Breast Cancer Resource Center Savannah, GA USA

Resources

Emotional Resilience

1) Counseling and Therapy Opportunities- find the best fit for you

The emotional wounds that rise with a cancer diagnosis are incredibly common. Fear, sadness, anxiety, and grief are experienced by many both during and after a trauma such as this. Many survivors recommend finding a counselor or a therapist to help you through this journey. It’s all about finding a good “fit” for you, so below are a few places you can check out and find your fit.


Psychology Today

Psychology Today is great resource for finding a therapist when you’re not sure where to go. You can simply enter in your zipcode and find pictures and brief bio of therapists practicing in your area.


Remember it’s all about finding the right therapist for you. To help you further, below are some local offices that have come recommended by other survivors in/around the area.

Building Blocks Family Counseling:

Building Blocks Family Counseling has offices in Savannah, Rincon, and Pooler, GA. They also do virtual appointments. Check out their “About Us” tab on their link above to learn about their therapists. They offer both individual and group therapy for breast cancer patients too. Check out MAKING LEMONADE.

Building Blocks is here to help with their MAKING LEMONADE course. Unlike a support group, this class is run by licensed professionals and is about learning the coping strategies needed when those emotions inevitably rise. You can hear from them in our Emotional Resilience Practical as well as our podcast interviews. To register for the complete Making Lemonade class or to connect with an individual therapist, contact them at 912-349-8043.

Emotional Wounds & Healing w/ Ashley Moore, MS, LMFT

Trauma, PTSD, and Breast Cancer w/ Ashley Moore, MS, LMFT

Making Lemonade A Breast Cancer Therapy Course with Julia & Terri


Heritage Counseling

They’re located in Rincon, GA and have several counselor’s and therapists available to help. You can find their bios on their “Our Therapists” tab at the link below.


The New Breath Counseling Center, Inc

They specialize in Marriage/ Couple’s Counseling and Sex Therapy for adults. They provide pre-marital counseling, grief counseling, self-esteem, stress management. They specialize in sexual dysfunctions, which also include Breast Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Diabetes, MS and sexuality.


Waters Edge Counseling

They’re a private practice offering individual, couples, and family counseling. They have a variety of counselors available; learn more on their website under their team of counselors and staff tab.

2) Six Pillars to Resilience

A FREE Research-Based Resilience Course

The resilience course is a series of 10 quick YouTube videos where we discuss how our brains process trauma and how we can rewire them for resilience by focus on six key areas. Each class dives into detail about each of the key components to resilience, while providing you with simple, concrete things that you can do for each.

3) PODCAST: Keepers of the Flame

The Keepers of the Flame podcast interviews specialists, survivors, authors, and more. Every episode centers around empowering you with information and providing you with support. It can be found on Google Podcast, iTunes, and our Podcast Link. A sample of the series’ interviews include:

  • Radiation Oncologists
  • Breast Surgeons
  • Medical Oncology NP
  • Therapists
  • Lymphedema Specialists
  • Gynecologists and Certified Menopause Practitioners
  • Genetic Counselors and High Risk Specialists
  • Plastic Surgeons
  • Survivors, Previvors, Inflammatory Breast Cancer Patients, those with Recurrences
  • Margie Singleton (who founded Margie’s Army Foundation) and set out on a mission to change Georgia law around breast density.

4) Coastal Hypnosis Center

Deborah Riner
912-261-8906 (o)
912-996-3944 (c)
coastalhypnosis@aol.com

Coastal Hypnosis Center offers Clinical Hypnotherapy; Reiki (which is energy work with therapeutic touch); Acupuncture; and Massage Therapy.  Her office is out of Brunswick, but she does regular hypnotherapy sessions at Memorial Hospital in Savannah. You can visit her website or follow her on her FB Page.

What to expect with Hypnotherapy?

It’s about ‘Deep Relaxation’ – allowing you to find a calmer, more peaceful state so that you are better able to handle the stressors in your life.  Deborah has been working specifically with cancer patients at Memorial for the past 5 years (as well as their loved ones).  High-anxiety patients are often referred here, especially prior to a procedure; however, Deborah recommends that you reach out immediately after diagnosis because that’s when everything starts to set in.  Sessions are 45 minutes long; and she says that 30 minutes of hypnosis is equivalent to 1 hour of REM sleep.  At the end, she provides clients with some suggestions of things to remember to help them return to a calmer state when their anxieties and fears begin to rise.

5) Reflexology

Jan Mariette
819 E. 66th Savannah, GA
912-596-0828
reflexologyinc@aol.com

Reflexology: is a type of acupressure where thumbs and fingers are used to work reflex points in your body (face/feet/hands/ears).  It can help decrease anxiety and stress; and it can further benefit cancer patients by decreasing the nausea that they often experience from chemo.  Reflexology can also enhance sleep, improve circulation, and reduce the symptoms of neuropathy and lymphedema.  Jan sees clients at ACI (Anderson Cancer Institute in Savannah) and also at her office.  If you’re a patient at ACI, contact Memorial’s social worker for specific details on eligibility for sessions.  Or, you can contact Jan Mariette directly and learn more at her website: Reflexology Inc.


Physical Resilience

1) YOGA

Yoga helps improve flexibility, balance, and relaxation. It’s a great way to practice mindfulness (one of the Six Pillars to Resilience) and to enhance your mind-body connection, which is often a HUGE piece towards learning to accept your new normal (both physically and mentally). Check out the programs below for one that suits your personal needs the best.

Effin’ Yoga

6016 Hwy 21 S Rincon, GA 31326

Effin’ Yoga in Rincon offers a variety of classes, including: gentle yoga, hot flow, buti yoga, barre+yoga, yin, pulse, and more. They even offer a practicing with prayer class as well as live and virtual options. The owner, Mary, even volunteered to teach our physical resilience practical class in our Resilience Curriculum. In it, she teaches us how to correctly do 10 different poses and what each of those poses do for our bodies and mind. Check out Effin’ Yoga class list to find one that’s a good fit for you; and check out Mary’s physical resilience practical class with Keepers of the Flame. To learn more, contact Mary at: thebarreandyogaroom@gmail.com

2) Livestrong at YMCA

  • A program designed to help with your physical health after a cancer diagnosis
  • A 12 week program designed to provide a progressive fitness program for anyone who has battled cancer.
  • The cancer diagnosis must be in the patient’s medical history; it includes any type of cancer at any time in the participant’s life.   
  • This is not a physically demanding class that’ll push you to your limits.  Instead, it’s an opportunity to learn equipment, attend informative talks centered around health and wellness, and a chance to attend a variety of fitness classes prepared especially for Livestrong at the YMCA. 
  • To put it simply, there’s no intimidation, only progressive strength and progressive cardiovascular fitness; and it’s specialized to each participant.
  • They start with medical clearance, and then schedule an Intake.  Participants can share their stories, which give the Livestrong team the ability to offer modifications as needed.  The program will be highly individualized and tailored for each participant (no matter their entry point). 

Who is eligible and cost?
Everyone is welcome (members and nonmembers) – the YMCA sponsors the $500.00 participant fee; so it is FREE for participants

Where?/Who to Contact for Information?

Effingham YMCA  912-826-2199        
West Chatham YMCA 912-748-9622    
Islands Family YMCA 912-897-1192  
Tybee Island YMCA   912-786-9622
Habersham YMCA   912-354-6223  
Liberty County   912-368-9622  

When? 

  • The program meets twice per week for 12 weeks
  • Contact your local YMCA branch for when the next session begins. 

Additional Support

1) Additional resources

Genetic Counseling w/ Zoe Siegel

High Risk Breast Cancer Clinic: What Does it Mean? w/ Jennifer Davis, NP

2) Prosthetics, Tattoos, Wigs, Skin Care, and More

People will say that you have to learn to love and accept the ‘new you.’  While I recognize that there is truth at the heart of that statement, after my surgeries, I wanted to know what exactly that meant.  I mean…seriously… how do you go from being one way your entire life to waking up the next day and being forever changed?  What’s the secret to accepting the new you?   Lots of resources to help you, check out some of them below.

Nipple Prosthesis:

For those who don’t want another surgery, but who long for realistic looking nipples, check out these nipple prosthesis. (www.pink-perfect.com).  They come in different sizes and colors and are custom made.

3D Nipple/Areola Tattooing:

Following a mastectomy, women who also had their nipples removed, may choose to have 3D nipple tattoos done. It’s important to find professionals who specialize in this type of tattooing. Below are professionals who do, along with their contact information.

Honor & Grace Tattoo: Kelly Borders

7506 White Bluff Rd. Savannah, GA (912) 201-3730

Follow on FB and IG @honorandgracetattoo

or Click on Button Below to Visit Their Website


Define Brows: Nicole Mitchell

Patients can sometimes lose eyebrow hair after chemotherapy. To help, Nicole Mitchell, FNP-C offers microblading, powder brows, shaping and tinting. She is a permanent make-up artist, nurse-practitioner, with a background in hematology/oncology. Define Brows also offers 3d Areola Restoration.

  • Eyebrows – permanent makeup
  • 3D Areola Restoration

13 E York St Savannah, GA

912-656-2142


Restoration Ink: Renee Mashinot

Renee is a cosmetic medical tattoo artist who specializes in 3D nipple and areola tattooing.  If interested, contact her at 954-600-6325 (reneemaschinot@gmail.com) or visit her website below.

Boutiques: Where you can find Breast Prosthesis/ Bras/ Swimwear/ Wig Fittings/ Headwear/Skin Care

Paris Laundry:

220 Whitaker St Savannah, GA 31401

Kelsey Bucci

Kelsey is a breast cancer survivor and launched Paris Laundry in 2018 to provide natural, high-quality skincare and lifestyle products. She writes, “When it comes to bringing in products to Paris Laundry, we do not take that responsibility lightly. We only carry brands that uphold our standards in green, high-quality ingredients, and products that we would only use on ourselves as well. Every product ingredient list is examined to ensure safety and cross referenced with BCPP’s List of Chemicals of Concern. This list is a comprehensive glossary of chemicals with strong evidence linked to breast cancer, and other chronic health effects.”

The Woman’s Health Boutique:

5702 Skidaway Rd
Savannah, GA 31406

Mary Rahal, RN: 912-692-0100

Opened in 1995, The Women’s Health Boutique fits breast prosthesis and bras for mastectomies.  They help women who choose not to have reconstruction, women who have reconstruction fail, as well as those who want more discretion while they’re in the middle of reconstruction.  They help women who’ve had lumpectomies and want to feel and appear more symmetrical too.  This boutique has swimwear for mastectomy and lumpectomy patients; and they also have headwear and wigs for those undergoing chemo.  They do wig fittings and have both human and synthetic hair.

They do contracts with insurance companies; contact them directly to learn more

Hanger Clinic:  

906 East 68th St
Savannah, GA 31405

Jordan Hamilton, CFN: 912-355-4901 :
Board Certified Fitter of Mastectomy

For those who either choose not to have reconstruction or are unable to have it, Hanger Clinic helps mastectomy patients find the best prosthesis and bra for them.  They also have post-surgical mastectomy bras (a must have after surgery to prevent chaffing while wounds heal) and surgical camisoles (that provide pockets to hold the drains).  They also have camisole sleeves and gloves to help control symptoms for Lymphodema patients.

They do contracts with insurance companies; contact them directly to learn more. Physician prescription/order is required.

3) Help with Menopause

Often times, some of the treatments that we get for breast cancer can send us into a medically induced menopause. Dr. Pam Gaudry (a gynecologist and certified menopause practitioner) has written a book, Love Sweat & Tears: The Menopause Romance Revolution, where she explains what women need to know about menopause. She tackles questions like, what can you do to improve symptoms and increase intimacy? Dr. Pam has also created a documentary based off of her book, where she stars alongside Joan Rivers, Jenny McCarthy, and more.

4) Cleaning For a Reason

Cleaning for a Reason will do FREE house cleanings for women fighting cancer. Battling cancer is exhausting; and not only do women lack the energy to clean during treatment, but they also NEED to limit their exposure to germs. A clean house can be critical, yet seemingly difficult for women to do themselves. That’s where Cleaning for a Reason comes into play. They will do it for these women for FREE. Visit Cleaning for a Reason to find out more about their program and to find a participating company near you by simply entering in your city or zip code.

5) MEDBANK

MEDBANK will advocate and work through the ‘red tape’ for getting the uninsured and underinsured the proper medications that you need.  

MEDBANK services Chatham, Bryan, Liberty, Effingham, and Toombs County.  For more information and to find out if you qualify, call 912-356-2898 or visit www.medbank.org.

6) CaringBridge

Where you can create a free, private website to share your latest health updates with family and friends

Visit CaringBridge to find out how to get started with your own support page.

  • FREE
  • private
  • share health updates and don’t have to retell the same story a thousand times
  • can get encouragement and support
  • ask family and friends for help (food, transportation, etc)

7) Young Survival Coalition

For support of young women diagnosed with breast cancer, visit the Young Survival Coalition

Books

Here are just a few books that help us better understand ourselves and work towards healing.

“Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing we’ll ever do.”

-Brene Brown


“Mature love is extending hospitality- even toward the parts of your soul that are angry, fearful, anxious, or sad.”

-Cook & Miller


“Neuroscience research shows that the only way we can change the way we feel is by becoming aware of our inner experience and learning to befriend what is going inside ourselves.” 

-Van Der Kolk


“What if the worst parts of your life are actually gateways to the very best parts you’d never want to do without?”

-Lysa Terkeurst


“Women may experience the primary trauma of a BRCA mutation – in the form of cancer, fear of cancer, mastectomy, and so on – but their partners, who have a lifelong stake in their well-being, also suffer.”

-Lizzie Stark


“In grief, it can be hard to sit still, and sit silent, but finding pockets to let yourself be sad, be angry, or to feel whatever it is you want to feel can help process and integrate the powerful feelings that come from a loss.”

-Counselman Carpenter & Redcay


“Much of the beauty of light owes its existence to the dark.”

-Brene Brown


Hardship Support

1) Mana House

Located in Rincon, GA. If you need food or clothing assistance, complete their application if eligible. Once approved, you can drive through on designated days/times to have a free buggy of food loaded into your car.


Screenings

Expert Breast Imaging

Providing Same Day Diagnostic Breast Imaging Results so that you don’t have to wait! Located in Savannah, GA

322 Stephenson Ave #13 Savannah, GA 31405