I wish this breast cancer resource was around when I needed it

Featuring stage-specific advice (and shopping), this new site supports patients and those who love them.

A year ago today, I was nervously awaiting the results of a breast MRI. It was a follow-up for something suspicious that was spotted the previous summer, and although the initial mass was gone, a new one was found. The month that followed included a failed ultrasound biopsy and successful (if you can call it that) MRI biopsy that ultimately confirmed my breast cancer diagnosis. (I won’t rehash ALL of the details again, but if you want to know more about my journey, start here, here and here—in that order.)

I underwent two no-joke surgeries in April and August of 2021, and I finally “graduated” from the plastic surgeon this past Tuesday—which means I don’t have to see him until 2023. It’s almost hard to believe that it’s been a full year since my journey began, and today I’m cancer-free, healthier than ever and the proud “host” of pretty amazing 20-year-old-looking “foobies” (survivor jargon for the “fake” boobs you get after reconstruction). Don’t get me wrong, I’m thrilled with my results, but there is absolutely nothing “real” about them.

I still take tamoxifen daily (and will for almost four more years), go to the oncologist for bloodwork every three months and see my breast surgeon every six months—but this is all fine by me since as of right now, I can say, “All’s well that ends well.” (I fully acknowledge my breast cancer experience could have been a lot worse—and am beyond grateful that it wasn’t.)

In somewhat of a coincidence, this week also marked the launch of a new online breast cancer destination called Stage—and I’m proud to be doing a bit of writing for them. I really wish I had this one-stop shop last year when I was all over Amazon trying to gather everything I would need for recovery and those few months between surgeries.

Whether you’re a patient or you’d like to buy a gift for a friend or family member who has been diagnosed (I never imagined I’d get so many presents for having cancer!), Stage has everything you/she could possibly need. Of course you’ll find all the post-surgery “gear,” but you can also get “clean” skincare and haircare products, loads of lounge- and athleisure wear (from brands like Terez, Splendid and Solid & Striped), jewelry, accessories and more.

The fact that you can shop the site by “Surgery,” “Chemotherapy,” “Radiation,” Post-Treatment” and “Gifts” means you can’t go wrong—and 5% of the proceeds from every purchase go to charities that focus on improving patients’ experiences, specifically in the areas of fertility preservation, integrative therapies and financial assistance. Why would we ever buy leggings or comfy clothes anywhere else?

The “Advice” section is organized by “Phase,” and covers everything you need to know when you’re newly-diagnosed or in the midst of treatment. Stage also includes nutrition, exercise and overall wellness guidance, making this a valuable resource for patients and anyone else who wants a better understanding of what their loved one is going through.

One of the best pieces of advice I received after being diagnosed was to stay far, far away from Facebook groups (which still holds true)—and now the essential advice I would give is to check out Stage (and to stay positive, one day at a time).