6.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help.  People are willing to offer, but often don’t know how to approach you. 

7. 

When people offer to help, believe them.  They get as much from helping you as you do. It fills two buckets at the same time!

8. 

So many “angels” come into your life—and they come in many ways.

9. 

Have someone accompany you to all your appointments. It is hard to hear/understand OR
think about everything the doctor is saying when you have so many things going through your mind. Four ears are always better than two.

10. 

be proactive and ask questions about your treatment and your doctors

11. 

Keep a list of questions as you think of them between treatments so you can ask the doctor at your next appointment.

12. 

If you are sick or hurting, don't suffer in silence...tell your doctors.

13. 

It's okay—and kind of nice—to not wear a wig if you’re not comfortable with it. You look glamorous with your hats and scarves, and cute with your bald head!

14. 

You will learn that the hair on your head is there for more than looks – it helps your body retain heat. You will probably want to wear a turban to keep your head warm at night and on colder days.
 

15. 

If you are having chemo and expect to lose your hair, cut it short. It is fun to have a new hair style, and it makes it easier when you start losing hair.

16. 

Healing is a long process and unique to each person. Don't compare yourself to others.

17. 

Practice gratitude during your recovery. Every day will not be filled with sunshine. Cancer doesn't define who you are!

18. 

Buying the wig early helps match color/style to real hair. or If you want to, get a wig that is very different than your hair. It’s your opportunity to try new things!

19. 

A support system makes things easier. join a support group - you'll form new friendships.

20. 

Get your wig trimmed by your hairstylist or someone with experience with wigs.

21. 

Chemo brain is real!

22. 

Not having hair during the treatments allows more time to relax and take care of yourself. Think how much time you save without having to fix your hair!

23. 

If you are having reconstruction and nipple/areola tattooing, take a picture of your breasts before surgery.  That will help you see colors better when you do the tattooing.

24. 

Contact Pink Alliance—we are here to help.

25. 

Talk about your diagnosis. You may save another life.

Free breast cancer support guide book - The Silver Lining Companion Guide: A Supportive and Insightful Guide to Breast Cancer is available free to all breast cancer patients, thanks to the generosity of Allstate. The Silver Lining Companion Guide [available in English and Spanish] provides practical and supportive resource to help everyone impacted by a breast cancer diagnosis. Author Hollye Jacobs, a nurse and breast cancer survivor, offers practical, realistic and hopeful advice that helped her from the time of her diagnosis throughout treatments and into recovery. Hollye Jacob was the guest speaker at the October 2014 Surviving & Thriving Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon.

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