Resources. Support. Services.

Oct 4, 20244 min read

Cancer is an ugly truth.

It's one of those things.....well I don't even know what I'm trying to say.

When I received those words, day one of my journey began!

I dove into researching as much as I could. I wanted to know everything I could about breast cancer and my breast.

I looked through so many websites offering the world of resources, support, and information.

I read about the science of it and the intimacies of it.

I learned a lot. And some of it I remember.

I want to take the time here to give a shout out to some of these organizations.

The big and the small.

The new and the old.

For information on all of these facilities, organizations, and services, please click the highlighted name.

BREAST CANCER HEALTH CENTER at Cedars-Sinai

Since sharing my journey others have shared theirs. This blog being fresh in their minds, I have been contacted with inquiries about this facility and it's doctors.

You ever think about reviews? They're front and center on Yelp and Amazon. A lot of people can have the same experiences and a few can have the opposite, whatever it may be.

My experience here has been 5 stars with an A+.

Even though I have friends and acquaintances who've kicked breast cancer's butt, I didn't go to any of them asking for recommendations.

My first inquiry was made to God. This was no surprise to Him. I knew He already had personnel in place. My OB/GYN, who is a wonderful physician, got the ball rolling with whom he knew would be the best oncology surgeon for me. She set me up with whom she knew was the best medical oncologist for me and the best radiology oncologist for me.

I use the word best a lot because we should remember that when our doctors refer us to someone they admire, they've worked with, and have years of a built up partnership with, everyone is 'their' best.

The Breast Cancer Health Center at Cedars-Sinai was my first stop. I was impressed by the facility itself.

Even the spa like music and comfy pod chairs in the waiting area had an aura of care. From the ultrasound to the biopsy my team spoiled me. They spoiled me with patience, kindness, and expertise.

Because I researched a lot I had a lot of questions. And I would shoot them off rapidly!

And yet they are so much more than a center of physicians.

Comprehensive care from start to finish.

Breast Cancer Screening

Support

Survivorship Services

Dedicated to helping patients live life to the fullest.

Breast Reconstruction

And so much more.

Going through this is unnerving to say the least. Being prayed up everyday of course helped with the pings of anxiety over uncertainty, but everyone here made me feel at ease and I did feel an incredible amount of peace.

I very much recommend

Saul and Joyce Brandman Breast Center—The Cedars‑Sinai Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute

Cedars‑Sinai Cancer is proud to be consistently ranked among the best cancer programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

SUSAN G KOMEN BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION

One of the most biggest organizations across the nation providing a wide range of services, not only for patients but for caregivers as well.

Their tag line is A Race for the Cure. They are indeed one of the highest ranking "fight for a cure" organizations against breast cancer with a vast team of physicians, medical scientists, and healthcare workers.

They are committed to working with researchers and healthcare providers to achieve the arduous task of ending breast cancer, and thoroughly indebted to the care and well being of cancer patients from the physical, to the emotional, to the financial.

All of this while providing an abundance of organizational support and resources for each women's own particular journey. Their navigators offer free, personalized support to patients, caregivers and family members, including education, emotional support, financial assistance, help accessing care and more. Get connected to a Komen navigator by contacting the Breast Care Helpline at 1-877-465-6636 or email helpline@komen.org

AUNTIE RUBY'S DAUGHTERS FOUNDATION FOR BREAST CANCER

A new American Cancer Society (ACS) report finds that the death rate for breast cancer in the United States among women dropped 43% between 1989 when it peaked and 2020. During the last decade, death rates declined similarly for women of all racial/ethnic groups across the US except for American Indians/Alaska Natives, who had stable rates. However, Black women are still more likely to die from breast cancer than White women across the US, even though Black women have lower breast cancer incidence rates.

"We have been reporting this same disparity year after year for a decade. The differences in death rates are not explained by Black women having more aggressive cancers. It is time for health systems to take a hard look at how they are caring differently for Black women."

Rebecca Siegel, MPH

Senior Scientific Director

ACS Cancer Surveillance

Founder Rita Jones of Auntie Ruby's Daughters Foundation is at the helm of the non-profit organization which is focused on lowering the mortality rate of African-American women in Los Angeles County.

Named after her mother Ruby who acted as a support system and Auntie to all of those around her. The goal of the organization is to encourage early detection of breast cancer, provide resources to support women's journeys, create safe spaces for women to discuss detection and preventative measures, as well as empower and restore confidence for current and post cancer/chemo patients.

Each year they host a 5k Walk and Run to help fund many of the programs and initiatives they provide, such as: