It’s normal to have changes in the way you view yourself after being diagnosed and going through treatment for breast cancer. Some women describe a sense of feeling that their body has somehow failed them or turned against them. While you’re not alone in these feelings, it can feel that way. Check out these videos where survivors share their experiences with body image and negative emotions with you.

A breast cancer diagnosis can be life changing. First, you may question why YOU got cancer. Second, you may feel like you are no longer in control of your body. In between doctors’ appointments, medications, and surgeries, you may find yourself wondering what you can do to take back control of your body, your health, and your life. A breast cancer diagnosis is often a turning point at which living a healthier lifestyle becomes top priority.

Last week we celebrated Thanksgiving: a time for family, friends, and looking back over the year with gratitude. This year we here at SurviveAL are so thankful for each person we have been able to reach this year.

This month, we here at the Gulf States Young Breast Cancer Survivor Network want to acknowledge the people who love, support and take care of the women we are trying to help. Breast cancer doesn’t just take its toll on the young woman, it also can exact a heavy price on those around her. As Marc Heyison, founder of “Men Against Breast Cancer” says “Breast cancer devastates the entire family.” So here are some tips and resources for men, family members and caretakers helping young women fight breast cancer.

When you were diagnosed, you probably thought, “I am too young to have breast cancer!” While it’s true that breast cancer is diagnosed in older women more frequently than in younger women, you are not alone. In fact, there are more than 250,000 women who were diagnosed at 40 or younger living in the United States today. Every year in Alabama, approximately 3506 women are diagnosed with breast cancer according to the Alabama Department of Public Health.

Working after your diagnosis may be difficult depending on your specific diagnosis, treatment plan, and what you do for work.

The true lifetime financial impact of having cancer is not known, and varies from person to person. Some of the main concerns we hear about are: women without insurance who are asked to pay for their treatment, the cost of time lost from work due to doctor’s appointments, and the cost of co-pays and medications.

Sometimes a cancer diagnosis can make you feel that your life has stopped or changed in such a way that it will never be the same.