Cancer treatment is a journey - one that is often filled with emotional and physical challenges. Whether you’ve been through it yourself, or you’re supporting someone who is, understand that all forms of therapy treatment (chemo, radiation, surgery) are exhausting, unpredictable, and usually very isolating. That’s why a chemo care package can be such a powerful gift. It’s more than just a box of items, it’s a tangible way to say, I see you, I care, and I’m here for you. When I was going through treatment, I remember the little things making the biggest impact; soft blankets, cozy socks, handwritten notes, or things to support not only me but also my family as we went through this season together. Thoughtful gestures truly lifted my spirits and reminded me that I had support and there was a lot of life to be lived with friends and family on the other side of treatment. So, if someone close to you is undergoing chemo and you’re wondering how to support them, a personalized care package is a great place to start. Here are some thoughtful items to consider: 1. Soft and cozy headwear. Hair loss is one of the most common and visible side effects of chemo, and while it doesn’t define the journey, it’s still an adjustment. A soft, breathable hat or head wrap can provide warmth, comfort, and confidence. I had a few baseball caps that I would wear most often, they felt a bit like my armor while also protecting my face from the sun when I went out (which is super important always, but especially during cancer treatment). Below are a few links to some of the options that I bought for myself, but you can find things like this really anywhere. Pro Tip:  Some people love vibrant patterns, while others prefer neutral tones that match everything. If you’re unsure of their preference, then consider including an Amazon or Target gift card  so they can pick something out that they'll love. Below are the 3 items I wore the most often and links to Amazon where you can find them. Slouchy bamboo headcover Distressed Baseball Cap Soft winter beanie 2. Nourishing lip balm and skincare to combat the dryness. One of chemo’s less-talked-about side effects is how dry everything gets  - skin, lips, and even nails. Many traditional lotions and lip balms contain fragrances or chemicals that are dangerous and can be irritating to what is now highly sensitive skin, so opt for gentle, fragrance-free options. Lip balm  with coconut oil, shea butter or beeswax helps prevent chapped lips. All the products from this brand ATTITUDE are amazing, EWG Verified, and safe for use. Hand cream  or body lotion can soothe itchy, flaky skin. If radiation treatment is part of your overall treatment plan, then I would highly recommend investing in this lotion from Miaderm  – it was my first line of defense and I used it religiously when going through radiation. Cuticle oil  or nail-strengthening cream helps protect fragile nails. Body Soap   that is moisturizing and made with safe ingredients. My favorite is Dr. Bronner’s in the scent Eucalyptus.   Pro Tip:  Look for products with ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, or vitamin E—these are especially hydrating and gentle. 3. Comfort essentials because chemo rooms are cold. If you’ve ever spent hours in a chemo infusion chair, you know how chilly those rooms can get. Soft, cozy items bring a sense of warmth and security. A compact fleece blanket  or weighted lap blanket  offers comfort during long treatment sessions. Warm, non-slip socks  keep toes toasty without worrying about slipping on hospital floors. I also love these basic knit socks  and wear them all the time to this day, they’re great for wearing over leggings with boots in the colder months. A nice large tote bag  is very useful when it comes to carrying your things back and forth between treatment sessions. Personal Recommendation:  One of my favorite gifts I received was from a dear friend who bought me one of these Hugs blankets from Minky Coture®   and it is and will always be my absolute favorite blanket. It feels exactly as the name describes, like a warm, soft, fuzzy hug just when you need one most. I did not take it with me to chemo treatments, but it was always waiting to welcome me back to my couch when I returned home to rest. 4. Snacks for nausea relief. Chemotherapy can make food taste off  (hello, metal mouth) and can also bring waves of nausea. Keeping mild, easy-to-eat snacks on hand is a lifesaver. Ginger lozenges  or ginger tea  help calm nausea naturally. Crackers or plain granola bars  are bland enough to be easy on the stomach. Peppermints or lemon drops  can help combat weird chemo aftertastes. Pro Tip:  If you’re unsure what snacks they can tolerate, include a variety and let them pick what works for them. But please note - I would come to find out as I got deeper into my chemo treatments and my nausea during treatments got worse, I would start associating the nauseous feeling with the snack I was eating at the time and I can no longer enjoy that snack like I used to (so don’t be offended if they eventually beg you to never buy them that snack again). 5. Entertainment and distractions to help pass the time. Chemo days can be long . Sometimes you just want to close your eyes and rest, but other times, distractions are welcome. A little entertainment can help pass the hours and provide an escape. A good book  (light-hearted fiction or inspiring memoirs are great choices). Lysa TerKeurst's Seeing Beautiful Again was a gift from a friend that got me through some very dark times. Puzzle books  like Sudoku or crosswords to keep the mind engaged. A journal to jot down thoughts, emotions, or even treatment notes. Adult coloring books & colored pencils  for a relaxing creative outlet. An extra-long phone charging cable   because they will be on their phone a lot and it will drain the battery quickly.   Personal Recommendation:  When I was going through chemo, a friend made me a beautiful custom Spotify playlist and I would listen to it on repeat as I dozed in my chair. If your loved one enjoys listening rather than reading or coloring, perhaps a subscription to Audible, a list of uplifting podcast recommendations, or a custom-curated Spotify playlist would be a welcome gift of support and encouragement. 6. Hydration is key. Chemo can cause dehydration, and staying hydrated is so important. One of the chemotherapies I received was affectionally referred to as “the red devil” because of its bright red color and it would turn the color of my urine a bright red-orange as well. And so, my oncology nurses explained to me that my goal for each treatment should be to drink enough water and go to the bathroom often enough that by the time I left the treatment center my urine would be back to a normal color. And so that’s what I did, I would sit in that chair, and I would drink copious amounts of water. Some ways you can help with this would be to buy: A cute (LARGE) water cup/bottle  to keep fluids handy. Electrolyte drink mixes  (look for sugar-free or low-sugar options). Herbal teas  that are gentle on the stomach and soothing to sip. Pro Tip:  Remember - avoid heavily caffeinated drinks, as they can be dehydrating. 7. Helping their family helps them the most. Some of the most helpful things during my treatment were actually massive blessings to not only me but my entire family. We received several food delivery gift cards and homemade meals from friends who wanted to make sure I wasn’t worried about making meals and feeding myself and my family when I was dealing with the side effects from treatment. Door Dash or Uber Eats gift cards  make meals for the family a snap. Set up a Meal Train   and invite friends and family to sign-up for some days to bring over food. Home cleaning services  were extremely appreciated too. I was told by another survivor early on to conserve my energy for “the things that only I could do.” Meaning, anyone can clean the house or make meals, but only I can read my baby a bedtime story or comfort my husband or spend time with my friends – those are the places that I personally was needed  most. And so instead of worrying about how to keep the house clean during the little time where I felt good and strong, my sister found us a local housekeeper that would come every few weeks and help keep our house in order. Personal Insights:  It can be different for everyone, but days 3, 4, and 5 after chemo treatment were usually the most difficult for me, when I was tired and in bed the most. So having options for my husband to just grab or pick up on his way home to feed himself and our daughter were a huge help. 8. A handwritten note of encouragement can mean the most. Sometimes, the best thing you can include in a chemo care package is a simple, heartfelt letter. Words of love, support, and encouragement go a long way. Let them know you’re thinking of them, that they are strong, and that they’re not alone. I had a beautiful friend who wrote an entire box full of cards and on each envelope, she would write a little description like - “For when you’re feeling scared” / “For when you need a laugh” / and so on… and I would comb through those each week and pick out a letter to read. It filled my cup over and over and over again. And I still have those notes and will keep and treasure them forever. It doesn’t have to be a present. Just BE present . A chemo care package doesn’t have to be extravagant. It’s truly the thought that counts. Whether you put together a full box or just pick one or two meaningful items, your loved one will feel  the love behind it. But most importantly, more important than any gift or care package could be – just be present . Show up. Just act . Don’t ASK how you can help, just do. Call them. Write them. Drop food by. Show up and spend time with them if they feel up for it. Take their kids for a play date if they’re needing to rest. It’s a very tangible way to show you care for them. It’s one thing to say, “You’re not alone in this.” It’s another thing entirely to show  them day in and day out that they are not alone in this - so long as you are alive and kicking, you are with them in this fight. Having been on the receiving end of all of this, I can tell you firsthand – it all matters . You can bring light to some of the darkest days and remind someone that they’re surrounded by people who care. The smallest act of kindness makes a world of difference. *As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

A few weeks ago my hubs and I headed out to Maine to celebrate our anniversary and all that we have overcome this last 2ish years. I think the pinnacle experience was standing together on top of a mountain peak in Acadia National Park. But as with most of life’s greatest joys, that view was hard won. The Bubbles at Acadia National Park. We only had 1 full day to explore the park so I had spent time reading up on hikes and trails and we settled on the hiking path that runs around Jordan Pond and up into The Bubbles (two mounds that rose out of the earth and together looked exactly like a pair of breasts - the irony!). It all sounded fairly simple, and as we set out that morning it seemed like it would be a nice leisurely trek. But halfway into the hike around the pond my foot landed in just the wrong way on a rock hidden under some leaves and I fell, hard. Ankle sprained, knee banged up and hand a bit sore from catching my fall; I sat and cursed in frustration. This was exactly what we did not need today! But I gathered myself, weighed the options and decided to keep moving. That’s life, right? Onward and upward. As I hobbled along, we eventually arrived at the base of the mountain trail and I told my husband I thought I’d be alright - we had come this far so let’s keep going. This was when I was thinking the ascent would be a simple set of “stairs carved into the mountainside” because that’s what had been written in the trail guide. It quickly became clear that there were no “stairs” (maybe we had entered at a different spot?) and this was going to be a slow and tedious crawl up the side of a mountain covered in boulders - big, small, unsecured, treacherous… I was terrified. I made it about halfway up before becoming paralyzed in my fear and feeling the overwhelming sense of defeat. I started crying and saying over and over, “I can’t do this. There’s no way. I just can’t! Even if I get up, how the heck will I make it down?!” I was frustrated, angry. Why wouldn’t my body do the things I wanted it to do. Why wasn’t I strong enough, healthy enough. Why did I think that I could even attempt this!? I’m not an "outdoorsy" person am I? I just play at one. My husband was so kind and encouraging, he kept telling me we can head back, that it was ok and I had already done so much, there was no shame in turning back. I’m truly not sure what it was in the end; my fear of failing or thoughts of letting my husband down, an inner strength I didn’t know I had, probably my stubborn pride - who knows, but we kept going. At each stage in the climb we'd check in with each other, "Well we made it past that, what's ahead can't be much worse right? Let's keep going. Just a few more steps and it will be worth it." We couldn't see what we were working toward, I had seen a picture in the guide book of what could be expected, the vista to look for, but along the way we kept getting a taste of the final view. We would step into a clearing and think, wow this is beautiful, we could turn back now and be happy. But we kept going because we knew that there was an even greater view hopefully just a few more feet away. We eventually made it to the top and took a deep breath. It was most definitely worth the trouble, worth the climb. It was not lost on me, as I stood there soaking in every minute of our win, the parallels to be drawn from our last 2 years fighting through breast cancer and our experience on that mountain. I was overwhelmed with gratitude for my body, my mind, my husband, my God - without them I know I’d have perished before even starting this fight. When I felt weak or tired, my mind let me rest and my body did the fighting. When I was focused on my own needs, my husband never wavered - gave everything for me and kept our house running smoothly every damn day. When I fall victim to fear and find myself overcome by the darkness of reality, my God reminds me of His truths and promises, His peace calms me and renews my hope each day. He provides rest along the way, beautiful views to step into and take a break; chances to reflect and appreciate the journey that we are on, all the while keeping our heart set on that final vista and propelling us forward. We made the slow and steady retreat back down the boulder-covered mountainside, and when we eventually returned to our house to rest for the afternoon I sat on the couch, my foot elevated on my husband's lap and I just smiled to myself. Because I knew in that moment, with him by my side, I could do anything, everything - and for him, I would. Including beating cancer and sticking around to live a long life by his side. We all have our own mountains to climb, our own battles to fight. They are all valid, they are each so personal and so important in shaping us into the people we are meant to be in this life. Steady your hearts and press on into the unknown. For it is in the fear that we are forged and the struggles that we find our truest selves. Lean into growth; personal, spiritual or otherwise. Take heart and have faith. I left a piece of my heart on top of that mountain and gained so much more in turn.

Completing chemotherapy is a huge milestone, and as a new survivor, you deserve to celebrate the strength and resilience that got you through treatment. But while chemo may be over, adjusting to life after can be both a relief and a challenge. Many survivors face emotional, physical, and mental shifts that require care, patience, and new coping strategies - I know I certainly did. Here’s a guide to help you navigate life after chemo with confidence, hope, and resilience. 1. Embrace Your New Normal – With Patience Life after chemo doesn’t mean returning to the “old you.” Your body and mind have been through significant changes, and it may take time to adjust to your new reality. Give yourself permission to embrace this new version of yourself, focusing on the strengths and lessons gained along the way. Remember that healing is not just physical but also emotional, and it happens on its own schedule, and it's rarely a linear process. 2. Take Care of Your Body Chemotherapy can leave lingering side effects such as fatigue, neuropathy, and weakened immunity. Recovery often means starting slow with self-care routines that support your body’s healing. Here are some tips: Exercise gently : Low-impact activities like walking, yoga, or swimming can help rebuild strength and improve mood. I'm partial to yoga and love the Peloton app for the live and pre-recorded yoga sessions. It's the perfect way to start my day and also gently stretch out my chest which still experiences muscle tightness from my surgery. Consider PT: One of the best things I did when I finished my treatment was to ask for a referral for physical therapy. I was worried about lymphedema, muscle pain, and tightness in my right breast and shoulder. The physical therapist worked with me on lymphatic drainage techniques and showed me exercises and stretches to help regain my pre-surgery mobility. It was some of the best time and money spent and helped me to jump-start my activity levels after finishing treatment. Stay hydrated : Chemotherapy can affect kidney function and hydration. Drinking water, herbal teas, and eating hydrating foods like fruits and vegetables can support recovery and help to flush out your system. Eat nourishing foods : Your body needs nutrients to heal. Focus on a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, proteins, and healthy fats to support your recovery. An anti-inflammatory diet will help your body fight off and prevent recurrences. 3. Be Kind to Your Mind The emotional journey after chemo is like a literal rollercoaster. The “survivor’s guilt” and also fear of recurrence are very real, and very common for most people. Allow yourself to process these emotions without judgment. Seek support : Whether through therapy or talking with fellow survivors, friends, and family - connecting with others can ease feelings of isolation and provide reassurance. Practice mindfulness : Breathing exercises, meditation, or gentle yoga can help ease anxiety and bring focus to the present - which is in fact a gift. Engage in activities you love : Doing things you enjoy and finding hobbies you missed while undergoing treatment can help rebuild your sense of self, joy, and purpose. 4. Set Realistic Goals for Returning to Work or Daily Life Getting back to a routine will take some time. I did not initially have the same mental focus, energy, and stamina I once did, so setting realistic goals is key: Consider a gradual return to work : If you’re returning to work, talk to your employer about a phased return. Adjusting back to a full schedule at your own pace helps you manage energy levels. Prioritize rest : Build rest into your day, especially as you transition back to daily life. Short naps or “power breaks” can give you energy boosts. Take one thing at a time : Reclaiming independence in daily activities like cooking, errands, and social outings is rewarding but can be tiring. Pace yourself and don’t feel pressured to do it all at once. 5. Address "Chemo Brain" and Cognitive Changes You've heard of "mommy brain" - well "chemo brain" is 10x worse, and imagine my situation - suffering from both "mommy brain" and "chemo brain" - the mental focus required to just get through a conversation with another human being can be exhausting. "Chemo brain" is a term of endearment for the changes in your memory, focus, and mental clarity post-treatment. Here are ways to help manage cognitive symptoms: Keep a journal : Writing things down can help organize thoughts, remember important tasks, and even process emotions. Use tools for reminders : Calendar apps, planners, and to-do lists can help you stay organized and relieve the pressure of trying to remember everything. Challenge your brain : Gentle activities like reading, puzzles, or learning new skills can gradually help improve focus and memory. 6. Allow Yourself to Celebrate the Small Wins Life after chemo is a journey with ups and downs. Celebrating even the small wins—like finishing a walk, enjoying a meal, or reconnecting with friends—can help you stay motivated and optimistic. Acknowledging progress, no matter how small can be incredibly empowering. 7. Plan for Follow-Up Care and Self-Advocacy Most people believe that once you finish your treatment, a cancer survivor's world will just return to "normal" but the reality is that survivorship includes regular follow-up appointments, scans, and blood tests. It’s normal to feel anxiety before these visits, but staying proactive in your care is crucial. Tips for managing follow-up care include: Keep a health journal : Note any physical or emotional symptoms, questions, and thoughts you’d like to discuss with your healthcare provider. Stay informed : Familiarize yourself with symptoms to watch for, but try not to dwell on every ache and pain. Be gentle with yourself while staying informed. Trust your instincts : If something doesn’t feel right, trust your gut and don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare team. 8. Focus on What Brings You Joy and Peace In the days after treatment, you may find that your priorities shift. You'll reevaluate what truly matters and what brings you joy and peace. For me, it will always be my family. Being a mom and doing everything I could to get as much time in this lifetime with my husband and my daughter, that was my 'Why' during treatment, and continues to be my purpose in finding joy and fulfillment in each day. 9. Seek Community and Connection You are not alone in this journey. Survivorship looks different for everyone but there are communities, both online and in-person, that can be a powerful source of comfort and encouragement. Talking to others who understand your experiences can validate your feelings and provide practical coping tips. Take Life After Chemo One Day at a Time Life after chemo is about rediscovering this new version of yourself - you've been through hell and back again, find ways to cope with and process the trauma while also learning to thrive in this new chapter. Be gentle with yourself, celebrate each step forward, and remember that you are strong, resilient, and capable. Taking things one day at a time will help you adapt and live life with a renewed sense of purpose, strength, and hope. You’ve already come so far—continue to embrace each day as it comes, and trust that you are equipped to face this new journey.

Find essential resources for breast cancer patients and survivors, including support groups, financial aid, wellness tips, and wig options for hair loss. 1/8 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. 15% Approx. only 15% of women diagnosed have a family history of breast cancer. 99% When caught in its earliest, localized stages, the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%. 9% About 9% of all new breast cancer cases in the U.S. are diagnosed in women younger than 45 years old. *2024 Data from the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Find Support: National Breast Cancer Research Foundation No matter where you are in your journey, National Breast Cancer Research Foundation can help. Learn More: Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation The TNBC Foundation is a credible source for triple negative breast cancer information, a catalyst for science and patient advocacy and a caring community with meaningful services for patients and their families. Donate Today: Breast Cancer Research Foundation Be the End of Breast Cancer! When you give to BCRF, you're funding critical hours in the lab. More time for research means more progress towards ending breast cancer—and longer, healthier lives for the ones we love. Wig Out! Cancer can take a toll on every part of your identity, including your hair. But you’re not alone. There are many resources available to support and empower you through this journey. EverYou Find the best quality wigs, headwear and mastectomy products to help you keep looking and feeling like yourself. Wig/Headcovers How To Guides You may have thought about buying a wig, but don’t know where to begin. Headcovers resources provide insightful details on color, style, construction, buying tips and care. Verma Foundation The Verma Foundation is proud to provide human hair cap wigs to cancer patients in financial need - completely free of cost. Wigs & Wishes Receiving a wig from Wigs &Wishes or any participating salon is completely free! They only ask for a copy of a diagnosis letter for their records. Headcovers Unlimited Serving cancer patients for 30 years. Shop with confidence, knowing that products have been developed with your specific needs in mind. Hair We Share Provide customized, human hair wigs free of charge to anyone whose financial means doesn’t allow them to purchase one.

LifeAfterTheLump.com shares Cassie's journey through triple negative breast cancer, offering stories of faith, resilience, and hope. Find inspiration and strength in her testimony of healing and gratitude. Life After the Lump MY JOURNEY THROUGH BREAST CANCER & BEYOND 7 min read Cancer Support Tips for Building a Chemo Care Package A chemo care package is a simple yet powerful way to show love. Comfort, hydration, and heartfelt notes can make all the difference. 5 min read Mental Health Coping with Life After Chemo: A Guide for New Survivors A cancer survivor's guide on coping after chemo, with tips for managing side effects, setting goals, and embracing a new normal. 4 min read Gratitude Facing A Mountain Shaped Like Boobs But as with most of life’s greatest joys, that view was hard won. 4 min read Trauma & Grieving 'Tis The Spooky Season Again Man, I wish my biggest fear were the things that go bump in the night. But I am struggling. I don't think I expected to still be... 3 min read Surgery The Search For A Surgeon October 4, 2021 Make a plan, and then be ready to change everything. Everyone told me this over and over again about childbirth - and... 2 min read Gratitude Beyond Grateful September 17, 2021 This is a hard season, I don’t think anyone would disagree with me on that. I have my bad days, those hard moments... View More

LifeAfterTheLump.com shares Cassie's journey through triple negative breast cancer, offering stories of faith, resilience, and hope. Find inspiration and strength in her testimony of healing and gratitude. Hi, I'm Cassie At 31 years old, I was diagnosed with triple negative invasive high-grade ductal carcinoma (read: breast cancer). I am a momma, a wife, a daughter, a sister, a niece, a cousin, a friend, a co-worker and most importantly, a child of God. I am so much more than my diagnosis, but I know that because of this fight I am uniquely positioned to share testimony during this battle - the way made, the miracles witnessed, the redemption given, the hope restored and the healing - so much healing. I was forced to be a warrior in a battle I never wanted. But my God has been with me every step of the way. I have never been good with journaling, but this has been the best way to document and share my experience with my loved ones who are praying for and fighting alongside my family and I. I know this war will last a lifetime and I will carry the scars with me always. But the events documented in this blog, these are the battles, and they are won! I hate how it came, but I'm thankful to live life with this new perspective and appreciation for every moment. Every person. Every new day. I pray that in reading about my fight, my husband's fight, our families' fight - will give you something in return. Be it restored faith, gratefulness for your own circumstances, hope that all things can be redeemed - whatever it may be, if one soul can be touched by this journey then I know it's worth it. For God's glory.