Beyond The Shock®

Introduction

Sorry, you need to download flash or use a more modern browser.

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

My grandmother had a spot removed which was breast cancer, very very early stage 1 if that. She is so worried about losing her breast, what should i tell her to make her feel better? She doesn't know anyone who has it to refer to or confide in.

Asked by anonymous
Family Member or Loved One

over 1 year ago 7 answers •
- View all 7 answers
- anonymous
  
  Stage 4 Patient
  
  I can totally understand your grandmother's fear of losing a breast. I had a double mastectomy in Oct. But I had a later stage cancer with lymph node involvement. By her cancer being detected early...her options will be greater. :). So she had the cancerous tissue removed with clean margins?...
  more
  I can totally understand your grandmother's fear of losing a breast. I had a double mastectomy in Oct. But I had a later stage cancer with lymph node involvement. By her cancer being detected early...her options will be greater. :). So she had the cancerous tissue removed with clean margins? That's good! In my opinion I would ask my doctor to perform a PET or CT scan just to make sure there are no other cancerous spots. She might consider talking to her doctor about radiation for any "rogue" cells. I believe the objective is to do the steps needed to try to prevent a reoccurrence. I am not a Dr. but by what you've told me I don't see a reason your grandmother can't keep her breast. Tell her she will be in my thoughts & prayers, Diana
  Comment 2
- anonymous
  
  Stage 4 Patient
  
  Hi Amanda, I'm sorry about your grandmother. When I was newly diagnosed with breast cancer I didn't know anyone else who had it as well. That's very good her cancer was caught early. You said she had a spot removed. Was this from a biopsy or I'd she have a lumpectomy? Has her Dr. told her she...
  more
  Hi Amanda, I'm sorry about your grandmother. When I was newly diagnosed with breast cancer I didn't know anyone else who had it as well. That's very good her cancer was caught early. You said she had a spot removed. Was this from a biopsy or I'd she have a lumpectomy? Has her Dr. told her she needed more treatment such as chemo or radiation?
  Comment 1
What is the survival rate for stage 4 when it has spread to the bones?

Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer

about 1 year ago 1 answers •
- anonymous
  
  Patient
  
  Alison, please go to the CTCA website where you can chat with a professional who deals with all types of cancer care and treatments. They were very helpful to me when I was first diagnosed. I was diagnosed with stage 2a, so can not give you an educated answer, as I believe they can. There are...
  more
  Alison, please go to the CTCA website where you can chat with a professional who deals with all types of cancer care and treatments. They were very helpful to me when I was first diagnosed. I was diagnosed with stage 2a, so can not give you an educated answer, as I believe they can. There are also some really great women on this site who have been through a lot of different cancers and treatments who may also help. Good luck to you! I hope someone can help you!
  Comment 1
What is the best clothing to wear after surgery

Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer

5 months ago 6 answers •
- View all 6 answers
- anonymous
  
  Survivor since 2007
  
  I wore a special loose camisole made from really soft cotton. It had two small pockets to hold the small drain resevoirs. It also had a pocket where some soft padding could be place that gave the appearance of having a breast (I had a mastectomy). My insurance paid for it. I wore it until my...
  more
  I wore a special loose camisole made from really soft cotton. It had two small pockets to hold the small drain resevoirs. It also had a pocket where some soft padding could be place that gave the appearance of having a breast (I had a mastectomy). My insurance paid for it. I wore it until my drains were removed. I have heard of other women where something different but this is just my experience. I didn't have any trouble raising my arms but there are some women that do, so you would want something that fastened in front. Others will will check in here and let you know. Hang in there, darlin'
  take care, Sharon
  2 comments 3
- anonymous
  
  Patient
  
  Bilateral 3 weeks ago and I'm living in yoga pants and hoodie sweatshirts that zip in front that are a little loose. I have expanders and my PS said nothing fitted around the chest. Under the hoodie is either surgical camisole with drain pockets or loose stretchy tank that I can step into and...
  more
  Bilateral 3 weeks ago and I'm living in yoga pants and hoodie sweatshirts that zip in front that are a little loose. I have expanders and my PS said nothing fitted around the chest. Under the hoodie is either surgical camisole with drain pockets or loose stretchy tank that I can step into and safety pin the drains to. Wore the same type of outfit to and from hospital as well.
  1 comment 0