Beyond The Shock® Introduction

Introduction

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Chapter: 1 - Introduction

Subchapter: 1 - Introduction

Each of our lives is a story. We journey along a road of experiences and emotions, passing significant milestones along the way. When suddenly, the road beneath our feet takes a sharp turn, breaking from what was once certain.

Breast cancer causes this break. Perspective ruthlessly shifts; you and your loved ones see the road differently than before.

However, we see the road has not ended–it continues on through new hills and new valleys. We know that life has done this before, curiously forcing us into foreign places and down roads that seemed impassable. Yet somehow these challenges become fertile soil where seeds of strength, love, and resilience mature and grow strong.

Remember, this is a road that has been traversed by thousands of women, women with full lives and loved ones. Women whose dreams–whose lives–were threatened by breast cancer. Women who now share stories of endurance and hope.

Beyond the Shock® is first and foremost a resource for women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Secondly, it is for their loved ones to gain a better understanding of the disease and to feel a stronger sense of connection. Finally, it is for doctors to reinforce their instruction and advice.

This is the first of a series of videos, divided up into chapters and sub-chapters. These videos will provide information for you to process, share and use to your own benefit. You will learn about breast cancer: it’s types and stages, how it grows, how it is diagnosed, and how it is treated. More than anything else, Beyond the Shock® is a place to gain knowledge for today and receive hope for tomorrow.

Sub Chapters
Introduction 02:43

Related Questions

How do you find out if you have breast cancer? Because that runs in my family and I'm scared.

Asked by Sadie Newlin
Learning About Breast Cancer

11 months ago 2 answers •
- Sarah Adams
  
  Survivor since 2010
  
  Knowledge IS power, so I suggest the BRCA gene mutation test. If the mutation is present, it drastically increases your risk. I had a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy
  2 comments 0
- Alice Eisele
  
  Survivor since 2009
  
  Even if other women in your family have had breast cancer, it does not automaticly mean the BRAC gene is present. Discuss it with your doctor. Dilligence in having your yearly check-ups and also knowing your own body are two of the best things you can do. In additon educate yourself on the...
  more
  Even if other women in your family have had breast cancer, it does not automaticly mean the BRAC gene is present. Discuss it with your doctor. Dilligence in having your yearly check-ups and also knowing your own body are two of the best things you can do. In additon educate yourself on the signs of breast cancer. The educational material on this site is a great place to start.
  
  Just because it runs in your family doesn't always mean you will get it, and also some women who don't have a family history do get it. (as in my case)
  
  Just remember Knowledge is power.
  Comment 0
I don't understand what breast cancer is.

Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer

about 1 month ago 2 answers •
- Sharon Danielson
  
  Survivor since 2007
  
  This is from Breastcancer.org.
  
  Breast cancer is an uncontrolled growth of breast cells. To better understand breast cancer, it helps to understand how any cancer can develop.
  
  Cancer occurs as a result of mutations, or abnormal changes, in the genes responsible for regulating the growth of...
  more
  This is from Breastcancer.org.
  
  Breast cancer is an uncontrolled growth of breast cells. To better understand breast cancer, it helps to understand how any cancer can develop.
  
  Cancer occurs as a result of mutations, or abnormal changes, in the genes responsible for regulating the growth of cells and keeping them healthy. The genes are in each cell’s nucleus, which acts as the “control room” of each cell. Normally, the cells in our bodies replace themselves through an orderly process of cell growth: healthy new cells take over as old ones die out. But over time, mutations can “turn on” certain genes and “turn off” others in a cell. That changed cell gains the ability to keep dividing without control or order, producing more cells just like it and forming a tumor.
  
  A tumor can be benign (not dangerous to health) or malignant (has the potential to be dangerous). Benign tumors are not considered cancerous: their cells are close to normal in appearance, they grow slowly, and they do not invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body. Malignant tumors are cancerous. Left unchecked, malignant cells eventually can spread beyond the original tumor to other parts of the body.
  
  The term “breast cancer” refers to a malignant tumor that has developed from cells in the breast. Usually breast cancer either begins in the cells of the lobules, which are the milk-producing glands, or the ducts, the passages that drain milk from the lobules to the nipple. Less commonly, breast cancer can begin in the stromal tissues, which include the fatty and fibrous connective tissues of the breast.
  
  Over time, cancer cells can invade nearby healthy breast tissue and make their way into the underarm lymph nodes, small organs that filter out foreign substances in the body. If cancer cells get into the lymph nodes, they then have a pathway into other parts of the body. The breast cancer’s stage refers to how far the cancer cells have spread beyond the original tumor (see Stages of Breast Cancer table for more information).
  
  Breast cancer is always caused by a genetic abnormality (a “mistake” in the genetic material). However, only 5-10% of cancers are due to an abnormality inherited from your mother or father. About 90% of breast cancers are due to genetic abnormalities that happen as a result of the aging process and the “wear and tear” of life in general.
  
  Comment 2
- marianne robertson
  
  Learning About Breast Cancer
  
  It's a plague that kills way to many people. 1 in 8 women will be touched by breast cancer. I don't know how many men are affected wvery year. It's mazing what you can tolerate when your life is on the line. My montra is "my canceris pink but my will is iron."
  Comment 0
What happens if you get breast cancer?

Asked by lauren neely
Learning About Breast Cancer

11 months ago 3 answers •
- Sarah Adams
  
  Survivor since 2010
  
  Well, my advice is that you listen to your doctors, get second opinions,
  Comment 1
- Buster OBuster
  
  Learning About Breast Cancer
  
  I pee'd my pants, cried
  Comment 0