When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer, I felt very alone! Being surrounded by older women at every infusion amount was hard, and I didn’t feel like anyone could relate to the challenges I was facing.

The Power of Technology – You Are Not Alone

Working through treatment, fertility preservation and intimacy were all areas I needed support. It wasn’t until I started using social media and technology that I was really able to find a community of women who helped me feel less alone. The power of technology is truly amazing and I want to share how Healthline is helping women around the world feel less isolated and alone with their Healthline Breast Cancer App.

Technology & Breast Cancer

While technology and social media have downsides, there are also wonderful benefits. The ability to connect with people around the world in a matter of seconds is truly amazing! You can be miles apart, but within minutes you can find someone who understands what you are going through. This digital connection can bring you comfort during a terrifying time. There is something about having a shared experience that allows you to form deep bonds quickly.

#Survivors: Using Social Media to Connect

Finding other women with cancer via social media and online made me feel more empowered during my cancer journey. I realized I was not an anomaly. Finding other women like me encouraged me to share my story proudly. It also inspired me to be a more active participant in my treatment plan. This is why I really love the Healthline app and the group discussions. The group discussions provide a safe and supportive space for survivors to take charge of their cancer care. Talking to other women going through the same process helps bring up important questions for your care team. It can also bring up alternate perspectives that you may not have considered. This sharing is invaluable.

Healthline Breast Cancer App: Changing the Cancer Community

This ability to connect and find a community of support and knowledge at the very beginning of the cancer experience is a game-changer. While I felt educated by my doctors and caregivers, I truly feel I missed out a major source of community. Not having a community of survivors to turn to I felt alone and in the dark. For example, I never knew I could ask to have my mastectomy incisions below my breasts. Once I met other women, I learned this is a common request. Having a community of cancer thrivers can drastically impact your cancer experience and your mental state.

Unlike Other Support Groups

Many online support groups can be overwhelming spaces. You have to sort through a multitude of information just to get what you really need. I really like that the Healthline app has the support group feel, but it is also informative and inspirational without being overwhelming. It’s particularly helpful to have a guide in the Healthline discussion groups to answer questions and keep the conversation going. If you want to go deeper on a particular topic, you have the ability to talk 1:1 with other participants. I met all of the survivors below online and we are now great friends. We’re been able to meet up in person a few times though we live thousands of miles apart.

Own Your Experience

Being able to share the Healthline Breast Cancer app with all of you has been insanely emotional and rewarding for me. Seeing you all download the app, connect with other women and find support immediately makes my heart swell. Every message I receive from you within the app sharing how the app and my blog has brought you comfort brings me to tears. My goal is achieved by being able to provide support I didn’t have to newly diagnosed women. As a three year survivor , it feels very rewarding to contribute insight and support to the Healthline app discussion groups.

Discussion Groups & Asking Questions

It’s so valuable to have a space where you can ask other survivors about hormone therapy, how to prepare for a mastectomy or hair loss and regrowth. All of these aspects of the cancer experience are so unique. Having a community of women within the app to support you and answer your questions can help you feel just a little more prepared for all the changes that cancer puts you through physically and emotionally.

Technology & My Journey

To learn more about my experience with the app and how technology has played a role n my cancer experience, check out the full Healthline article. Please continue to share this wonderful resource with other survivors. Together we can make sure no one has to go through the traumatic experience of cancer alone. There is a sisterhood of cancer thrivers waiting to welcome the newly diagnosed into this shity club no one wants to join.

Download the app today and connect with me in the discussion groups!