This website is intended for U.S.
residents 18 years of age or older.

Abraxane® for Injectable Suspension (paclitaxel protein-bound particles for injectable suspension)(albumin-bound)

This Website is intended for U.S. Residents 18 years of age or older.

This website is intended for U.S.
residents 18 years of age or older.

Abraxane® for Injectable Suspension (paclitaxel protein-bound particles for injectable suspension)(albumin-bound)

This Website is intended for U.S. Residents 18 years of age or older.

ABRAXANE and Advanced Breast Cancer

Financial Support and Educational Resources

Patient Access, Reimbursement, and Co-Pay Support

Bristol Myers Squibb Access Support

Bristol Myers Squibb is committed to helping patients gain access to their prescribed BMS medications. That’s why we offer the BMS Access Support® program, which provides resources to help patients understand their insurance coverage and find information on sources of financial support, including co-pay assistance for eligible commercially insured patients. For more information, ask your doctor, visit BMS Access Support, or call BMS Access Support® at 1-800-861-0048, 8 AM to 8 PM ET, Monday-Friday.

Caregiver support and resources for metastatic breast cancer

As a caregiver, where can I find support and resources?

Where can I find support as a caregiver?

One of the biggest challenges you may face as a caregiver to a person with metastatic (meh-tuh-STA-tik) breast cancer (MBC) is asking for help. Balancing your loved one’s needs with your own can be challenging. But you don’t have to go through it alone. Here are some tips to help you get the support you need.

Caregiver support and resources for metastatic breast cancer

Click on the “+” sign for more information

Learn as much as you can about MBC and your loved one’s treatment plan.
Be clear and direct so you can learn how best to help your loved one.
Besides attending doctor visits together, do things that have nothing to do with your loved one’s illness, like going to a movie or taking a walk outdoors. If your loved one is able to.
Look for other family members or friends who are willing to share the caregiver role with you.
When you take your loved one to doctor visits, be sure to take notes and ask questions. Knowing what to expect and understanding what is happening can help you feel less helpless.
It’s natural to feel anger, grief, or guilt at times. Having these feelings doesn’t mean that you don’t love your family member or that you aren’t a good caregiver. They’re perfectly normal.
Make a list of activities that other friends or family members can sign up for. They may be waiting to find out what they can do to help.
Other people around you want to help but don’t know how. Asking for help with specific tasks will help them offer the help you really need.
If your friends and family members offer to help out and share the workload, accept it.
It is important to eat well, exercise, and get fresh air and rest so that you can be relaxed and positive.
We all have our limits. Be realistic about how much you can take and ask for help from others. Others may have different skills they can bring to help manage tasks you don’t feel prepared to take on.
There is no substitute for talking to people who are going through the same experience as you.

Remember, asking for help doesn’t mean that you’re not a good caregiver. It allows you to focus on the bigger responsibilities of a caregiver for a loved one with advanced cancer.

For more information on caregiver support, visit the following organizations. Many have numerous resources and avenues for connecting with other caregivers.

The independent organizations listed are provided as an additional resource for obtaining information related to cancer and advanced pancreatic cancer. Inclusion on this list does not indicate endorsement by Bristol-Myers Squibb Company of an organization or its communications.

As a patient, where can I learn more? Support and resources

Where can I find support?

Support can come from many sources—your family, friends, colleagues—even strangers who eventually become friends as you join a community of people facing similar challenges. Support can also come from organizations that provide resources to help you better understand what to expect living with metastatic (meh-tuh-STA-tik) cancer. Knowing what to look for and where to turn are key to getting the support you need.

How can I get the support I need?

Family members, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and other people close to you are among your most important care partners. Your cancer diagnosis affects everyone who cares about you. Many of the people in your personal circle want to help but may not know how.

Here are some things you may want to ask your caregivers to help you with:

  • Gather information, and help you make decisions
  • Go with you to doctor visits and checkups
  • Make a list of your medical and emergency contacts
  • Help with financial, legal, or health insurance matters
  • Organize volunteers to bring you meals, take you to treatments, or run errands for you
  • Help keep up your appetite, weight, and strength by cooking tempting foods and creating pleasant settings for meals
  • Listen when you need to vent your feelings or frustrations
  • Entertain you or keep you company when you want to relax or have fun
  • Help with household chores like laundry, cleaning, grocery shopping, or dog walking
  • Go for walks with you to help you stay active

How can I talk to my loved ones about my cancer?

Letting your family and friends know about what you are going through can bring you comfort. But it can also be stressful. People do not always react the way you hope they will. These tips may help make it easier to talk with others about your cancer.

How to talk to loved ones about your metastatic breast cancer
  • Give some thought to what you might say. Think about what you want other people to know and write it down
  • Decide who to tell and when. You may want to start with a close friend who has “been there for you” in the past. Choose a time to talk that feels right to you
  • Find the best way to share the information. You may want to tell some people face to face, some on the phone, and others by sending a letter or e-mail
  • Seek expert advice. If you are unsure of what to say, it might help to talk with an oncology social worker or other people who are living with advanced cancer
  • Keep talking. If friends or loved ones react poorly or cannot handle your news, let them know how that makes you feel. Give them a little time to face their own fears about your cancer
How to talk to loved ones about your metastatic breast cancer

Patient Resources

The downloadable resources available on this website have been developed to help you

  • Be prepared for treatment
  • Work closely and effectively with your healthcare team
  • Receive and remember important information during treatment
Preparing for My Treatment
Preparing for My Treatment share

Offers a checklist of steps to take to help prepare yourself for treatment. Also includes information you should share with your doctor and questions to ask your doctor or nurse before treatment begins.

Where can I find information and support online?

Your need for services, support, and information about metastatic breast cancer (MBC) may change over time. Knowing where to find the resources you need to help manage these challenges can help you feel more in control. Use the resources listed below to get answers, advice, and help from advocacy groups and peers who understand the needs and concerns of people with MBC.

These organizations do not replace talking with your doctor. Ask your healthcare team about other resources they can recommend.

The independent organizations listed are provided as an additional resource for obtaining information related to cancer and advanced breast cancer. Inclusion on this list does not indicate endorsement by Bristol-Myers Squibb Company of an organization or its communications.

Your Concern or Need
Where to Turn for Help
Services Provided

Wondering what to do first?

Learning more about your condition

Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC)

ibbc.org 1-855-807-6386

Metastatic Breast Cancer Network (MBCN)

mbcn.org 1-888-500-0370

Advanced Breast Cancer Community

advancedbreastcancercommunity.org 608-828-8852

Connection to a dedicated community of support and information for people with MBC offering:
  • Advice from experts
  • Telephone support
  • Patient stories
  • Booklets and newsletters
  • Referrals to resources
  • Conference and webinars

Connecting with other patients and support groups on the Internet, by phone, or in person

To get one-on-one support by phone

ABCD Helpline

1-800-977-4121

Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC) Helpline

1-888-753-5222

SHARE Breast Cancer Helpline

1-866-891-2392

Telephone helplines that match you with a trained volunteer who is living with MBC

Young Survival Coalition Survivor Link

1-877-972-1011

E-mail:
resourcelinks@youngsurvival.org
One-on-one peer support for women aged 40 and under with breast cancer

Information to help you find—or set up—a support group, or connect with the MBC community through Facebook and social media

Free counseling and support groups led by oncology social workers to help you manage the emotional and practical challenges of cancer

To find a support group in your area

Cancer Support Community

cancersupportcommunity.org 1-888-793-9355

Referrals to local chapters that run support groups

BCMets.org

bcmets.org

Breastcancer.org Discussion Boards

community.breastcancer.org

Online discussion forums for people with MBC

Seeking help for anxiety or depression due to cancer-related health issues

American Psychosocial Oncology Society (APOS) Helpline

1-866-276-7443

Referrals to professional counselors who are skilled at helping people manage cancer-related distress

Getting advice on how to talk with your healthcare team

A free professional counseling program that helps prepare you to make informed treatment decisions

Understanding your type of cancer and treatment options

National Cancer Institute (NCI) Cancer Information Service

1-800-422-6237

American Cancer Society

cancercare.org 1-800-227-2345

National Institute on Aging

nia.nih.gov/health

Easy-to-understand information and treatment guidelines for all types and stages of cancer

Choosing an insurance plan or paying for coverage

Health Insurance Marketplace

healthcare.gov 1-800-318-2596

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

cms.gov 1-800-633-4227

Information to help you access healthcare coverage through Medicare, Medicaid, or the Affordable Care Act

Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF)

patientadvocate.org 1-800-532-5274

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

cms.gov 1-800-633-4227

Free Web chats, webinars, search tools, and guides to help uninsured and underinsured patients find resources to help ease the burden of paying for treatment

Seeking information about financial or legal issues related to cancer

Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF)

patientadvocate.org 1-800-532-5274

Cancer Legal Resource Center

thedrlc.org 1-866-843-2572

Free professional information about health insurance, medical debt, disability, or job-related issues

Getting help with non-medical bills while being treated for MBC

Offers short-term aid for basic living expenses to patients with breast cancer who have lost income during active treatment

Getting help with the cost of transportation to and from treatment

CancerCare® Get You There

cancercare.org 1-800-813-4673

Grants to patients with MBC to cover the cost of transportation to and from treatment

American Cancer Society

cancer.org 1-800-227-2345

Referrals to local and national groups that provide funding for travel and other out-of-pocket expenses related to treatment

Getting information on pain or side effects of treatment to discuss with your healthcare team

Breastcancer.org

breastcancer.org

CancerCare®

cancercare.org 1-800-813-4673

National Cancer Institute (NCI) Cancer Information Service

1-800-422-6237

Practical information about pain and/or side effects of cancer treatment

Learning how to cope with hair loss and skin changes

Look Good Feel Better

lookgoodfeelbetter.org 1-800-395-5665

Free workshops offering makeup, beauty, and skin care tips to women in treatment for cancer

Lining up home care or help for older adults

Eldercare Locator

eldercare.gov 1-800-677-1116

Free referrals to community services for older adults and their families

Organizing help from friends and family

MyLifeLine.org

mylifeline.org

CaringBridge®

caringbridge.org

Websites and mobile apps that allow you to set up a free, private online network for giving and receiving help

Getting support for caregivers

Cancer Support Community

1-888-793-9355

CancerCare®

cancercare.org 1-800-813-4673

Family Caregiver Alliance

caregiver.org 1-800-445-8106

Support groups, information, advice, and referrals to resources for local and long-distance caregiving
Your Concern or Need

Wondering what to do first?

Learning more about your condition

Connecting with other patients and support groups on the Internet, by phone, or in person

Seeking help for anxiety or depression due to cancer-related health issues

Getting advice on how to talk with your healthcare team

Understanding your type of cancer and treatment options

Choosing an insurance plan or paying for coverage

Seeking information about financial or legal issues related to cancer

Getting help with non-medical bills while being treated for MBC

Getting help with the cost of transportation to and from treatment

Getting information on pain or side effects of treatment to discuss with your healthcare team

Learning how to cope with hair loss and skin changes

Lining up home care or help for older adults

Organizing help from friends and family

Getting support for caregivers

Where can I find cultural resources?

Cancer is individual and very personal. One person’s experience may be very different from another’s experience. There are many things that make living with any illness personal, including a person’s culture or ethnicity. The organizations listed below offer information and resources specific to certain ethnic groups and cultures.

African Americans

Blackdoctor.org

blackdoctor.org

312-222-1205

Health news and features specifically targeted to African Americans. Includes information written in everyday language, a searchable directory of qualified African American doctors, and community blogs on thought-provoking information from health writers and doctors.

Hispanic Americans

Latinas Contra Cancer

latinascontracancer.org

1-888-522-8110

Education, navigation, and support for the underserved Latino population affected by cancer. Bilingual services include educational workshops, support groups, case management, and patient navigation.

National Alliance for Hispanic Health

healthyamericas.org/more-resources

202-387-5000

Programs that focus on improving the health and well-being of Hispanics and securing health for all. Available resources include the Let’s Talk About Living With Cancer (Hablemos sobre la vida con cancer) bilingual booklet that provides those living with cancer as well as their friends and family with general information and resources on cancer.

Asian Americans

Asian American Health Initiative

aahiinfo.org

240-777-4517

Programs and activities that help narrow the communication gap created by language and cultural barriers, and navigation of an unfamiliar healthcare system for Asian Americans. Resources include a library of downloadable brochures, videos, blogs, and a calendar of events.

Asian and Pacific Islander American Health Forum

apiahf.org

415-954-9988

Educational tools and materials to help people understand healthcare reform and its impact on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders.

Various Ethnic Groups

US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health

minorityhealth.hhs.gov

240-453-2882

A one-stop source for minority health literature, research, and referrals for consumers, community organizations, and health professionals. Information on health issues specific to African Americans, Native Americans and Alaska Natives, Asian Americans, Hispanics, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders is available through the Resource Center, from access to online documents to database searches to customized responses to requests for information and assistance.

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