Practical help
At BCC we are here to help you with the practical challenges that come with a breast cancer diagnosis, as well as the emotional. We will work with you one on one, or provide opportunities for you to get the information you need to make informed decisions.
BCC medical appointment preparation (MAP)
This service helps you identify the questions and concerns you want addressed by your physician. Trained in medical appointment preparation BCC volunteers will work with you to create a written agenda for your next medical visit. This process takes one to two hours.
What you need: Bring a list of issues you want to discuss with your doctor, including any notes you’ve taken. If you like, you can also bring along a family members or friend who can help think through your questions and concerns.
What you get: An individually tailored agenda, in which your questions and concerns are clearly and concisely listed, in order of their importance to you.
Please note that Medical Appointment Planners do not answer any of your specific medical questions, nor can they tell you what issues to bring up with your physician. BCC has many resources to help you identify issues, including our Weekly Q&A Sessions, our library, and our breast health education service.
Medical Appointment Planners are available by appointment weekdays, evenings, and weekends.
To schedule an appointment please call the Helpline at (650) 326-6686.
Insurance / employment assistance
BCC has information and volunteers to help answer questions regarding the implications of a breast cancer diagnosis on employment and medical insurance.
Please call BCC’s Helpline for more information at (650) 326-6686.
Wig resource assistance
Gathered by our volunteer Wig Buddy, our Wig Resource List provides a list of many Bay Area wig and hat resources organized by location and cost for those facing chemotherapy. Please note that it may not contain all suppliers nor does BCC endorse any retailers. BCC’s library also has a small inventory of donated wigs and hats available free of charge. Or email our Wig Buddy directly for further information or with questions on wigs or head coverings.
Weekly Q&A session
A BCC tradition, the Weekly Q&A sessions are designed for people at all stages of treatment—and beyond. Family members and friends are also welcome to attend. Respected local doctors and nurses answer your questions about various aspects of breast cancer treatment and side effects. A therapist facilitates the discussion and offers support, while those attending share emotional and practical concerns and coping tips. Please see our calendar for scheduled speakers.
Annual breast cancer conference: sharing knowledge ~ creating hope
Each fall, our conference provides a full day of breast cancer education that is open to the public but designed for those touched by breast cancer. Visit our conference page to learn more.