What is a Breast or Gynecologic Cancer 101?

By: Helana Shumway, Public Relations Coordinator

A Breast or Gynecologic Cancer 101 is an opportunity for a one-to-one session to help individuals manage emotions of a breast or gynecologic cancer diagnosis. These sessions are available to those who have recently been diagnosed or to those at any point in their cancer experience. 

Individuals often reach out by phone (585-473-8177) or email (info@bccr.org). Others might have a friend or family member that encourages them to reach out. Some might already be connected to the Coalition through our Discussion Groups or Healing Arts Programs. 

Whenever you are ready to connect, we are here for you. Whether you just received a diagnosis or have already completed treatment, our doors remain open to you. 

Our Programs team includes Andrea Reynolds, Rachel Rosen Simpson, and Yvonne Paul. You will connect with one of them after your initial call or email to the Coalition. We recognize how difficult reaching out can be – please know that we are here to listen and to support you. 

During this initial conversation, our Programs team will gather some initial information about your diagnosis, treatment options that you are considering, and ask some general questions to learn more about you. They will work with you to find a time for either an in-person or virtual  meeting that works for your schedule. 

For an in-person meeting, you will first meet with Andrea, Rachel, or Yvonne to learn about our programs and discussion groups. They will give you the monthly calendar along with a folder full of community resources. They will also give you a PALS Pak. 

Each PALS Pak is put together with care and consideration. The tote has a beautiful handmade quilt (made and donated by our community members) and other items of comfort that will help before, during, and after your treatment. As our Programs team says, a PALS Pak is just one piece of how we would like to help take care of you. 

After connecting with our Programs team, you will meet Christina Thompson, our Executive Director. We encourage you to come with questions or concerns relating to your diagnosis or treatment plan. This is your time to have a safe judgment-free zone, to share your struggles or fears, and to be heard with compassion. Common topics of conversation include:

• Discussing the options presented by your doctor for surgery 
• Going over unfamiliar medical terms like chemotherapy, radiation, mastectomy, lumpectomy, hysterectomy, Oncoscore, hormone receptor status, and more 
• Discussing pathology results and how those may guide the suggestions for chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, or additional treatment types 
• Discussing possible side effects from certain medical procedures or treatments
• Coming up with a list of questions to ask your doctor at an upcoming appointment
• Simply creating a space to “think out loud.” No questions are off the table!

The purpose of the Breast or Gynecologic Cancer 101 session is to provide information and support. Our goal is to empower you to make the most informed and best decisions which will work for you. We realize that questions will arise throughout your cancer treatment and beyond, and we will be by your side to support you.

Our Programs team remains as a resource to support you, and if you are interested, they will connect you with a PALS mentor. “PALS” stands for Peer Advocates Lending Support – our mentorship program that offers an added layer of peer support to connect you with someone who’s “been there.”

For example, if you are weighing two surgical options and would like to speak with someone who had a similar diagnosis and decision to make for surgery, we can connect you with a trained mentor who can share some of their experience and answer some of your questions. PAL mentors offer a more personal level of peer support separate from your oncology team. Some PALS matches can look like sharing a few phone calls or meeting up for a cup of coffee; others result in life-long friendships. 

If you have been diagnosed with breast or gynecologic cancer and would like support, we encourage you to reach out to the Breast Cancer Coalition. With open hearts, our goal is to cultivate community, empower informed decision-making, and provide compassion in all that we do. Please call us today at (585) 473-8177 or email us at info@bccr.org. We are here for you.