Cancer is a huge thing for anyone to deal with at any age. Being a mom of two and having a family history of breast cancer, I want to make sure my children are well awareness on the subject. There are a plethora of resources available and support for those with cancer and their families — many more than I had access to when my mom first had cancer in 2003.
Her cancer reappeared in 2015, causing her to get a double mastectomy and reconstruction.
By being a part of this whole journey with her, it has made me readily aware of different resources that I want to share with you.
Helpful Breast Cancer Books
Being a mom has helped me understand what it must have been like to be scared as my mom was when she was fighting cancer. I found these books especially helpful:
The Breast Cancer Survival Manual by John Link. A great manual that has been updated, but answers lots of questions.
My Parent Has Cancer and It Really Sucks by Maya Silver. A book I wish I had when I was kid that I think is helpful for kids now.
Chicken Soup for the Breast Cancer Survivor’s Soul by Jack Canfield. A good book for anyone who has a family member with cancer to see from a survivor’s perspective.
Self-Exam and Mammogram Information
Don’t underestimate the power of self-examination.
Breast Self Exams done monthly are important. It is helpful because you know your body and can notice a lump or some abnormality. Don’t panic if you do feel something, call your doctor and go in for an exam. Not all lumps are cancer.
Mammograms should be done annually after age 40. But if you have a history of breast cancer in your family there might be a younger age at which your doctor says you should start them. Since my mom was 42 when she first had cancer, I was told I needed my first one at 32.
Solis Mammography has multiple locations around the metroplex and are easy to schedule an appointment with.
More Great Resources
Still looking for more info? I remember doing deep dives on breast cancer, too. Here are additional resources.
Breastcancer.org is an amazing resource for questions.
Susan G. Komen is also a resource I looked into and started doing a Breast Cancer walk yearly. They also have support groups.
National Breast Cancer Foundation answers a lot of questions and has many support options available.
Texas Breast Center in Southlake has great support and is local.
If you have a history of breast cancer in your family ask about the BRCA Gene testing. It can be helpful to know if you are at a higher risk.
As moms we need resources to get support and peace of mind about cancer. Besides the community within our groups here at Fort Worth Moms there are also groups to help if you or someone in your family is dealing with breast cancer. Breast Cancer Community Group Page is one but there are also local ones through the places where you maybe getting treatment.
Be knowledgeable about cancer that has shown up in your family history. Support is all around you. Help others around you know that they are not alone and help them see the information that is available to them. I plan to pass it on to my children and I hope you will pass it along as well.
