This year, 266,120 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in the United States. One in eight women will be affected by the disease. Men get it too. Take a moment to think about your relationship with your breasts and what to do if you have a problem.

Like old friends, they have always been there for you. Until the day the doctor tells you a small opaque sphere on an X-ray and you hear the word Cancer. And then, as in most relationships in your life, your relationship with your breasts will change. Maybe your relationship with life will be changed. And in a very strange way … this will call growth.

For every woman who receives the news that something is malignant in her breast, the reaction will be slightly different. Some will have had some sort of intuitive knowledge of what the diagnosis might be. Others, shocked, may find themselves paralyzed by fear.

Some women will seek support and comfort in the arms of family and friends, while others will have to be alone, at least in the beginning, to take into account the possibilities of the future.

But for every woman who is diagnosed with breast cancer, she will want to gather information. She will need options. To know what choices she can make. To find out what resources will be available to her as she will transform her new identity as a woman with breast cancer – and, hopefully, later – as a survivor of this all too common disease.

Here are some Tallahassee entities that can help you along the way. This is not an exhaustive list, but a list that can offer help in navigating your medical plan, transportation problems, financial problems, postoperative appearance, reconstruction and support services.

Tallahassee Memorial Health Care Cancer Center

Kathy Brooks, Oncology Service Line Administrator: 850-431-4226

"We perform about 1500-2000 chemotherapy infusions each month at the Cancer Center. About 275 new patients with breast cancer are included each year. Since the process can be discouraging, a browser is assigned to each patient to help them understand their treatment and move it forward. "

Social workers will work individually with patients to provide counseling. If necessary, sources of financial support are identified through the TMH Foundation or external entities providing fuel cards and assistance for the payment of medicines. The volunteers of the American Cancer Society are available to help with the transportation of treatments.

Spiritual needs are supported through TMH's chaplaincy services and support groups, which meet 1-2 days per month and are available indefinitely for patients, their caregivers, and their survivors.

At the Women's Center, mastectomy bras with loads, as well as wigs during chemotherapy are provided.

In addition, TMH offers pet therapy and music therapy services at the Cancer Center. And a popular ukulele group has formed within the perfusion center for patients spending hours in treatment.

Breast Center of the Capital Regional Medical Center

MaryAnn Pedersen, Cancer Specialist Nurse: 850-325 5800

"We like that a navigator accompanies the patient during his first visits to the doctor, the radiation oncologist or the surgeon. Anxiety can be high and sometimes patients do not know what to ask or do not understand the answers. We are here to help them feel comfortable with the information they are given. "

"We provide educational materials, as well as ancillary services such as postoperative physical therapy, dietician consultations, lymphedema management, as well as assistance for transportation and finances. We help patients associate with a number of support groups such as the Joanna Francis Foundation. "

American Cancer Society

Tracy Thompson, Senior Manager Community Development. 850-297-0588

"We sponsor a number of fundraising efforts in the community, including Relay For Life and Stride For Life. We work in partnership with many hospitals and health centers and provide physical, material and educational resources. "

Among the services are:

Achieving recovery, an association of age and type of cancer peers with other women "who have been there".

Road to recovery, which provides transportation for those who undergo chemotherapy. It is often provided by volunteers who have survived cancer and by student volunteers from the former USSR.

Phone Support Service: 1-800-227-2345 is a resource line of the American Cancer Society open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, to provide information and help.

Hotel partners, Four Points by Sheraton hotels, Extended Stay America and Baymont Suites, where patients who receive treatment outside the city can stay for free or at a discounted rate.

Free wigs and underwear for cancer patients are available at the offices of the American Cancer Society.

Joanna Francis Foundation Living Well

850-508-3622.

One of the support groups, the Living Well Foundation offers a group meeting on the first Monday of the month at 18h. at 1600 Miccosukee, at Goodwood Plantation. The Foundation also provides financial assistance for the daily expenses of a woman with breast cancer.

Review reminder

Breast Cancer Awareness Month and its countless pink reminders is the perfect time for all women – and all men – to become familiar with their breasts again.

It's time to do their self-examination. It's time to plan this mammogram. It's time to do these things without fearing what you might find. Our community has many resources to help you keep your breasts healthy and, if necessary, take care of those who have become "sick".

After all, it's the least you can do for your old friends.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Throughout the month, the Democrat will feature articles on survivors, treatment, research and prevention in collaboration with our sponsor, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare.

Marina Brown, R.N., BSN, can be contacted at [email protected]

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