When I was diagnosed with a borderline phyllodes tumor of the breast in 2019, I used my local public library extensively. I was able to check out or request books on reconstruction and treatment and memoirs and social critiques and narratives about cultural aspects of cancer, particularly breast cancer and mandatory positivity and "pink ribbon" culture. Having a rare type of tumor, it was also very helpful to use Inter Library Loan to request free PDFs of paywalled journal articles about phyllodes tumors and, as I was making my decision around reconstruction, to be able to access the literature exploring physical, cosmetic, and psychosocial outcomes for women who made various reconstruction choices (none/implant/tissue).
When I was diagnosed with a borderline phyllodes tumor of the breast in 2019, I used my local public library extensively. I was able to check out or request books on reconstruction and treatment and memoirs and social critiques and narratives about cultural aspects of cancer, particularly breast cancer and mandatory positivity and "pink ribbon" culture. Having a rare type of tumor, it was also very helpful to use Inter Library Loan to request free PDFs of paywalled journal articles about phyllodes tumors and, as I was making my decision around reconstruction, to be able to access the literature exploring physical, cosmetic, and psychosocial outcomes for women who made various reconstruction choices (none/implant/tissue).