Breast & Gynecological Cancer Doula Support in Denver, Colorado
Colorado Purple Lotus Doula offers professionally trained cancer doula support in Denver, Colorado, with a specialized focus on breast and gynecological cancers. I provide compassionate, non-medical emotional support, education, advocacy, and practical guidance for individuals navigating diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, recurrence, and end-of-life care.
As a breast and gynecological cancer doula, my role is to walk alongside clients during one of the most vulnerable times in their lives—helping them feel informed, supported, and empowered while navigating complex medical systems and emotional challenges. Each client receives personalized, trauma-informed care tailored to their unique needs, values, and cancer journey.
Cancer doula support is distinct from cancer coaching and focuses on non-directive, presence-based care, advocacy, and emotional support throughout the full cancer experience.
You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice, but it’s OK to lean on someone and ask for support.
I was diagnosed in July 2018 with Stage 3C Inflammatory Breast Cancer, Ductal Carcinoma Insitu, and Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, HER 2+, ER/PR -. The diagnosis forever changed my life. My treatment involved 6 rounds of chemo, with a 7-10 day hospital stay after each of the first five rounds, a bilateral mastectomy, radiation, and a hysterectomy. So I get it. I have been there. And I understand how this diagnosis can change YOUR life forever.
Everyone knows that you loose your hair with chemo, but no one tells you that you loose your taste, your sense of smell gets a lot stronger, your sensitivity to sounds and light increases, your nails turn black and fall off, or that the pain, especially in your bones that is indescribable. No one tells you about the fatigue, exhaustion, irritability, or worst of all the fog that you come to know as chemo brain. Your life completely changes and becomes focused on the cancer.
But you learn to make the best of it. You try to stay positive. You focus on the things that bring you joy, for me it was my dog Honey and my cat Annabelle Rose. What brings you joy? What will help you get through this part of your journey?
When I went through treatment, my friends and family did not know how to support me. They did the best that they could, but I did not know what I needed, so how could they know how to help me? That is part of why supporting other women on their breast cancer journey is so important to me. I understand that we all walk different paths, but I am here to help you, and your family, navigate your path the way I wish that someone had been there for me and my family.
What does a Breast & Gynecological Cancer Doula do?
- I will attend any medical appointments related to your breast cancer diagnosis.
- I will take notes for you at your appointments and support you in asking as many questions as you need to.
- I will attend chemotherapy and radiation appointments with you.
- I will support you prior to and after all medical procedures related to your diagnosis. This includes your port placement, lumpectomy, mastectomy, and hysterectomy.
- I will help you find the words to speak to friends, family, and anyone else about what is going on and what you need from them to support you.
- I will help facilitate conversations between family and friends so they can express their concerns.
- I will be by your side onto listen, take notes, talk, and support you no matter what the diagnosis may bring.
- If desired, I will document your journey through photography
“You literally saved my life at the beginning of this year. I was truly ready to give up. Thank you for everything you do.”
Former Client
How Support is Offered:
Support is available both in-person and virtually depending on your location and needs.
In-Person Support (Denver Metro Area):
- Emotional support during appointments, procedures, or treatment days
- Presence and advocacy when navigating medical spaces
- In-home support
Virtual Emotional Support (Outside of the Denver Metro Area):
- Emotional check-ins and ongoing support
- Preparation for appointments and procedures
- Space to process decisions, fears, and changes
- Support for caregivers and loved ones, with your consent
We will choose the option that feels most supportive for you.
What a Breast & Gynecological Cancer Doula does not do.
- I will not make any diagnosis.
- I will not make any medical decisions for you.
- I will not provide any medical treatment.
- I am not a death doula, therefore my focus is not on focusing on end of life care, but I will help support you and your family through this journey if this is what you would like or I will provide referrals for death doulas in the area.
Self care isn't selfish.
We all need help sometimes. Don't feel guilty about reaching out to get the help that you desperately need. You deserve compassionate care. I am here for you.
Breast & Gynecological Cancer Doula Support Investment
Home Visits
- 1 consultation before the visit so that I know what you would like the visit to entail.
- Visit can involve light house keeping or meal prep, or meal being made.
- Post-surgical home support, including guidance and assistance with tasks such as emptying and caring for surgical drains, mobility support, and comfort measures during recovery
- Comfort-focused touch, such as gentle back, leg, foot, or hand massage, when desired, to promote relaxation and ease tension while we talk
- Visit can also involve us hanging out and just providing comfort and someone to talk to about anything.
Attend Medical Appointments
- 1 consultation before the appointment so that I know what the appointment will be about and what you would like my role will be. We will also go over any questions you may have for your provider.
- I will meet you at your appointment.
- I can take notes if you would like.
- After your appointment, we can go over what was said and any questions you may have for the next appointment.
- Appointments can be with any provider related to your breast cancer treatment or complications from treatment
Attend Medical Procedures
- 1 consultation before the appointment so that I know what the appointment will be about and what you would like my role will be. We will also go over any questions you may have for your provider.
- I will meet you at your appointment.
- I can take notes if you would like.
- After your appointment, we can go over what was said and any questions you may have for the next appointment.
- Medical procedures can include chemotherapy, radiation, port placement, PICC Line placement, Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, or Hysterectomy, etc.
Facilitate Family/Friend Meetings
- 1 consultations before meeting to determine what your goals are for the meeting. Depending on the topics, this may require multiple consultations to best prepare.
- We will try to meet in a neutral location and I will facilitate the meeting to help make sure you are able to tell your family what you want and need to tell them and that your family is able to communicate their needs and desires with you.