Resources
Although we do not suggest specific service providers, women attending our Friday meetings may chose to share the names of those they wish to personally recommend.
Printed Material
Some of our support group members have recommended the following material. Women LISTEN, Inc. does not take responsibility for their content.
How to Prevent and Treat Cancer with Natural Medicine, by Dr. Michael Murray, Dr. Tim Birdsall, Dr. Joseph Pizzorno, and Dr. Paul Reilly.
My Healing Companion, by Beverly Kirkhart. "A wonderful book and journal to help process emotions and it has some fun nurturing activities in it for women (or anyone) who is facing cancer. She has a remarkable story, going through a divorce after 17 years, going through bankruptcy, losing her home, living in her car, and then being diagnosed with breast cancer. It is amazing what a person can go through and end up turning things around for good."
There's No Place Like Hope: A Guide to Beating Cancer in Mind-sized Bites, by Vickie Girard. A book of hope, help, and inspiration for cancer patients and their families
Links to Helpful Sites
Some of our support group members and volunteers have recommended the following sites. Women LISTEN, Inc. does not manage the sites or take responsibility for their content.
Alaskan Resources
Alaska Cancer Partnership. This website offers information on resources for cancer patients, survivors, caregivers and providers throughout Alaska, on social support, financial relief, and physical activity and nutrition -- as well as provider trainings. The partnership is a group of organizations and individuals throughout Alaska working together; Women Listen, Inc. is a member.
https://alaskacancerpartnership.org
Alaska Regional Hospital Cancer Care Center. Basic contact information for Oncology at the hospital, including a list of cancer conditions treated (including breast and gynecological cancers) and related services offered.
https://www.alaskaregional.com/specialties/oncology/
American Cancer Society, Alaska.The Alaskan Chapter of the American Cancer Society.
https://www.cancer.org/about-us/local/alaska.htmlAnchorage and Valley Radiation Therapy Centers. Information about radiation therapy treatment and services.
http://www.alaskaradiationtherapy.comAnchorage Young Cancer Coalition. AYCC offers support primarily to those who experienced cancer at a young age, but often has events and support available for all ages. In addition to holding events, they have a very active online Facebook forum, open to men and women.
http://anchorageyoungcancer.com/
Envision: The Behavioral Medicine Intervention for chemo-brain, fatigue, cancer-related anxiety and stress and sleep problems. Developed by Alaska’s Dr. Lyn Freeman, and made available to cancer survivors suffering late-term symptoms both online and in person in Anchorage, AK.
http://mindmattersresearch.com/
Let Every Woman Know (LEWK) Alaska. Local nonprofit run by volunteers, one dedicated staff member and a small board of directors, many of whom have been touched by gynecologic cancers. Provides creative statewide education, support, advocacy and arts programs unique to Alaska’s diverse communities and dedicated to preventing, facing and ending gynecologic cancers.
leteverywomanknow.org
Massage Therapy and Cancer. This guide stresses the importance of finding a qualified oncology massage therapist.
https://www.amtamassage.org/research/Massage-Therapy-Research-Roundup/Massage-Therapy-Beneficial-in-Oncology-Care.html
As recommended, you can go to https://www.amtamassage.org/findamassage/ and locate a massage therapist in your state. Enter “oncology” in the first box, along with your city and state in the second, to narrow your search to such specialists.
Providence Cancer Center. Includes information on the various cancers treated and support services available, such as patient navigation, oncology rehabilitation and art therapy.
https://www.providence.org/locations/ak/alaska-medical-center/cancer-center
Cancer Survivorship
Cancer Survivorship Care Plans (CDC) A CDC overview of cancer survivorship planning, with links. What is a survivorship care plan, and how you can request one or make one. cdc.gov/cancer-survivors/life-after-cancer/survivorship-care-plans.html
Breast Cancer Survivorship Program. (Johns Hopkins). Treatment side effects, guidelines for follow-up care, how to make a SCP, symptom management, reducing risk of recurrence, stories and videos. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/kimmel-cancer-center/cancers-we-treat/breast-gynecologic-malignancies-group/treatment-and-services/survivorship
Cancer Hope Network. A non-profit organization providing free emotional support for those with cancer and their caregivers. Also matches patients and families with trained cancer survivors.
cancerhopenetwork.orgCancer Survival Toolbox: A free self-learning audio program developed by leading cancer organizations to encourage patients and their caregivers to take a more active role in their treatment and care.
canceradvocacy.org/resources/cancer-survival-toolbox/Customizing a Care Plan, blog posting by Kathy Latour. Lots of guidance and resources for creating the cancer survivorship care plan that's best for you.
https://www.curetoday.com/community/kathy-latour/2017/01/moving-forward-with-cancer-survivorship-care-plansGuide to Cancer Survivorship Care and Resources (Johns Hopkins)A survivorship guide handout shared by doctors at Johns Hopkins.https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/-/media/kimmel-cancer-center/documents/leukemia-survivors-resources/mccsurvivorshipguide.pdf
Survivorship Care Plans. Links to downloadable ASCO cancer treatment and survivorship care plan templates, free for patient and practitioner use as described.
www.cancer.org/cancer/survivorship/long-term-health-concerns/survivorship-care-plans.htmlToolkit for Navigating Finances After Cancer (Triage Cancer). A toolkit to help you understand how cancer may impact your finances.
https://triagecancer.org/cancer-finances
Cancer Treatment
Cancer Monthly: The Source for Cancer Treatment Results. Includes the actual survival rate, quality of life indicators, and other key data for approximately 1,500 different cancer treatments. The information comes from the published reports of oncologists, surgeons and researchers from many cancer hospitals in the United States and beyond. Free registration is required.
cancermonthly.com/Envision: The Behavioral Medicine Intervention for chemo-brain, fatigue, cancer-related anxiety and stress and sleep problems, developed by Alaska's Dr. Lyn Freeman and made available to all cancer survivors suffering late-term symptoms both in person in Anchorage, AK and online.
mindmattersresearch.com/National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Informational government website (part of NIH) on providing information about complementary health products and practices and related research.
www.nccih.nih.govMy Cancer Genome: Genetically Informed Cancer Medicine (Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center). A one-stop tool that matches tumor mutations to therapies, making information accessible and convenient for physicians, patients, caregivers and researchers.
mycancergenome.org/NCCN (National Comprehensive Cancer Network) Guidelines for Patients. Offers evidence-based guidelines based on the same treatment information your doctors use and helps you talk to your doctor about the best treatment options for your disease.
www.nccn.org/Oncopilot: Navigating the Cancer Journey. (Penn Medicine). A guide to mapping your cancer journey with pages you can download to help you keep complete records.
oncolink.org/oncopilot/
Caregiving
AARP Caregiving Resource Center: News, Information, tools, tips and support for caregivers. Covers planning and resources, benefits and insurance, legal and money matters, caring for yourself, providing care, senior housing, end-of-life care, and grief and loss.
aarp.org/home-family/caregiving/Caregiver Action Network is a non-profit organization providing education, peer support, and resources to family caregivers across the country free of charge. Resources include a Family Caregiver Toolbox and 10 Tips for Family Caregivers.
caregiveraction.org/Advice for Caregivers of Cancer Patients. Covers topics: who informal caregivers are, what they do, what problems they have, how to help them, and references for further reading.
cdc.gov/cancer-survivors/caregivers/Caregiving.com offers a number of online support groups addressing the needs of long distance caregivers, the sandwich generation, male caregivers, and others. Caregivers can also participate in online book clubs, find answers to questions/concerns, and obtain advice.
caregiving.com/Family Caregiver Alliance National Center on Caregiving. For those caring for family members with chronic health conditions of all kinds, this website offers factsheets, monographs, policy and statistical documents, and consumer and training materials on caregiving and caring for oneself.
caregiver.orgHealing Baskets. A delightful web-based business selling gifts for people dealing with cancer or other bereavement issues.
healingbaskets.com/cancer-gifts/cancer-baskets-for-womenLotsa Helping Hands: Strives to establish a community of help for caregivers.
lotsahelpinghands.com/Loving Conversations: A step-by-step guide to help families decide what's best for an aging parent. Provides advice on healthcare, living arrangements, financial management, legal issues and community support groups and organizations.
easterseals.com/shared-components/document-library/loving_conv_new_resaved.pdfServices for Caregivers. (Easter Seal) Provides information on what it means to be a caregiver, how to lend support at a distance, planning for the future, Caregiving in American today, rural care giving, and other very practical advice.
easterseals.com/explore-resources/for-caregivers/Share the Care: A non-profit organization focused on training and forming groups to pool the efforts of caregivers.
sharethecare.orgStroke Caregivers Handbook, by Joyce Dreslin. A 43-page manual in PDF, maintained by the dedication and experiences of the Stroke Caregivers Support Group formed in 1996. The handbook provides practical information from first onset to acute care, moving on to rehab, home sweet home, and nursing homes.
http://strokerecoverybc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Caregivers_Handbook_snipJan2011.pdfWomensHealth.gov, Office on Women's Health. Resources and information for caregivers.
https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/caregiver-stress
Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Annie Appleseed Project. This non-profit corporation provides information, education, advocacy, and awareness for people with cancer and their family and friends who are interested in complementary or alternative medicine (CAM) and natural therapies from a patient's perspective.
annieappleseedproject.orgCancer Fighting Strategies. One of the most comprehensive websites dealing with alternative cancer fighting strategies. It is here you will learn about Dr. Budwig's diet of flaxseed and organic cottage cheese, the baking soda therapy normalizing your body PH, the Essiac Tea - Canadian cancer detox, supplements needed at what stages (each stage raises the amounts and cost), the hydrogen therapies and many, many more. Click on the printable version in the right hand corner to see the complete report.
cancerfightingstrategies.com/National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (National Institutes of Health). Provides descriptions of NCCIH treatments, information about herbal supplements, links to NCCIH trials, and research studies on NCCIH approaches.
nccih.nih.govSociety for Integrative Oncology. Society for Integrative Oncology. Established to advance evidence-based, comprehensive, integrative healthcare to improve the lives of people affected by cancer. Provides links to integrative oncology guidelines, a listing of books, a link to open clinical trials in integrative oncology, a guide to finding credible internet information and a downloadable workbook for Talking about Complementary and Alternative Medicine with Health Care Providers.
integrativeonc.org/
Fashion Accessories and Supplies for Cancer Patients
CureDiva: Stylish Living for Breast Cancer. Hats, headcovers, sleepwear, radiotherapy clothing, natural beauty care, sun protection, recovery and comfort pillows.
curediva.com/Headcovers Unlimited. Hats, turbans and wigs for hair loss for cancer, chemotherapy, alopecia, trichotillomania and other medical patients, men, women and children.
headcovers.com/TLC: Tender Loving Care. Not-for-profit website and catalog of the American Cancer Society, offering wigs, headwear, fashion accessories and mastectomy products plus how-to, to help women cope during and after cancer treatment.
tlcdirect.org/
Nutrition
AICR's 10 Foods that Fight Cancer. (American Institute for Cancer Research). Research and recipes for foods proven to fight cancer. Part of a larger resource that includes information on the effectiveness of physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight for cancer prevention.
aicr.org/foods-that-fight-cancer/
I Wish You Knew: Nutrition During Cancer Treatment. Blog posting with video clip on nutritionist Karen Wagner's guidance for diet during cancer treatment and balancing nutritional needs and side effects.
oncolink.org/blogs/index.php/2012/12/i-wish-u-knew-nutrition-during-cancer-treatment/Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine: Food for Life. Promotes prevention and survival by addressing the link between what we eat and cancer.
pcrm.org/health/cancer-resources/
Prescription Drug Suppliers
Express Scripts. Prescriptions filled online, often for less.
express-scripts.com/
Psychosocial Issues
Adjustment to Cancer: Anxiety and Distress. Describes how these emotions can affect a patient's quality of life, different levels of distress, and risk factors for serious manifestations.
cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/adjustment/PatientCoping with Cancer. (Penn Medicine). Topics include coping with a cancer diagnosis, common concerns after a new diagnosis, talking with children, coping with recurrence fears and metastatic disease.
www.oncolink.org/support/coping-with-cancerLife, Interrupted: 6 Ways to Cope with Cancer. Young adult Suleika Jaquad shares the best coping strategies she has learned from people she has met during her 16 month cancer journey. Blog posting, August 23, 2012.
well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/08/23/life-interrupted-six-ways-to-cope-with-cancer/Managing Emotional Effects. (National Cancer Institute). Provides help in dealing with initial diagnosis and recurrence, managing depression, memory problems, and anxiety, spiritual issues and general coping skills.
cancer.gov/cancertopics/coping/emotionaleffectsPsychological Stress and Cancer. (National Cancer Institute). Defines psychological stress and describes the kind of stress cancer patients experience, with guidance for coping.
cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/stressTriage Cancer. A national, nonprofit organization that provides free education on the legal and practical issues that may impact individuals diagnosed with cancer and their caregivers, through materials, resources, and trainings/events.
https://triagecancer.org
Sexuality
Sex and Intimacy. (breastcancer.org). A potpourri of articles on what really matters, changes in your sex life, intimacy beyond intercourse, single women's concerns, accepting yourself nude, taking charge, and FAQs.
breastcancer.org/tips/intimacyCancer, Sex and the Female Body. (American Cancer Society). A guide to many topics addressing the physical and emotional effects of cancer treatment related to sexuality and intimacy.
www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/side-effects/fertility-and-sexual-side-effects/sexuality-for-women-with-cancer/cancer-sex-sexuality.html
Websites for Specific Cancers
BREAST CANCER
Breastcancer.org. NPO dedicated to providing reliable, current information about breast cancer. Includes overview of breast cancer, the variables that decide treatment; the different types of breast cancer, treatment options, an A-Z list of side effects, how to lower risk of developing this disease, and information on new treatments. Includes free mobile app, My Breast Cancer Coach, to track treatment progress and stash health information. A unique Community Knowledge section offers discussion boards, chat rooms, ask-the-expert online conferences and blogs (some require registration).
breastcancer.orgTower Cancer Research Foundation (Dr. Susan Love Fund for Breast Cancer Research)Dedicated to developing new and innovative ways to treat breast cancer and to find a cure. Also educates on the importance of screening and early detection of breast cancer. This website provides a level of detail about breast cancer not found on most websites: new treatments and diagnostic tools, what to expect following treatments from hormonal therapy to surgery and chemotherapy, what happens when breast cancer recurs, and the differences between hormone positive and hormone negative cancers. The Communities and Connections section links to Hope Chest that provides low-income women who have undergone mastectomy with free breast reconstruction surgery.
https://www.drsusanloveresearch.orgNational Breast Cancer Foundation. Dedicated to educating women about breast cancer and the importance of early detection. Provides an overview of breast cancer and risk factors, such as a family history of the disease, resources and support for women newly diagnosed, a list of recommended treatment options for stages 1 to 4, potential side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, breast cancer myths, and FAQs. Includes a special, Beyond the Shock section, for newly diagnosed women with short video clips featuring stories of breast cancer survivors and interactive chat rooms (registration required).
nationalbreastcancer.orgBLOOD AND LYMPHATIC CANCER
International Myeloma Foundation. Funds research to improve the lives of people with myeloma, a type of blood cancer. Includes an overview of myeloma with causes and symptoms, information for newly diagnosed patients, treatment options, clinical trials testing new treatments, statistics on incidence and mortality. Information is provided in a dozen languages, including Spanish, Portuguese and Italian.
myeloma.orgLeukemia and Lymphoma Society. Information and research on the diseases.
lls.org/Lymphoma Research Foundation. A non-profit organization devoted to funding research and providing up-to-date information to healthcare professionals and people with lymphoma.
lymphoma.org/site/COLORECTAL CANCER
FightColorectalCancer.org. Provides patient education, involvement in medical research, and advocacy in the area of colorectal cancer.
fightcolorectalcancer.org/GYNECOLOGICAL CANCERS
FORCE (Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered). This national NPO aims to improve the lives of individuals and families affected by hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. Provides information on hereditary cancer and cancer genetics, signs of hereditary ovarian cancer, assessing ovarian cancer risks, risk management advice, fertility and parenting content, nutrition and lifestyle advice, clinical trials, and recommended books. Includes a password-protected post-mastectomy photo gallery.
facingourrisk.orgFoundation for Women's Cancer. Established by the Society of Gynecological Oncologists to promote public awareness about the prevention, early detection and treatment of gynecological cancers. The website covers cervical cancer, gestational trophoblastic disease, primary peritoneal cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine/endometrial cancer, vaginal cancer, and vulvar cancer from prevention and screening, to diagnosis and treatment, dealing with stress and the challenges of living with these cancers.
foundationforwomenscancer.orgJohns Hopkins Pathology Ovarian Cancer. Provides information for each ovarian tumor type, a list of symptoms, information on genetics related to ovarian cancer, early detection methods, prevention advice, risk factors, treatment options, clinical trial information, and personal stories. Includes a glossary and a discussion board.
https://pathology.jhu.edu/ovarian-cancer/National Ovarian Cancer Coalition. Raises awareness and promotes education about ovarian cancer. Provides an overview of the disease, including information for the newly diagnosed, symptoms, types and stages of the disease, research progress, treatment options, advice for living with the disease and tips for caregivers. The Community section contains personal stories, brochures, newsletters and a quiz.
ovarian.orgOvarian Cancer Research FundAlliance. Works to advance the interests of women with the disease, advocates for research funding and to educates health care providers and the public. The website offers an overview, statistics on ovarian cancer, a list of risk factors and symptoms, treatment options, fact sheets, a glossary of terms, and clinical trial resources. The Resources section includes a symptom diary.
ovariancancer.orgSKIN CANCER
The Skin Cancer Foundation. A website dedicated to educating medical professionals and the public about skin cancer and how to avoid it. Covers types of skin cancer, what causes it, the role of sun exposure, tips on prevention including avoiding tanning beds, how the different types are treated and statistics on the incidence of skin cancer in the U.S. Special feature is a True Stories tab for patient stories.
skincancer.org
Palliative and Hospice Care
American Hospice Foundation. Supports programs that service the terminally ill and grieving individuals of all ages, and aims to improve quality hospice care through public education, professional training and advocacy for customers. Provides articles on working through grief, caregiving, advanced care planning, hospice, and grieving children; recommended reading and online courses; patient and family stories about hospice care, and advice may be requested from Helen Fitzgerald, certified Thanatologist.
americanhospice.orgPlanning at the End of Life. (American Cancer Society). This section includes how to find out what you can expect during the last few months of life, making end-of-life decisions, information about hospice care and hospice care services (pain and symptom control, spiritual care), different types of hospice care settings, who pays, locating care, and coping with the loss of a loved one.
www.cancer.org/cancer/end-of-life-care/nearing-the-end-of-life/planning.html
Research, Studies, Organizations, and Conferences
American Cancer Society. International organization dedicated to eliminating cancer.
cancer.orgCancer Care. Provides live and recorded programs focusing on various forms of cancer, treatments, research, and day-to-day information for those experiencing the disease and their caregivers.
cancercare.orgHealing Journeys. Offers inspiring workshops and conferences for cancer survivors.
healingjourneys.org/National Cancer Institute. The primary government agency involved in cancer research and training in the United States.
cancer.gov/
Retreats by Other Organizations
Harmony Hill. A non-profit retreat center that rents out their facilities and provides wellness programs to groups and corporations, and seeks donations to support their cancer program. Free to those who attend, the Cancer Program serves individuals affected by a cancer diagnosis in extended three-day retreats, workshops, webinars and an annual Survivorship Fair. Those attending learn techniques to help them through their cancer journey whether they are a survivor themselves, a care-giver (or co-survivor) or someone who has lost a loved one to cancer.” Includes webinar library on nutrition topics.
harmonyhill.org/Mary's Place by the Sea. Providing a place for women with cancer to heal: mind, body and soul. This is a seaside retreat in Ocean Grove, New Jersey, where women in treatment and afterwards, can relax, be pampered and receive support, caring and love.
marysplacebythesea.org/
Staying in Touch with Family and Friends
Protected websites for families and friends to communicate privately, share status updates, and stay in-touch during trying times:
Caring Bridge: caringbridge.org/
Post Hope: posthope.org/
Women LISTEN, Inc. Logo Items and Artwork by Jan Porterfield
Artwork by Jan Porterfield. All proceeds from the sale of her uplifting artwork goes to the Alaska Community Foundation to support cancer patients, hospice, early childhood education, and other causes that were important to her.
Index to Jan's artwork: www.cafepress.com/designs/janporterfield.
Cancer Survivor Fairies: Porterfield/Fairies
Women Listen, Inc. Logo Items: buttons, shirts, totebags, and more www.cafepress.com/designs/janporterfield/27536705
