One-on-one conversations with women who have been there.

Coming to terms with a breast cancer diagnosis is hard enough. No one should have to figure out what to do next on their own.

Off Your Chest Downers Grove is a "pay it forward" group of women who have been through it, and want to help others who are going through it.

It's not a "support group". It's an opportunity to talk to someone one-on-one. Ask one-on-one questions. Get one-on-one answers.

How We Started

In March of 2021 I received a phone call that shocked me. At 40 I had a mammogram, which led to another mammogram, which led to a biopsy, which led to a diagnosis of early stage breast cancer. My doctor was kind, but brief on the phone, and I was told to call a breast surgeon who couldn't get me in for an appointment for 2 1/2 weeks.

2 1/2 weeks is way too long to have to wait to talk to someone. Lucky for me I could call my sister, a surgeon, who was able to spend several hours on the phone with me and explain what the medical terms on my diagnosis meant and what my likely treatment options would be. So when I went to that appointment 2 1/2 weeks later I felt so prepared, that I didn't feel overwhelmed with emotions. I was just ready to make decisions and take action.

Less than 3 weeks after my double mastectomy, I was out to dinner with some close friends, who had a close friend who had just received a similar diagnosis. I immediately offered to speak with her, and was happy to have the opportunity to share with her what I had learned from my experience. I had been so thankful to have that guidance from my sister, and I quickly realized that through my personal experience, I could provide help provide guidance and support for others. And maybe they would we willing to do the same for someone in the future.

Connect with us

We're in Downers Grove, IL and can be ​reached at:

of​fyourchestdg@gmail.com