014
Hi Nancy, One of the first places I went was breastcancer.org as well. And, in fact, they're still my favorite site as they have everything I ever needed, from pre-diagnosis, to diagnosis, to chemo, to lumptectomy, to mastectomy and reconstruction. And, to your point, they also include the emotional side as well as offering resources for family members. They continue to be a source of the best info around, for me.
Nancy
Wednesday 30th of July 2014
Claudia, It seems there are quite a few of us who turned to Breastcancer.org first. It is a great resource and I'm pleased to have my book featured there. Thanks for reading and sharing.
Elissa Malcohn
Tuesday 22nd of July 2014
Breastcancer.org was and is one of my go-to places. The first place I looked online was my hospital's website, where I learned about (and contacted) my local BC support group and got the contact info for the ACS Resource Center. The resource center rep pointed me to a couple of documents on the ACS website, another of my go-to places.
Nancy
Wednesday 23rd of July 2014
Elissa, It's great that many hospitals now have resource centers and/or patient navigators to help us find available resources. It's so important to be able to do that. Thanks for sharing about the ones you turned to. Hope you're doing well.
Fran Thibadeau
Tuesday 22nd of July 2014
I went to Breastcancer.org first, too. Then I branched out and tested other chat groups. I was on Lifetime.com for about 4 years, and experienced my first loss of a good friend on that site. Oh my, what an emotional time that was for me!
I still float around a bit, but read your blog the most. I feel comfortable here, like it is a "real" blog group, and one I have no compulsion to keep my mouth shut most of the time. I got really honest on your site several months ago, and was helped tremendously. I appreciate groups where I feel comfortable sharing what is on my mind and not having to worry about my story being repeated on open sites. I am just very skiddish, and trust is very important to me.
You are the best! And I am happy to see that Breastcancer.org knows quality when they see it ! That is a big deal, girl, you have made it to the big time !!
Big hugs, Fran
Nancy
Wednesday 23rd of July 2014
Fran, I have not ever heard of Lifetime.com - there are a lot of sites to choose from I guess. I'm sorry about your friend, losing friends is so hard. I like hearing that you feel comfortable here, that means a lot. Thanks for reading and for your kind words and good wishes too.