Breast Cancer Doula Support

WE ARE HERE TO SUPPORT YOU AS YOUR BREAST CANCER DOULA

You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice, but it’s OK to lean on someone and ask for support.

Linnell was diagnosed in July 2018 with Stage 3C Inflammatory Breast Cancer, Ductal Carcinoma In Situ, and Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. Her cancer was HER2-positive and ER/PR-negative. That diagnosis changed her life forever.

Her treatment was extensive and grueling—six rounds of chemotherapy, with a 7–10 day hospital stay following each of the first five rounds. She also underwent a bilateral mastectomy, radiation therapy, and a hysterectomy. Linnell has walked this path, and she understands, deeply and personally, how a diagnosis like this can reshape every part of a person’s life.

Most people know that chemotherapy causes hair loss, but few talk about the other side effects—like losing your sense of taste, or developing a heightened sense of smell. Sensitivity to light and sound can become overwhelming. Nails may turn black and fall off. The bone pain can be excruciating and difficult to describe. And then there’s the fatigue, the irritability, and the mental fog known as “chemo brain.” Life suddenly narrows, and everything revolves around cancer.

But in the midst of it all, Linnell learned to hold onto moments of joy. She made the best of the hard days and tried to focus on what lifted her spirits—like her beloved dog, Honey, and her cat, Annabelle Rose. For her, they were a source of comfort and strength. For others, it may be something different. What brings you joy? What will help carry you through this part of your journey?

When Linnell was in treatment, her friends and family often didn’t know how to support her. They meant well and did their best, but Linnell herself didn’t always know what she needed—so how could they? That experience is part of why supporting other women on their breast cancer journeys has become so important to her. She understands that each person’s path is different, but she is here to help—offering the kind of guidance and compassion she wishes someone had given her and her loved ones.

What does a Breast Cancer Doula do?

As Scars of Beauty’s Breast Cancer Doula, Linnell will do the following:

  • She will attend any medical appointments related to your breast cancer diagnosis.

  • She will take notes for you at your appointments and support you in asking as many questions as you need to.

  • She will attend chemotherapy and radiation appointments with you.

  • She will support you prior to and after all medical procedures related to your diagnosis. This includes your port placement, lumpectomy, mastectomy, and hysterectomy.

  • She will help you find the words to speak to friends, family, and anyone else about what is going on and what you need from them to support you.

  • She will help facilitate conversations between family and friends so they can express their concerns.

  • She will be by your side onto listen, take notes, talk, and support you no matter what the diagnosis may bring.

  • If desired, she will document your journey through photography.

What a Breast Cancer Doula does not do.

  • She will not make any diagnosis.

  • She will not make any medical decisions for you.

  • She will not provide any medical treatment.

  • While she is not a death doula, her my focus is not on end of life care, but she will help support you and your family through this journey if this is what you would like or she will provide referrals for death doulas in the area.

Self care isn't selfish.

We all need help sometimes. Don't feel guilty about reaching out to get the help that you desperately need. You deserve compassionate care. I am here for you.