I want to share with you some of the things I've been doing to keep myself up during this breast cancer journey, such as support groups and other programs I've been involved in the past year to help me cope with my diagnosis.   Please share with another going through this.

1.  I found the Houston Survivor Sisters on Facebook -  We are a group of women touch in some personal way from breast and/or uterine cancers of any kind.  Through our monthly lunches, I've come to know many of these women and learned of another program, highlighted next.
2.  Active Living After Cancer -- This free program sponsored by MD Anderson, is for any of those that have had cancer or effected by someone who has had cancer treatments, such as family and caregivers.  The 12 week program is hosted once a week on zoom by two lively coaches and main focus is on being active.  Once you join, you get a box of goodies, such as an elastic band, pedometer and water bottle.  Each session we do at least 10 minutes of exercise via zoom, such as zoomba or walking in place.  We are encouraged to share aspects of our journey and ourselves as we support each other and set realistic exercise goals for life.  This class reminded me that I used plan my days around exercise and that all changed as I got older.  I mean, I would do some light yoga or walk my dog, but I didn't make myself do the full 30 minutes of cardio 3-5 times a week that is needed to stay physically and mentally healthy.

3.  Cancer Thriver Program / Workshop - One day while in facebook looking through my breast cancer group feeds, I found Astrid.  She is a true gem in this world!  I find her truly joyous spirit and motivating character fit my needs this year to heal my stuck soul while I was fighting anxiety after my surgery in August.  The program Astrid leads includes a workshop weekly meeting via zoom with others in the group.  We share our journey and have play prompts to do things around various topics to find joy, such as journaling, drawing, using stickers and magic wands, just to name a few.   She sends you a box of stuff to use for the class.   The workshop also includes all access to content on her website portal, including past recorded meetings, plus a digital version of her book "Permission to Sparkle."

4. Cyfair Women's Club -- Early in my journey, I decided to volunteer more.  I came across CWC in a neighborhood magazine.  I joined in April and have been fairly active since then, volunteering for things such as service projects and working their annual Shop 'til you Drop vendor market held once a year.  Funds for the event go to local charities and fund thousands of dollars in college sponsorships for local young adults.  Recently I volunteered to support the website for the group!  

This doesn't include the mentoring and support of ladies I've met through friends and facebook.  I also have a wonderful mentor via an organization called the Pink Lemonade Project.  I'm the first mentee they have out of state (Oregon).   And then there is Cancer and Careers and several podcasts which helped me navigate through this.

Wow, I have been busy and blessed.  I feel like all I can do is keep reaching out.  Maybe for some going through this , this seems like too much or overwhelming, but I need the stimulation and the support.  Yes,  there are still days when I forget I have all this support and I withdraw and mope, but that never lasts long.

I hope that I can give back when my treatment is over, becoming a mentor or coach for women going through this journey.   It can feel so lonely, but we are not alone.  Thanks for reading!