Resources & Support for Breast Cancer Patients

“You have breast cancer.”

Those are the terrifying words that nearly 300,000 American women hear every year. And those same words essentially slam the brakes on the lives of the women who hear them as well as the lives of their families.

In the days, months, and sometimes, years that follow a breast cancer diagnosis, the disease and its treatment can impact nearly every aspect of daily living. From your job and your ability to stay engaged with family and friends to your physical well-being and your finances, breast cancer touches everything and can be all-consuming.

Trying to manage life while battling the disease can quickly feel overwhelming. However, there are numerous resources available to help breast cancer patients and their families navigating the new world order and retain a sense of control when so much feels out of control.

Here’s a few of the MANY organizations that offer free resources or can connect you with the help you need.

Financial Assistance:

LOCAL:

Cancer Center Community Crusaders 

Contact Rebecca Hewson-Steller, RN

Provides funds to local individuals facing breast cancer. Can be used for gas, food, wigs, and even travel and lodging if second opinions are needed outside the area.

STATEWIDE:

Cancer Patient Support Foundation

Assist with essential financial burdens during treatment including home heat and electricity bills, groceries, housing, out-of-pocket medical expenses and gas for transportation to medical appointments. 

NATIONAL:

Komen Financial Assistance Program

Provides financial support at varying levels for all stages of cancer and treatment. Funds can be used for transportation, rent, utilities, childcare, groceries, durable medical equipment, and more

Support Services:

STATEWIDE:

Vermont Cancer Support Network

Offers support in the areas of financial and legal advice, emotional counseling, support for caregivers, and recreation/socialization programs.

NATIONAL:

American Cancer Society

Offers transportation to treatments, lodging during treatment, 24/7 helpline to connect you with  trained cancer information specialists who will answer questions diagnoses and provide guidance on next steps, hair loss and mastectomy products, and more.

Susan G. Komen

Offers educational resources, social and emotional support, survivorship tips, and more.

BreastCancer.org

Connects patients with resources for hair loss, nipple and areola 3D tattooing, mastectomy bras or breast prostheses, legal and financial navigation, need-based financial grants, career-related resources, travel and transportation for treatment, accommodations during treatment, clinical trials, fertility preservation, as well as wellness, mental health, and emotional support.

If you have questions about your diagnosis, treatment options, or anything else related to breast cancer and services from the Dartmouth Health Cancer Center at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center, contact Rebecca Hewson-Steller at 802.447.5082.

Rebecca Hewson-Steller, RN, CN-BN is an oncology nurse at the Dartmouth Health Cancer Center at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center.