Virtual support for Breast Cancer: Starting radiation soon

Posted by michelles74 @michelles74, Apr 24, 2021

I am a breast cancer patient looking for a virtual group. I was diagnosed on 7/14/20 with Triple Negative Breast Cancer. I’ve finished 6 months of chemo. Had my DMX on Feb 15. Had to have emergency surgery to remove right expander due to infection. Will be starting radiation in a week. With COVID-19 it’s hard to find groups that do virtual visits.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Apr 24, 2021

Hi Michelle,
You've come to the right place! I can suggest several virtual support options to connect you with other women who have breast cancer.

1. Right here! The Breast Cancer group on Mayo Clinic is a welcoming and supportive forum, where you can ask anything any time and get a response. We're here 24/7. Allow me to link you to a few discussion specifically dedicated to triple negative breast cancer:
- Newbie https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/newbie-1
- Triple negative breast cancer and immunotherapy https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/breast-cancer-2
- Triple Negative Breast Cancer https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/triple-negative-breast-cancer-1/

2. Monthly facilitated virtual support groups from Mayo Clinic.
Breast Cancer Support Group https://connect.mayoclinic.org/event/breast-cancer-support-group-rochester-mn-100/
The breast cancer support group meets the first Wednesday every month on Zoom. Meet people with breast cancer and share experiences and emotions. And you'll meet some of the women who also post here in the Breast Cancer group. All welcome.

3. Webinar: Revitalize Your Wellbeing: Breast Cancer Survivorship Care Planning https://connect.mayoclinic.org/event/revitalize-your-wellbeing-breast-cancer-survivorship-care-planning-wellness-webinar-1/
This is a two-hour free webinar happening next week on April 28. Again - all welcome.

I love your pictures. Will you upload one of them to be your profile picture? Any questions about starting radiation?

michelles74 | @michelles74 | Apr 24, 2021

In reply to @colleenyoung "Hi Michelle, You've come to the right place! I can suggest several virtual support options to..." + (show)

Thank you so much

michelles74 | @michelles74 | Apr 25, 2021

In reply to @colleenyoung "Hi Michelle, You've come to the right place! I can suggest several virtual support options to..." + (show)

I’m just worried about the side effects specifically the exhaustion cause I’m still trying to recover from chemo. also afraid of skin burning

michelles74 | @michelles74 | Apr 25, 2021

In reply to @michelles74 "Thank you so much" + (show)

I’d take that information. Thank you

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Apr 25, 2021

In reply to @michelles74 "I’m just worried about the side effects specifically the exhaustion cause I’m still trying to recover..." + (show)

What type of radiation will you have? Let me know and I'll connect you with others who have had the same.

Laurie, Volunteer Mentor | @roch | Apr 26, 2021

The fatigue / exhaustion can be so frustrating part of cancer, along with other symptoms.

Mayo has site to help deal with symptoms, including fatigue.

https://cancersymptoms.mayoclinic.org/index.html

Good luck
Laurie

michelles74 | @michelles74 | Apr 26, 2021

In reply to @colleenyoung "What type of radiation will you have? Let me know and I'll connect you with others..." + (show)

I don’t know what you mean? It’s for breast cancer

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Apr 29, 2021

In reply to @michelles74 "I don’t know what you mean? It’s for breast cancer" + (show)

Michelle,
There are different kinds of radiation for breast cancer. Most common is external beam radiation, but sometimes people have internal radiation (also called brachytherapy) or proton beam radiation.

michelles74 | @michelles74 | Apr 29, 2021

I am having external radiation I believe

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Apr 30, 2021

In reply to @michelles74 "I am having external radiation I believe" + (show)

Michelle, you might be interested in the VideoQ&A that was added to the website today.
- Breast cancer radiotherapy and treatment innovations https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/podcasts/newsfeed-post/draft/

Do you start radiation on Monday?