Your Neighbor Mom

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Your Neighbor Mom

Melody | Breast Cancer Survivor | 38 | Wife & Mom | Patient Advocate

A voice for cancer survivors. Sharing the reality of survivorship, what is unseen.

Raising awareness. Building a community that understands. You are not alone!

10/15/2026

Please Don’t Say That
series…

Sometimes people mean well…
but their words still hurt.

What would you add?

10/14/2026

Why do so many chemo appointments start with bloodwork? 🩸

Chemotherapy can affect the bone marrow, where blood cells are made. A complete blood count helps your team assess:

🩷 Neutrophils, which help fight infection.
🩷 Red blood cells and hemoglobin, which carry oxygen.
🩷 Platelets, which help blood clot.

Depending on your results and treatment plan, your team may delay or adjust chemotherapy or recommend supportive care. A delay isn’t automatically a setback. Sometimes it’s a safety decision.

Did low counts ever change your treatment schedule?

Medical Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always follow your oncology team’s recommendations for your individual care.

10/14/2026

🎀

10/14/2026

A cancer SELFIE
to remind you to do
your breast SELF-EXAM!

🎀

Your daily October reminder to know your normal, check on your girls, and never ignore changes.

And if you’re due for a mammogram, get it scheduled!

Consider this your reminder to check on yourself, then remind a friend. 💗

10/14/2026

The Hidden Side of Parenting with Cancer
series…

There’s a side of parenting through cancer that nobody really talks about:

The guilt, the fear, and the moments our children never forget.

What was the hardest part for you? 🥹

10/13/2026

One tip I wish every new chemo patient knew: ask about numbing cream for port access! 🩷

Some patients use prescribed lidocaine-based cream, such as EMLA, to reduce discomfort from the needle used to access the port.

Your team can tell you which product to use, how much to apply, how far ahead of the appointment to apply it, and whether to cover it with a dressing. Timing varies by product and instructions.

Wear a top with an accessible neckline, and tell your nurse about unusual pain, burning, swelling, or discomfort. Don’t apply numbing cream over an unhealed incision unless specifically instructed.

Did numbing cream make port access easier for you?

Medical Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always follow your oncology team’s recommendations for your individual care.

Address

5700 S Maryland Ave
Chicago, IL
60637

Website

http://linktr.ee/MelodySwart88

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