Question: Are we sponsored by the American Cancer Society? Answer: Not yet. We have to be a support group. I am in contact with the ACS as a self help group and we have an adviser.
Question: Why are you called a self help group and not a support group? Answer: We have to have either a RN or a medical professional in our group to be a support group.
Question: Will you ever change from a self help group to a support group? Answer: Yes, just as soon as I find a volunteer(s) that meet
the ACS criteria. They must be an RN or medical professional preferably in oncology.
Question: I am a RN or medical professional what do I get if I volunteer to help your group? Answer: I will give you ice cream and the sincere thanks of our group.
Question: Why is there advertising banners on the website?
Answer: It cost more to buy a site without the ads. It saves me money for this site.
Websites:
When I was first diagnosed in 2007 the first place I went was the
internet. The first site I went to scared my pants off. I don't want
that to happen to you. There are a lot of
helpful sites and
information. There are also some sites that won't be right for you.
The sites listed have been recommended by other members in our group. I
cannot say 100% these are good sites for you. They were very helpful
for me. I will keep adding as I get more information.
American Cancer Society - Provides services and help: some examples Cancer Survivor Network, I Can Cope, Road to Recovery, What You Need to Know as a Cancer Caregiver
Project Dana Provides support services for frail elderly or disabled persons.
Kapi`olani Community College - Kupuna Education, Family Caregiver, Hands-On Skills for Family Caregivers; What Family Caregivers Want & Need to Know. Course fee is as low as $15 in 2011.
Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA)/National Center on Caregiving - Connect with people going through similar experience.
CancerCare - a national nonprofit organization that provides free, professional support services for anyone affected by cancer, online support groups, help paying cancer medication, educational webinars.
Partnership for Prescription Assistance - helps qualifying patients without prescription drug coverage get the
medicines they need through the program that is right for them. Many
will get their medications free or nearly free.
Neuropathy is an ongoing problem for cancer survivors. The pain, burning, tingling, and numbness can be from chemo or other causes. Sites to help you Mayo Clinic and Neuropathy.org
National Lymphedema Network. Lymphedema is an accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the interstitial tissue that causes swelling, most often in the arm(s) and/or leg(s), and occasionally in other parts of the body.
