How to Find Mastectomy Resources

When you are told that you have breast cancer, it is natural to feel alone with the enormity of the disease. The reality is that there are many women and even men who have been inflicted in such a way. With a little research, it is easy to find mastectomy resources.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Internet access
• Computer
• Phone

1. Investigate your resources. Visit the official Breast Cancer Web site and the Mayo Clinic Web site (see Resources below). Visiting the library and purchasing medical journals is another step in making sure you are informed.
2. Look up independent organizations. There are many facilities founded by the families of cancer patients or the survivors themselves, including the Susan G. Komen Foundation, Gilda’s Club and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. There are support groups and information available through these Web sites, many of which offer supplemented or free services for early detection exams and surgery.
3. Use the phone to learn more or gather support. There are support hotlines, such as the Susan G. Komen helpline at 1-800-IM-AWARE, the American Cancer Society at (800) ACS-2345 and Gilda’s Club at (888) GILDA-4U.
4. Talk to your doctor. Your doctor may know of local groups and community resources, even medical studies, that you might take part in if you want to find some way to help while coping.
5. Ask for help. Let those that you love know that you are open to their support. It can be difficult to be vulnerable, but cancer is not a burden that you carry alone.

Tips & Warnings

• Your best defense against breast cancer and perhaps having to have a mastectomy is early detection via self-exams and mammograms.
• Gather information yourself so you are more comfortable talking with your doctor. Know what questions to ask when looking for resources.
• Don’t hesitate to get a second opinion if you are not sure that your doctor shares your concerns. A second doctor might have other resources for you to try.