Hello and welcome. If you've found this page I imagine you or someone you know has cancer. If this is the case, I hope things are going as well as can be for you.
I've developed this site to offer support to people with cancer in their lives and to create some shortcuts by way of sharing some useful sites I came across after spending hours and hours and hours on the 'net searching for info after my breast cancer diagnosis.
Many sites are specific to breast cancer - I've highlighted into to these sites in pink. There are quite a few sites that are more generic such as info on pathology reports, chemo hair loss and re-growth and cancer info in general.
This site is being progressively enhanced over the coming weeks, and is planned to be dynamic so check back for updates (and vast improvments!).
This site contains a variety of weblinks. The reader is responsible for using the information as they will. The contents are not a personal recommendation; they are here for our consideration; a springboard of ideas that may help us to deal with the cancer challenge.
If you have any suggestions or comments please email me
Click to help fund free mammograms
Cancer Related Resources
Breast Cancer
The most common types of breast cancer are:
- Ductal carcinoma (85 - 90% of all cases)
- Lobular carcinoma (8% of all cases)
Less common are:
- inflammatory breast cancer (occurs in the skin)
http://www.ibcresearch.org/ - Paget's disease of the nipple
http://www.nci.nih.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Sites-Types/pagets-breast
Symptoms of Breast Cancer:
- a lump or a thickening in the breast or in the armpit
- a change of size or shape of the mature breast
- fluid (not milk) leaking from the nipple
- a change of size or shape of the nipple
- a change of color or texture of the nipple or the areola, or of the skin of the breast itself (dimples, puckers, rash)
- Read more details about symptoms of breast cancer
- National Breast Cancer
- http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/
- Breastcancer.org
- http://www.breastcancer.org/
- AP John cancer institute
- http://www.apjohncancerinstitute.org/cancer/breast-c.htm
- Canadian cancer society
- http://www.cancer.ca/ccs/internet/standard/0,3182,3172_10175_273057_langId-en,00.html
- Surgical Tutor
- N.B. I like knowing everything there is to know. I appreciate not all people are like me. The following weblink has graphic photos including surgical incision showing sentinel node and a lymphoedemic arm. please make sure this is what you want to see before clicking - photos NOT FOR THE FAINT HEARTED
http://www.surgical-tutor.org.uk/default-home.htm?core/neoplasia/breast_cancer.htm~right - Interactive info - this site has brilliant video information
- http://www.komen.org/intradoc-cgi/idc_cgi_isapi.dll?IdcService=SS_GET_PAGE&ssDocName=3-5-2
- Tumour grading
- http://imaginis.com/breasthealth/histologic_grades.asp
- Pathology report
- http://www.breastcancer.org/pathology_intro.html
- Pictures of types of breast cancer
- http://www.breastcancer.org/type_breast_cancer_picture.html
- HER2 info
- http://www.her2status.com/public/public_home.htm
- FAQs re breast cancer
- http://www.advocatehealth.com/system/services/women/faq.html
- Cancerbackup
- http://www.cancerbackup.org.uk/Cancertype/Breast
- Breast Cancer Haven
- http://www.breastcancerhaven.org.uk/about.php?parent=152
- BCRF Breast Cancer Research Foundation
- http://www.bcrfcure.org/ab_founder.html
Breast Cancer Treatment
- Breast Cancer Chemotherapy
- http://www.cancerbackup.org.uk/Cancertype/Breast/Treatment/Chemotherapy
- Breast Cancer Radiotherapy
- http://www.cancerbackup.org.uk/Cancertype/Breast/Treatment/Radiotherapy
- Breast Cancer Hormonal Therapies
- http://www.cancerbackup.org.uk/Cancertype/Breast/Treatment/Hormonaltherapies
- HER2 Breast Cancer
- http://www.cancerbackup.org.uk/Cancertype/Breast/Causesdiagnosis/HER2testing
Complementary Therapies and Cancer
MIND OVER MATTER
I took a number of measures to protect myself from unwelcome radiation effects; homoeopathic radiation remedy, aloe vera gel, positive thinking, qigong, rest. When I read that cooling, moonlit visualisations could help prevent radiation burns, I added this to my list of preventative measures. Thankfully, my efforts have been worthwhile.
- CancerHelp UK complementary and alternative therapies.
- http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk/help/default.asp?page=216
- Breastcancercare.org.uk information on complementary therapy
- http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/content.php?page_id=1013
- Galen Homoeopathics
- If you live in Great Britain this pharmacy is very helpful, offering telephone advice and efficient postal service.
- Galen Homoeopathics: Lewell Mill, W. Stafford, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8AN, UK. Tel: +44 (0)1305 263996
- Qigong
- http://www.breastcancer.com/self-care/qigong/
- Reflexology
- Reflexology Rugby FAQ
- Reflexology and Cancer
- http://www.reflexology-research.com/reflexnet/reflexology_and_cancer.htm
Bra Info
- Pro bra free
- http://www.brafree.org/bfresearch.htm
Hair
I KEEP FORGETTING
I roam the house bareheaded in the evenings. I’m getting used to the idea of being bald. As time passes my lack of hair is not a major concern. When I pass a mirror and catch sight of my image it surprises me. ‘Bloody hell, I forgot I was bald!’
- Chemo caps / instructions
- http://www.chemocaps.com/
- Hair re-growth diary
- A cancer patient's photographic hair re-growth diary - I found this a very encouraging site and found my hair grew back almost identically in varying stages (but I never let mine get as long as Karen's last photo!) http://www.sperience.org/bcjarchive/hairykaren1.html
Natural Skin Care & Cosmetics
PARABENS AND PESTICIDES
If parabens are a possible link to breast cancer, why are they in most cosmetics available for purchase?
Why are we penalised by having to pay high prices for organic food when pesticides are clearly hazardous to our health?
Why are these hazardous chemicals forced upon us everywhere we shop?
- Parabens/breast cancer tumours
- http://www.health-report.co.uk/parabens.htm
- Parabens in deodorants
- http://www.breastcancer.org/research_deodorant.html
- http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/AP-Deo/print?page=&keyword
- Natural & Organic Skincare Products
- I have been using these products for the last year. They are relatively inexpensive, very good quality, my skin is in very good condition, and the firm are friendly and efficient.http://www.akamuti.co.uk/
- Sunblock and other paraben free products
- http://www.yaoh.co.uk/
- Natural products (cheapest site I've found for yaoh sunblock)
- http://lemonburst.co.uk/acatalog/main.html
- Click daily to help fund free mammograms
- http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/cgi-bin/WebObjects/CTDSites.woa/277
- Organic Cosmetics
- http://www.soorganic.com/home.php?s=about_us
- Green People
- http://www.greenpeople.co.uk/default.aspx
- Apitherapy
- http://www.beelief.com/
Nutrition
MY NEW CHOICE OF DIET
I avoid red meat, dairy products, caffeine and alcohol. I consume fresh fruit, vegetables, (lots of orange ones), grains, pulses, nuts, seeds and soya products, preferably organic; some fish and occasionally eggs.
I’ve lost unwelcome weight; remained in good health throughout cancer therapies, and good health continues. Good job Kathy!
- Slippery Elm Powder
- http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/e/elmsli09.html
- BRISTOL CANCER HELP CENTRE therapy information including NUTRITIONAL and VITAMINS & MINERALS
- http://www.bristolcancerhelp.org/cancersupporters/residentialcourses/therapies/#sec2
- NUTRIGLOW vitamins and mineral supplements online at good prices
- http://www.nutriglow.com/search.php?xSearch=biocare
- NATURALLY GOOD FOOD Cotesbach organic food shop
- http://www.naturallygoodfood.co.uk/
- OLIVE OIL and breast cancer
- A few articles suggesting olive oil may help reduce breast cancer risks. Hopeful news for HER2+ patients? Links in article may not be proven but I'm happy to put the olive oil to the test while waiting for 'them' to get on with research!
- National Geographic Olive Oil Article
- BBC News Olive Oil Article
- Daily Mail Olive Oil Article
- Health Food Books:
- EAT FOR IMMUNITY By Kirsten Hartvig
- This is a beautiful book full of nutritional information. It is beautifully illustrated and set out in a user friendly format. There are recipes complementing the detailed info of each category of food. Each food listed details vitamins and minerals and health uses (anti-cancer; anti-allergy; antioxidant etc). Sections include individual foods; coping with common ailments and recipes.
Buy from amazon - YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT By Gillian McKeith
- This is the recipe book that accompanies the television series of the same title. The recipes are tasty and easy to prepare.
My two favourites so far: WARM LENTIL SALAD page 122 - quick and easy and tasty, and AUBERGINE AND CHICKPEA TAGINE page162 - absolutely delicious!
Buy from amazon
Book
WHO? ME? by Kathy Newitt
I kept journals during the time of my cancer therapies; I've always found writing good therapy. I have published my journal of 50 word thoughts because it is written in an easily digestible format. When I was first diagnosed I was eager to read about other people's experiences and I did buy and borrow a number of books. My concentration level was low and I found I couldn't cope with all of those words.
Upon rereading my journal of 50 word thoughts I thought to myself that I wished I had come across an easy read format such as this at the beginning of my journey. My hope in sharing the book is that it will offer support to cancer patients; validation to the insecure feelings they might be experiencing.
Also, my proof readers have told me what a valuable book this will be for partners, family and friends of cancer patients because it will help them to understand something of how one feels when thrown into the cancer arena. Visit my book's webpage on the publisher's website where you can read a preview.
Any profits gained from the sale of this book will be divided equally between the following two charities:
Bristol Cancer Help Centre I took part in their 5 day retreat prior to my chemotherapy. This was a wonderful experience that has had lasting and beneficial effects for me with regard to my lifestyle, particularly my change of diet. I follow the Bristol diet faithfully and I am healthier now than I have ever been. http://www.bristolcancerhelp.org/cancersupporters/residentialcourses/therapies/#sec1
RETREAT
I’d always wanted to go on a retreat and in my hour of need, the opportunity arose. I share five days of peaceful bliss with nine people also dealing with cancer. Serenity prevailed. Moral support abounded. I experienced wonderful food, good advice, tears and laughter. It was the perfect tonic.
Rugby Myton Day Hospice where I volunteer my time in my capacity as a reflexologist giving hand and foot massage to patients http://www.mytonhospice.org/day-hospice.htm
Playtex Moonwalk 2006
My chemo buddy (best friend who took me to all of my chemotherapy appointments and held my hand through each treatment) and I took part in this sponsored walk for breast cancer research (Breakthrough Breast Cancer) and cancer care (Bristol Cancer Help Centre) in May 2006. We collected over £1500 between us and had a wonderful time taking part. Participation in this event has got both of us walking regularly, a good way to spend time with a friend and catch up on the latest news, not to mention maintaining good health!
Walk the Walk Worldwide weblink http://www.walkthewalk.org/