Smiles for Miles Breast Cancer Support Group

10/08/2026

Preparing for and Living After a Double Mastectomy

My experience with DCIS recovery and DIEP reconstruction

By Erinn Shaw

Opening manuscript and practical companion guide

This is the beginning of a longer book for people preparing for a double mastectomy and the loved ones supporting them. It brings together my experience, the lessons I wish I had known, and practical questions to discuss with your care team.

My central lesson is to focus on what you can control. Ask questions, make room for your own choices, prepare for everyday needs, and allow healing to take time.

A note about medical information
This is a personal account, not medical advice. My procedures, restrictions, products, and recovery timeline may differ from yours.

Follow your own surgical team’s instructions. The preparation suggestions are discussion points, not a universal treatment

Message me to read what I’ve written so far (no edits yet)

10/08/2026

Being diagnosed with breast cancer is hard. There are so many emotions, questions, and decisions to make in such a short amount of time.

Between surgeries, treatments, appointments, and all the waiting, it can feel overwhelming. You don’t have to go through it alone. Breast Friends is here to provide support, connection, and a community of people who understand.

What is one thing you wish someone had told you when you were going through breast cancer?

Your words may be exactly what someone newly diagnosed needs to hear today.

Leave a comment below and share your wisdom. Together, we can remind others that they are not alone.

10/08/2026

Today, on World Teachers’ Day, we celebrate the educators who challenge us to think deeper, discover our voices, and recognize the possibilities within ourselves.

While Dr. Maya Angelou is remembered worldwide as a poet, author, performer, and civil rights activist, she also deeply valued another title: teacher.

Dr. Angelou joined the faculty of Wake Forest University in 1982 as the first Reynolds Professor of American Studies. Over the decades, she taught courses spanning poetry, literature, race, culture, and the humanities, inspiring generations of students both inside and beyond the classroom.

Reflecting on her calling, she once said: “I’m not a writer who teaches. I’m a teacher who writes.”

For Dr. Angelou, education was never simply about what you could learn from a textbook. Her classroom encouraged students to question, think critically, defend their ideas, encounter different perspectives, and recognize their shared humanity.

Her own approach to life was rooted in a lesson passed down to her early: “When you get, give. When you learn, teach.”

Today, we honor Dr. Angelou’s legacy as an educator and all of the teachers who continue to give what they have learned, helping shape the thinkers, creators, leaders, and teachers of tomorrow.

Tag a teacher who made a lasting impact on your life. ❤️

10/08/2026

Each face represents someone whose life has been touched by breast cancer. Every story matters, every life matters, and Breast Friends is here to provide support, connection, and community. You don’t have to face breast cancer alone. Email us at [email protected] and someone from our team will respond to you.

We would love to connect with you today.

10/08/2026

If you are looking for a meaningful way to help breast cancer patients this month, please consider partnering with us. 100% of your gift will be used for Rose Robin Boxes, offering love and support to the next women facing breast cancer mastectomy surgery.

You can make a big difference to our small nonprofit, and there are so many ways to help. Here are a few ideas:

- Sell and display $1 pink paper ribbons at your business or place of employment, where people can write a name or message in honor or memory of a loved one.

- If you own a business, donate a percentage of sales for the purchase of a specific item (such as coffee, food, etc.)

- Create a breast cancer Facebook fundraiser (for greater success, make it personal).

- Donate proceeds from ebay sales, craft sales, garage sales, or any kind of fundraiser.

- Purchase items for our Rose Robin Boxes from our wish list. https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/DQEY2MS73X9P?ref_=wl_share

- Be creative and let us know how we can help! 💗

10/08/2026

10/08/2026

October is here! 💗 And you know what that means… it’s time to do your self-check!

As we kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month, here’s your reminder to check in with your body, get to know what’s normal for you, and schedule those appointments or screenings you’ve been putting off.

Check your chest, breasts, underarms, and surrounding areas. Pay attention to any new or unusual changes, and reach out to your healthcare provider if something doesn’t feel right.

And remember, this applies to EVERYONE, regardless of gender, whether you have breasts, have undergone a mastectomy, or have had reconstruction. 💕

And as we enter a month filled with pink ribbons, products, and promotions, here’s another important reminder: not everything pink gives back.

We encourage you to be mindful of where your money goes this October. Just because something has a pink ribbon on it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s supporting breast cancer patients, survivors, or research.

If you’re looking to make a meaningful impact, consider supporting organizations doing the work directly.

Check out Breasties® and Reclaim October for more conversations about pinkwashing and making your support count.

Awareness matters. But so do education, research, access to care, and meaningful support for those impacted by breast cancer.

Let’s make October about more than just pink. 💗

📸 a moment from our annual Uplift Gala, celebrating strength, community, and the breast reconstruction journey

Pinkwashing

07/02/2026

07/02/2026

Every month, we encourage you to

Taking a few minutes to check in with your body can help you become familiar with what’s normal for you. While self-exams don’t replace regular screenings or medical care, knowing your body and noticing changes is an important part of self-advocacy.

Set your reminder, check in with yourself, and encourage someone you love to do the same. 🩵