QUICK START

This section gives a very quick overview of some of the resources available. More extensive resources are listed in the actual section referenced in the index on this and other areas.

  1. UPON INITIAL DIAGNOSIS
    1. The number one must have book: Cancer - 50 Essential Things To Do by Greg Anderson
      • Telephone 800-238-6479
      • Website: www.cancerrecovery.org
      • This book is practical, easy to read, and is a step-by-step guide on the most important things to do and questions to ask. It is available at most major book stores.
  2. INFORMATION ON YOUR DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT (FREE AND COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES:)
    1. National Cancer Institute
    2. American Cancer Society
      • Telephone: 800-ACS-2345
      • Website: www.cancer.org
      • This website also provides excellent step-by-step treatment decision tools.
    3. Cancer Compass
      • Website: www.cancercompass.com
      • This is one of the best sites for information regarding various types of cancer along with treatment alternatives from others who have been down the same path.
    4. Cancer Care, Inc.
  3. INFORMATION ON YOUR DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT (FEE BASED SERVICES:)
    1. The Moss Reports
      • Website: www.cancerdecisions.com
      • They provide (for a fee) a comprehensive report on many possible traditional and alternative cancer treatments.
    2. Consultants
      • If you need help in finding treatment facilities or doctors for your type of cancer, consultants can do the research.
  4. CLINICAL TRIALS

    5. It is always wise to investigate clinical trials before beginning treatment, otherwise, you many not qualify for some of them.

    1. National Cancer Institute
    2. American Cancer Society
    3. ICAN (International Cancer Advocacy Network)
  5. DURING TREATMENT
    1. Dr. O. Carl Simonton's CD's Getting Well
      • Inner Wisdom Cancer Recovery
      • Cancer Recovery and Reoccurrence Prevention
      • Telephone: 800-459-3424
      • Website: www.simontoncenter.com
      • These CD's are a must. They are by an internationally known radiation oncologist and are the best for getting the body's healing resources activated. They also assist in having a calmer mindset.
    2. Five Audio CD's
      • Walking Through the Storm
      • Written & Produced for Public Radio by David Freudberg
      • Website: www.humanmedia.org
      • The stories are from cancer survivors. The messages are uplifting and informative.
    3. Belleruth Naparsteck Guided Imagery CD's
      • Website: www.belleruthnaparstek.com
      • These CD's are specifically designed to address chemotherapy and surgery and can be found in most large book stores.
    4. Cancer Survival Toolbox
    5. Set up a channel of communication
      1. Update your own journey on line to avoid calls or to let people know you are taking calls. You can use the free, personalized websites at www.caringbridge.org that support and connect loved ones during critical illness, treatment and recovery.
      2. If telephone calls help, no problem; however, if they become overwhelming: set up a master email list or have a recording on your telephone detailing your condition.
  6. SUPPORT GROUPS
    1. Cancer Recovery Foundation of America
      • Telephone: 800-238-6479
      • Website: www.cancerrecovery.org
      • There are many cancer support groups and most are free. The cancer patient needs to find a group which is uplifting and informative. This one is weekly by telephone. They also offer one day seminars (which I found invaluable).
    2. Gilda's Club
    3. Patient Resource Cancer Guide
    4. Association of Cancer Online Resources
  7. POST TREATMENT
    1. Simonton Cancer Center (One Week Seminar)
      • Telephone: 800-459-3424
      • Website: www.simontoncenter.com
      • This seminar is for patients and caregivers. It is expensive; however, part may be covered by insurance. The seminar is well worth the time and money. If you cannot afford to attend the seminar, purchase Dr. Simonton's books. He has a package which includes several key tapes and books--Getting Well Again and The Healing Journey. However, if possible, attend the seminar.
  8. NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
    1. Patrick Quillin, PhD
      • Beating Cancer with Nutrition
      • Telephone: 800-247-6553
      • Dr. Quillin was the director of nutrition for the Cancer Treatment Centers of America for ten years and is a nationally recognized expert on nutrition and cancer. The book comes with a quick start summary and CD's for those too weak to read. The book gives detailed information on each area. Dr. Quillin explains why nutrition is important in cancer treatment.