With more than 25,000 people diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S. each year, if you have family and friends, you probably know at least one person who has dealt with breast cancer. I personally have had one close family member and several dear friends walk through dealing with breast cancer. I’m a firm believer that knowledge is power and reduces fear. I also believe that hope and support are just as important as the medical treatment. When a woman receives a diagnosis of breast cancer, she often starts out with a whole lot of fear and not much information. Allstate has partnered with the New York Times bestselling author of The Silver Lining to help every woman diagnosed with breast cancer gain knowledge, hope and support by providing a free copy of The Silver Lining Companion Guide.
When my family member, M., was diagnosed with breast cancer 8 years ago, she and I knew very little about what she was facing. My family was stationed 2500 miles away from M. and we were in the middle of moving to a new assignment. I immediately dropped everything and flew the 2500 miles to be with M.. I was only able to spend a few days with her, but those were important days. I was able to go with her to medical appointments, help ask questions and help process the answers and information we were gaining. Having support and gaining knowledge is critical to navigating the breast cancer path. Allstate believes it’s important to empower women to encourage each other just as I did my all to encourage M. I am so thankful that M. is a breast cancer survivor today and her positive outlook continues to inspire me daily.
The Silver Lining book was written by a nurse and breast cancer survivor to provide both practical and honest insight into the breast cancer journey while also providing hope and support. In talking with M. and my friends who have walked through breast cancer, the hope and support is as important as the knowledge and medical treatment.
Allstate, as part of ongoing efforts to support the wellbeing of women, is providing The Silver Lining Companion Guide as a free resource to everyone impacted by breast cancer. The Companion Guide includes excerpts from The Silver Lining, including practical tips, important information and inspiration. I appreciated that the book includes Lists of Questions to Ask Your Doctor and Staff for each stage through breast cancer: Testing, Diagnosis, Treatment, Oncology Staff, Radiation Oncologist and Follow-Up Appointments. It also includes practical information like Coping Mechanisms for Needle Phobia, Talking with Children, Surgery Packing List and much more. I know first-hand how helpful many of the tips included in The Guide were to M. and I during her diagnosis and treatment. For example, The Guide suggests taking a journal and a friend to each appointment, which M. did. I’ve shared in the past how you can make a medical journal for a friend.
My friend, Holly at The Coconut Head’s Survival Guide, is a breast cancer survivor and you’ll want to check out her tips on How to Organize Medical Files. 
The Silver Linings (tips, encouragement and information) shared in the Companion Guide do not take away the confusion, fear, pain and emotions that often come with a cancer diagnosis, but they do provide the balance, hope and knowledge that will empower you and help you through the difficult times.
You can download your own copy of the free guide at Allstate.com/SilverLining in either English or Spanish. You can also stop by select Allstate agencies nationwide to pick up a copy of the Silver Lining Companion Guide.
Remember that knowledge is power and hope and support are key. Please share the link to Allstate’s The Silver Lining Companion Guide with your loved ones along with sharing your support and love.
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
I’m a mom of 3, a veteran and military spouse. I’ve moved into 20+ homes all around the world. My passion is helping busy people make the space and time for what’s really important to them.
Corinne says
Thank you so much for sharing this! I have had three different friends diagnosed with breast cancer in the past year and I have been at a loss as to how to help them and what to say. This is such a wonderful resource!
susan says
I’ll keep your friends and their families in my prayers, Corinne. Be sure to share the link with everyone you know, especially since it’s a free resource.
Cynthia L says
I found this to be so helpful. I am dealing with breast cancer and was happy to know some of the things I was feeling and thinking are normal. The ideas the author gives for coping hare so helpful too.
Andrea says
I can’t imagine having to go through something so difficult, but I am sure your family member was grateful to have you there for support. The journal for medical notes is a good idea!
Martha says
Hello. I am a Patient Navigator in Mendocino County, California.
We are looking for the link to the book, companion guide “the Silver Lining”. I have plenty of spanish books, but none left in English.
Thank you.
Susan says
Thanks for all you do, Martha. I’ve updated the link in the post to an Amazon link for the book.