Resources

1.COPING WITH BREAST CANCER:

THE ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER ONLINE RESOURCES (ACOR) offers different types of online cancer support groups. One popular listserv (discussion group) is the Breast Cancer Mailing List. Contact ACOR. or www.acor.org.

"BETWEEN US - A FIRST AID FOR YOUR HEART AND SOUL" (Affinityfilms, New York, NY, 1998, $24.00). (financial assistance is available to help defer cost). The video for the newly diagnosed woman offers a range of emotional reactions and ideas for coping with breast cancer from the perspective of long term survivors. 52 minutes. Contact Affinityfilms Inc., (888) 353-HEAL or www.betweenus.org.

THE CANCER WELLNESS CENTER/THE BARBARA KASSEL BROTMAN HOUSE offers free emotional support to all cancer patients through its 24-hour hotline, support groups, relaxation/visualization groups, educational workshops and library. Also offers support services to anyone affected by a cancer diagnosis. The following are all 24 hour hotlines. Contact Cancer Wellness Center, 215 Revere Drive, Northbrook, IL, 60062, US, (847) 509-9595, (847) 509-9494, (800) CWC-WELL or www.cancerwellness.org.

COPING MAGAZINE covers issues helpful for cancer patients and survivors and encourages patients to assume greater responsibility in their treatment. Published every other month. Subscription, $19.00 per year. Contact Coping with Cancer, P.O. Box 682268, Franklin, TN, 37068, US, (615) 791-3859 or www.copingmag.com.

HOPE IS CONTAGIOUS: THE BREAST CANCER TREATMENT SURVIVAL HANDBOOK by Margit Esser Porter (Simon and Schuster, New York, 1997, $11.00). This book is a collection of quotes from women who responded to a questionnaire on how to cope with breast cancer treatment. A glossary and a resource section are included.

TAKING TIME: SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE WITH CANCER AND THE PEOPLE WHO CARE ABOUT THEM (National Cancer Institute, P811, 1996). This sensitively written booklet, for people with cancer and their families, addresses the feelings and concerns of others in similar situations and how they have coped. 68 pages. Contact NCI's CIS, (800) 4-CANCER or www.cancerguide.org.

YOU'VE GOT A FRIEND: A JOURNAL OF HOPE FOR WOMEN WITH BREAST CANCER by Yvonne Buchanan Manley, RN, BS, MA (Hatherleigh Press Long Island City, NY, 2001, $14.95). Written by a counselor and breast cancer survivor, this book of original thoughts and inspirational meditations encourages readers to use their inner strength to deal with the emotional highs and lows and the physical burden of the disease. 184 pages. Bookstores or contact Hatherleigh Press, (800) 528-2550.

 

2. FOR EMOTIONAL RECOVERERY:

CANCER HOPE NETWORK is a national agency that provides one-to-one emotional support by matching a cancer patient or family member with a volunteer who had a similar diagnosis. The volunteer visits over the phone or, where possible, in person. Services are free and confidential. Contact Cancer Hope Network, (877) HOPE-NET,www.cancerhopenetwork.org or info@cancerhopenetwork.org.

FOR SINGLE WOMEN WITH BREAST CANCER (Y-ME, 1995). A booklet that offers practical guidance and emotional support for women without partners or women who live alone. Single copies available free, bulk orders available on request. Also available in Spanish. Contact Y-ME, (800) 221-2141.

LIVING IN THE POST-MASTECTOMY BODY: LEARNING TO LIVE IN AND LOVE YOUR BODY AGAIN by Becky Zuckweiler, MS, RN, CS (Andrews MacMeel Publishing, Kansas City, MO, 1998, $19.95). The author, a nurse and psychotherapist who had a double mastectomy, guides women through all aspects of recovery, focusing on regaining confidence in your body and developing a comfortable self-image and intimate relationships.

HAVING A NO HAIR DAY: HUMOR AND HEALING FOR PEOPLE WITH CANCER by Christine Clifford and Jack Lindstrom (University of Minnesota Press, Minneapolis, MN, 1996, $9.95). Using her own experience with breast cancer, the author shows how the power of laughter and positive thinking can promote recovery and growth. 112 pages. Contact The Cancer Club, 6533 Limerick Drive, Edina, MN, 55439, US, (800) 586-9062 or www.cancerclub.com.

REACH TO RECOVERY is a program of the American Cancer Society. Trained volunteers who themselves have had breast cancer visit newly-diagnosed patients. The volunteer provides information and support to the patient during the visit; services are appropriate after either mastectomy or lumpectomy. Contact ACS, (800) ACS-2345.

SPINNING STRAW INTO GOLD: YOUR EMOTIONAL RECOVERY FROM BREAST CANCER by Ronnie Kaye, MFCC (Simon & Schuster, New York, NY, 1991, $12.00). Written by a psychotherapist who won her own battle with breast cancer, this comprehensive guide to emotional recovery from the disease is based in part on her clients' stories.

THE WELLNESS COMMUNITY offers family support groups, family counseling, stress management sessions, educational and nutritional workshops and social events through 20 locations around the country. To find a location near you, Contact Wellness Community Headquarters, 35 East 7th Street, Suite 412, Cincinnati, OH, 45242, US, (888) 793-WELL or www.wellness-community.org.

THE WELLNESS COMMUNITY GUIDE TO FIGHTING FOR RECOVERY FROM CANCER by Harold H. Benjamin, PhD (Penguin Putnam, Inc., New York, NY, 1995, $14.95). This revised and expanded edition describes over 30 practical methods cancer patients can use to hasten recovery.

Y-ME NATIONAL BREAST CANCER ORGANIZATION offers breast cancer information, support and facility referrals 24 hours a day through their national hotline, (800) 221-2141, and Spanish language hotline, (800) 986-9505. Trained peer counselors, all of whom have had breast cancer, are matched by background and experience to callers whenever possible. Y-ME offers information on establishing local support programs, and has 27 chapters nationwide, in addition to the national headquarters in Chicago. Y-ME also has a hotline for male partners of women with breast cancer. Contact Y-ME, 212 West Van Buren Street, Chicago, IL, 60607-3908, US or www.y-me.org.

 

3. REGARDING SEXUALILTY AND FERTILITY

BREAST CANCER AND SEXUALITY (Cancer Care, Inc., 1998). A booklet that discusses sexuality, intimacy and menopausal symptoms. 14 pages. Contact Cancer Care, www.cancercare.org.

FERTILE HOPE in a non-profit organization that offers support and information to cancer patients dealing with fertility issues. Contact Fertile Hope, P.O. Box 624, New York, NY, 10014, US or (888) 994- HOPE. www.fertilehope.org.

"INTIMACY" (WomenStories, 2001). This video, the second of a planned 12 videos for breast cancer patients, portrays several woman and their partners as they discuss how they dealt with intimacy issues after a breast cancer diagnosis. Also includes a resource guide. 15 minutes. Contact WomenStories, (800) 775-5790. www.womenstories.org.

NO LESS A WOMAN: FEMININITY, SEXUALITY AND BREAST CANCER by Deborah Kahane, MSW (Hunter House, Inc., Alameda, CA, 1995, $14.95). This book, written by a breast cancer survivor, addresses the psycho-social and sexual impact that breast cancer has on the lives of women. Includes personal stories from several women and important resources.

SEXUALITY AND CANCER: FOR THE WOMAN WHO HAS CANCER, AND HER PARTNER (American Cancer Society 4657.00, 1999). This book offers information about cancer, sexuality and possible areas of concern for the patient and her partner. Includes a resource section. Also available in Spanish. 64 pages. Contact ACS, (800) ACS-2345.

SEXUALITY AND INTIMACY (Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, 1999). This one-page fact sheet in the Facts for Life series discusses basic issues related to sexuality and intimacy for breast cancer patients. Contact Komen, (877) SGK-SHOP or www.komen.org.

 

4. REGARDING SURVIVORSHIP

THE CANCER SURVIVOR'S TOOLBOX is a free self-advocacy audio program developed by oncology professionals and cancer survivors that focuses on six key skills to help survivors, family members and caregivers. Also available in Spanish and Chinese. Contact NCCS, (877) TOOLS-4-U or www.cansearch.org.

LIVING BEYOND BREAST CANCER: A SURVIVOR'S GUIDE FOR WHEN TREATMENT ENDS AND THE REST OF YOUR LIFE BEGINS by Marisa C. Weiss, MD and Ellen Weiss (Times Books, New York, NY, 1998, $16.00). A straightforward guide on adjusting to life after treatment by the physician, founder and president of Living Beyond Breast Cancer, a non-profit educational organization. Topics include long-term side effects of treatment, employment and insurance issues, and sexuality.

NATIONAL CANCER SURVIVORS DAY is America's nationwide, annual celebration of life for cancer survivors, their families, friends and oncology teams, celebrated on the first Sunday in June each year. Contact National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation, P.O. Box 682285, Franklin, TN, 37068-2285, US, (615) 794-3006 or 
www.ncsdf.org.

 

5. FOR FAMILY SUPPORT

CAREGIVING: A STEP-BY-STEP RESOURCE FOR CARING FOR THE PERSON 
WITH CANCER AT HOME by Peter S. Houts, PhD and Julia A. Bucher, RN, PhD (American Cancer Society, 2000, $18.95). A comprehensive resource that offers practical solutions to the many conditions and situations that a caregiver caring for a person with cancer in the home may face. Includes a resource section. Contact ACS, (800) ACS-2345 or www.cancer.org.

CARING FOR THE PATIENT WITH CANCER AT HOME: A GUIDE FOR PATIENTS 
AND FAMILIES (American Cancer Society, 4656.00, 1996). A guidebook with detailed, helpful information on how to care for the patient at home. 124 pages. Contact ACS, (800) ACS-2345.

CLOSE TO THE HEART: A FAMILY'S ENCOUNTER WITH BREAST CANCER 
by Barry D. Teater (Marblehead Publishing, Raleigh, 1997, $9.95 plus $2.00 shipping). This highly personal story is meant to inspire and console other young women with breast cancer. Written by one woman's brother about his sister's struggle with the disease, it describes her diagnosis, treatment and family support over a seven-year period. 175 pages. Contact The Southern Book Service, 1318 Old Trinity Circle, Raleigh, NC, 27607, US or (919) 859-6569.

THE NATIONAL FAMILY CAREGIVERS ASSOCIATION 
offers information, education, support, public awareness and advocacy to address \the common needs of family caregivers. Contact National Family Caregivers Association, 10400 Connecticut Avenue #500, Kensington, MD, 20895-3944, US, (800) 896-3650, .www.nfcacares.org or www.nfcacares.org.

SURVIVOR'S GUIDE TO BREAST CANCER: A COUPLE'S STORY OF FAITH, HOPE, AND LOVE by Robert C. Fore, EdD and Rorie E. Fore, RN (Smyth and Helwys Publishing, Macon, GA, 1998, $17.00 plus shipping). A couple's story of faith, love and hope that describes their experience with breast cancer. Includes a foreword by Nancy W. Dicky, MD of the American Medical Association. 144 pages. Bookstores or contact Smith and Helwys Publishing.

WHAT'S HAPPENING TO THE WOMAN WE LOVE? FAMILIES COPING WITH BREAST CANCER (Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, 2001). General reference for families of a newly diagnosed woman with suggestions of ways to be helpful and supportive. Includes a resource section. Also available in Spanish. 16 pages. Contact Komen, (800) SGK-SHOP or www.breastcancerinfo.com.

THE WELLNESS COMMUNITY offers family support groups, family counseling, stress management sessions, educational and nutritional workshops and social events through 20 locations around the country. To find a location near you, Contact Wellness Community Headquarters, 35 East 7th Street, Suite 412, Cincinnati, OH, 45242, US, (888) 793-WELL or www.wellness-community.org.

CAREGIVING.ORG is the website of THE NATIONAL ALLIANCE FOR CAREGIVING, and offers resources for family caregivers.

 

6. REGARDING MALE PARTNERS

HELPING YOUR MATE FACE BREAST CANCER: TIPS FOR BECOMING AN EFFECTIVE SUPPORT PARTNER by Judy C. Kneece, RN, OCN (Educare Publishing, Columbia, SC, 1995, $12.95). A guide to understanding the emotional responses of partners and other family members to a breast cancer diagnosis. Offers helpful suggestions on coping suggestions on coping strategies and how to support the physical and emotional recovery of a partner.

MEN AGAINST BREAST CANCER (MABC) is a national non-profit organization focusing on how breast cancer affects the entire family. MABC provides support and education services. The Survival Skills for Men Programprovides men with individual and/or group counseling to understand and cope with their partners' diagnosis and seeks to raise consciousness among health care providers about the effect of breast cancer on the family. Contact MABC, 2379 Lewis Avenue, Rockville, MD, 20851-2335, US, (866) 547-MABC or www.menagainstbreastcancer.org.

WHAT'S HAPPENING TO THE WOMAN I LOVE? COUPLES COPING WITH BREAST 
CANCER (Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, 2001). General reference of ways to be helpful and supportive when your partner is coping with breast cancer. Includes a resource section. Also available in Spanish. 16 pages. Contact Komen, (800) SGK-SHOP or www.breastcancerinfo.com.

WHEN THE WOMAN YOU LOVE HAS BREAST CANCER by Larry T. Eiler (Queen Bee Publishing, Ann Arbor, 1994, $13.95). Based on the personal experiences of the author, this book addresses issues faced by a man whose wife or friend has the 
disease, and suggests steps to be supportive. 66 pages. Contact Queen Bee Publishing, 900 Victors Way, Suite 180, Ann Arbor, MI, 48108, US or (734) 761-3399.

THE WELL SPOUSE FOUNDATION is a national, non-profit membership organization which gives support to husbands, wives and partners of the chronically ill and/or disabled. Caregiver support groups and a bi-monthly newsletter are available. Contact Well Spouse Foundation, P.O. Box 30093, Elkins Park, PA, 19027, US, (800) 838-0879 orwww.wellspouse.org.

Y-ME NATIONAL BREAST CANCER ORGANIZATION has trained male volunteers who provide support and counseling to other male partners of women with breast cancer through their national toll-free hotline, which is open 9 AM to 5 PM CST, Monday through Friday. Contact Y-ME, (800) 221-2141 or www.y-me.org.

 

7. REGARDING WOMEN PARTNERS

CANCER IN TWO VOICES by Sandra Butler and Barbara Rosenblum (Spinsters Book Company, Denver, CO, 1996, expanded edition with essay by Sandra Butler, $12.95). A particularly moving and honest account from diary excerpts of the authors' identities as lesbian Jewish women living with advanced breast cancer.

HAMBLETON PROJECT - OREGON LESBIAN NETWORK offers local support and resources for lesbians with cancer and their families. The office is staffed on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM PST and Monday and Friday, 
from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM PST. Contact Hambleton Project, 1112 NE 21st, Suite 5, Portland, OR, 97232, US, (503) 335-6591 or www.lgbt.org/hp/index/hp.

KATHY'S GROUP provides supportive resources for lesbians and their families who have been affected by cancer. Contact Kathy's Group, (888) 5KATHYS or kathysgroupinc@juno.com. or www.kathysgroup.org.

LESBIAN COMMUNITY CANCER PROJECT gives support, information, education, advocacy, and direct services to lesbian and non-lesbian women with cancer and their families. Contact Lesbian Community Cancer Project, 4753 North Broadway, Suite 602, Chicago, IL, 60640-4907, US, (773) 561-4662, www.lccp.org or info@lppc.org.

THE MARY-HELEN MAUTNER PROJECT FOR LESBIANS WITH CANCER is a volunteer organization dedicated to helping lesbians with cancer, as well as their partners 
and caregivers. Extensive resources, links and professional trainings are available. Contact Mautner Project, 1700 L Street, NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC, 20036, US, (202) 332-5536 or www.mautnerproject.org.

SEATTLE LESBIAN CANCER PROJECT offers support groups and extensive resources for lesbians with cancer and their families. Contact Seattle Lesbian Cancer Project, 1122 East Pike #1333, Seattle, WA, 98122, US, (206) 323-6540 orwww.slcp.org.

 

8. REGARDING RESOURCES FOR CHILDREN

CARINGKIDS is an Internet list serv for children who know someone who is ill. It offers a supervised, open forum where children may exchange information, share their feelings and make friends with other children dealing with similar issues. It can be accessed through www.oncolink.com/templates/coping/index.cfm by following the Support and Listserv links.

HELPING CHILDREN COPE PROGRAM of Cancer Care, Inc. offers supprt groups and telephone counseling for children whose parents have cancer. Contact CancerCare, (800) 813-HOPE, www.cancercare.org or info@cancercare.org.

KEMOSHARK 
by H Elizabeth King and illustrated by Diane Willford Steele (KIDSCOPE, Inc, 1995). A colorfully illustrated booklet to help children understand chemotherapy when their parents are undergoing treatment. Also available in Spanish. 16 pages. Contact KIDSCOPE, 3399 Peachtree Road, Suite 2020, Atlanta, GA, 30326, US, (404) 233-0001 orwww.kidscope.org.

KIDS KONNECTED offers a 24-hour hotline and chat rooms for children coping with cancer in their family. Contact Kids Konnected, (800) 899-2866 or (949) 582-5443 (in CA). or www.kidskonnected.org.

MICHAEL'S MOMMY HAS BREAST CANCER by Lisa Torrey and illustrated by Barbara Watler (HibiscusPress, Coral Springs, FL, 1999, $10.95). For children aged five to 10, this book chronicles the feelings of guilt, anger, fear, and helplessness a young boy experiences when his mother is diagnosed with breast cancer and details the strategies he uses to cope with his mother's diagnosis.

MIRA'S MONTH by Deborah Weinstein-Stern (Blood and Marrow Transplant Information Network, 1994, $5.00). When the author's breast cancer recurred, she wrote this book for her four-year-old daughter, to help her cope while she was in the hospital for a month. It chronicles the events and feelings that a child may experience from the day she learns of her mother's cancer, to the day her mother returns from the hospital. 38 pages. Contact Blood and Marrow Transplant Information Network, 2900 Skokie Valley Road, Suite B, Highland Park, IL, 60035, US, (888) 597-7674 orwww.bmtnews.org.

OUR FAMILY HAS CANCER, TOO! by Christine Clifford (University of Minnesota Press, Minneapolis, MN, 1997, $6.95 plus $2.45 shipping). For children ages five to 14, this book talks about one child's struggle to understand and cope with his mother's cancer. Illustrated with cartoons. 64 pages. Bookstores or contact The Cancer Club, 6533 Limerick Drive, Edina, MN, 55439, US, (800) 586-9062 or www.cancerclub.com.

OUR MOM HAS CANCER by Abigail and Adrienne Ackerman (American Cancer Society, 2001, $12.95). Written and illustrated by two sisters, ages 11 and nine, this book relays their experience of living with a mother with breast cancer. 27 pages. Contact ACS, (800) ACS-2345 or www.cancer.org.

THE PAPER CHAIN by Claire Blake, Eliza Blanchard, and Kathy Parkinson (Health Press, Sante Fe, NM, 1998, $8.95). For children ages three to eight, this book relays the emotions of two young boys whose mother has breast cancer. The story includes the mother going to the hospital, having less energy for her sons, and their changed lifestyle. The book encourages hope and open feelings. 32 pages. Bookstores or contact Health Press, (800) 643-BOOK.

WHEN SOMEONE IN YOUR FAMILY HAS CANCER (National Cancer Institute, P619, 1995). An NCI booklet written for the young person whose parent has cancer. It describes what cancer is, its treatment, and its emotional impact on family relationships. Includes a glossary of cancer terms. 28 pages. Contact NCI's CIS, (800) 4-CANCER. Add to My Library