Introducing BCA One-to-One
Support from Women Who’ve Been There
No one should have to go through breast cancer alone. That is the overriding principle behind BCA One-to-One, the support group newly formed by the Breast Cancer Alliance. “Family, friends and doctors are obviously the most critical network for a breast cancer patient, but there is nothing like talking to someone who has been through this herself,” says Cindy Biondi, a BCA board member and organizer of BCA One-to-One.
The goal of this group of 15 breast cancer survivors is to provide emotional and practical support, not medical advice. That’s an important distinction, notes Cindy. “We are not there to make medical decisions, but to support them. We are there to offer friendship, to listen, to understand fears and offer a sounding board when one is feeling overwhelmed. We are there to help women get the information they need, determine what questions to ask, and find the products and services they require. We are there to offer an open ear and heart when it is most needed”
BCA One-to-One has established a reference library and put together lists of resources, questions to ask doctors, tips for getting through treatment and items to make patients more comfortable. They are creating baskets of helpful items to give to women who inquire about BCA One-to-One services.
“We realize there are other websites and services in our area,” continues Cindy, “but we wanted to augment those by providing an opportunity for a one-to-one conversational experience for newly-diagnosed individuals.”
Sample resources the group will provide include:
- Items of Comfort and Care – advice on what types of clothing, food and lotions can help during surgery, radiation and reconstruction. The group will also discuss what types of exercise, books and distractions can relieve stress and help create a calm, relaxing atmosphere. [read more]
- Questions to Raise with Doctors – help with formulating questions on genetic and other testing, short-term and long-term expectations during treatment, how to help family members deal with the disease, alternative treatments, surgical options and how to understand all the roles of all the different doctors involved in care.
- Information Resources – lists of books and websites that can be invaluable resources. These include books offering medical information, spiritual guidance, firsthand accounts of personal experience with the disease and inspirational journals. Just as important, the group will help navigate misinformation sometimes found on the Internet and point out where reliable research can be found. [read more]
- Tips and Tricks – practical advice for getting through a frightening, tedious experience. This ranges from knowing when to rely on a friend to organizing the paperwork involved in your treatment. [read more]
If you or anyone you may know are diagnosed with breast cancer or currently going through treatment, BCA One-to-One can be of tremendous help in navigating through a difficult time. Please call the Breast Cancer Alliance office at 203-861-0014 to connect with a BCA One-To-One volunteer or email us at bcaonetoone@breastcanceralliance.org.
