Find Support / Newly Diagnosed
Newly diagnosed
Take a breath. You are not alone.
Hearing "breast cancer" can make the world go quiet. The women of STAARS have heard it too. You do not have to figure out everything today, and you do not have to do it by yourself.
Your first steps
One step at a time.
These are gentle first steps, not a checklist you have to finish this week.
- Talk to someone who has been thereCall the STAARS line at (901) 319-9099. A survivor answers, day or night.
- Bring someone with youTake a trusted friend or family member to appointments to listen, take notes and ask questions.
- Write down your questionsKeep one notebook for every appointment. There are no silly questions.
- Ask for a Sister Step mentorWe will pair you with a survivor who walks beside you through your whole journey.
- Come to a Sister CircleFree monthly meetings where you can listen, share or simply sit with women who understand.
Questions to ask your doctor
It is your body. Ask anything.
- What type of breast cancer do I have, and what stage is it?
- What are my treatment options, and what do you recommend?
- What side effects should I expect, and how do we manage them?
- How will treatment affect my work and family life?
- Who do I call with questions after hours?
- Can someone help me with costs, insurance or transportation?
How STAARS helps right away
Support from day one.
A survivor on the line
Talk through what you are feeling with a woman who understands, 24 hours a day.
A Sister Step mentor
A survivor paired with you for the whole journey.
Help with the practical things
For eligible women: wigs, bras, prostheses, co-pays and rides.
See practical helpYou can call before you are ready to talk.
Even if you only want to listen, call the STAARS line. A survivor will answer. You can also give your doctor permission to contact STAARS for you.