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Real people sharing real-life experiences about real issues to educate, motivate, and inspire you. 

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Shannon Gottesman is surrounded on either side of her by her two young boys who wrap her up with smiles and hugs.
The overlooked side of breast cancer: Mental health

02/24/25 | BY: Shannon Gottesman

The mental health side of breast cancer is rarely discussed. Shannon Gottesman shares the emotional highs and lows of her diagnosis, the struggle of anxiety and grief, and the strategies that helped her heal. From seeking support to finding joy again, her journey is a must-read for anyone navigating breast cancer.

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Balancing a career and breast cancer: Tiffany’s story

04/13/23 | BY: Adriana Lecuona

In episode 3 of LBBC's new Can and Did podcast, Tiffany shares how she shifted her perspective on health and work after a breast cancer diagnosis.

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 | 2 Min. Read |

Be informed to live longer

07/13/22 | BY: Terri Shipp*

Terri Shipp didn't think recurrence was possible. She was wrong.

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 | 9 Min. Read |

Making choices at the crossroads of breast cancer treatment

05/11/22 | BY: Kate Hovde

Kate Hovde shares her thought process during important milestones in her breast cancer experience, including how she sought to prevent neuropathy.

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 | 9 Min. Read |

Degrees of separation

02/13/22 | BY: Eshaana Sheth

Eshaana Sheth tells about her experience of attending “breast cancer school” while her friends went on to graduate school.

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 | 7 Min. Read |

Finding support services during treatment: Mia Tardive

10/08/21 | BY: Stephanie Levin

Iowan Mia Tardive talks with LBBC contributor Stephanie Levin about the unexpected — and helpful — activities she tried following her breast cancer diagnosis.

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 | 9 Min. Read |

The hopeful waiting family: Infertility and adoption after a breast cancer diagnosis

04/21/21

Though their family planning was interrupted by a cancer diagnosis, Liz, a cisgender queer woman, and her partner Jarrett, a transgender man, are still hopeful about growing a family.

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 | 5 Min. Read
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Your story matters

We invite you to share your personal journey of embracing authenticity. Whether it’s how you approached treatment decisions, stayed true to yourself, or found a unique way to support your mental health, your voice can inspire and support our community.

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Popular stories

Kimberley Robinson smiling with her son at a restaurant

Kimberley’s story

Determined not to repeat the silence of her past, Kimberley Robinson draws on a heartfelt experience with her late mother to emphasize the power of open communication and transform a breast cancer diagnosis into a source of family unity and strength.

Kimberley’s story
A masked Mike Hooves sits in a chemo chair, bright and defiant in pink

Mike's story

Mike Hooves offers a poignant reflection on navigating cancer with authenticity and advocacy as a non-binary individual, from seeking support in queer communities to challenging stereotypes in healthcare settings. They reveal the intersection of gender identity and cancer, with insights and personal reflections on the importance of inclusive healthcare practices in breast cancer treatment.

Mike's story
Jenni Hetzel-Gaynor smiling with her three children

Jenni’s story

Jenni Hetzel-Gaynor braces for the worst as she faces a breast cancer diagnosis, and with it, the fear of isolation. Would her family, strained by physical and emotional distance, be there for her? Join Jenni as she navigates chemo rounds, decision-making, reconstructive surgery, and a memorable Taylor Swift concert.

Jenni's story
Amy Almas, a young mom, poses with her energetic children, a boy and a girl, on a soccer field

Amy's story

Amy chronicles her journey with metastatic breast cancer, focusing on the emotional rollercoaster of sharing the news with loved ones, friends, and colleagues. From navigating support systems to dealing with unwanted attention, Amy shares a relatable perspective for anyone grappling with the challenge of sharing difficult news.

Amy's story
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About this blog

READ OUR BLOG FOR INSPIRING AND EMPOWERING STORIES.

Sometimes it helps to read the stories of others to remind yourself that you are not alone. Whether you're newly diagnosed, years beyond treatment or living with metastatic breast cancer, you'll find stories you can relate to here.

Have a question? Get in touch here with us.

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We are grateful to our contributors, readers, and Healthline for these special awards over the years.

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DISCLAIMER:

The views and opinions of our bloggers represent the views and opinions of the bloggers alone and not those of Living Beyond Breast Cancer. Also understand that Living Beyond Breast Cancer does not medically review any information or content contained on, or distributed through, its blog and therefore does not endorse the accuracy or reliability of any such information or content. Through our blog, we merely seek to give individuals creative freedom to tell their stories. It is not a substitute for professional counseling or medical advice.

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