Coping With Breast Cancer

Note: The following directory of online government/nonprofit and commercial websites is provided merely as a reference to Imaginis.com users. Imaginis does not endorse and takes no responsibility whatsoever for the information found on the following websites.

Breastcancer.org (http://www.breastcancer.org/) is a website that specializes in providing information and support to help women cope with breast cancer. Breastcancer.org was founded by Marisa Weiss, MD, a radiation oncologist who specializes in breast cancer. Key features of the website include a personal guide to help women deal with the emotional burdens of breast cancer and a medical guide that provides information on breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.

BreastCancerStories.org (http://www.breastcancerstories.org) is an online story telling / support network where patients and care givers can write, read and share their experiences with loved ones and with one another.

Cancer Hope Network (http://www.cancerhopenetwork.org/) is a nonprofit organization that provides free and confidential one-on-one support to cancer patients and their families by matching cancer patients and/or family members with trained volunteers who have undergone and recovered from a similar cancer experience. Through this matching process, Cancer Hope Network strives to provide support and hope, to help patients and family members look beyond a cancer diagnosis, cope with treatment, and continue life.

Exceptional Cancer Patients (http://www.ecap-online.org/) is a unique form of individual and group therapy that relies on patients' dreams, drawings, and images. Ecap was founded in 1978 by Bernie Siegel, MD, a general/pediatric surgeon. Dr. Siegel is one of the world's foremost physicians, authors, motivational speakers and advocates for individuals facing the challenges of all chronic illnesses. EcaP is based on "carefrontation," a loving therapeutic confrontation, which facilitates personal change and healing. The EcaP website gives information on Dr. Siegel's retreats, professional seminars, patient programs, and provides a variety of "wellness" links.

Kids Konnected (http://www.kidskonnected.org/) was founded in 1993 as Komen Kids by then 11-year-old Jon Wagner-Holtz, whose mother had undergone treatment for breast cancer. In 1997, Kids Konnected became its own non-profit organization. The program was founded under the premise that when a parent gets cancer, the entire family is affected and the needs of the children must be addressed. Kids Konnected is a nationwide program that offers several resources for kids who are coping with a parent's cancer, including a 24-hour hotline that kids may call, monthly group meetings, email newsletters and meeting notices, a database of books for kids about cancer and coping skills, summer camp programs, social events, and more.

Living Beyond Breast Cancer (http://www.lbbc.org/) is a non-profit educational organization that was founded in 1992 by Marisa Weiss, MD, a radiation oncologist. The purpose of the organization is to address the physical, social, emotional, legal and financial issues women face after they have completed primary breast cancer treatment. The LBBC website provides information on breast cancer and maintains several breast cancer message boards, designed to bring women with breast cancer together.

medGrasp (http://www.breast-cancer-support.com/) allows breast cancer patients and survivors to share their experiences about all aspects of breast cancer. The content on the medGrasp website is completely user-generated. Topics open for discussion include conventional breast cancer medicines, alternative treatments, breast cancer procedures and surgeries, symptoms, lifestyles, diet, and the people connection (created for friends and loved ones of breast cancer patients).

OncoChat (http://www.oncochat.org) is a web chat designed for anyone who has or has had cancer. Topics include all aspects of cancer as well as non-cancer issues such as politics, religion, family and life in general. OncoChat also maintains an extensive directory of online resources related to cancer support, treatment, and research.

OnePinkRibbon (http://www.onepinkribbon.com) is a website that features Claudette H. Ozoa, PhD, a therapist who specializes in "coaching" for breast cancer patients. Coaching is a form of therapy that emphasizes personal strategies to help patients cope with their cancer diagnosis and treatment. The website features information on coaching (including how coaching differs from psychotherapy), a free email newsletter, and additional breast cancer resources.

Resources for Breast Prostheses (http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/breast_prostheses.asp) lists several companies that manufacture breast prostheses. Contact information is provided, as well as a website address when available.

Resources for Hair Loss Accessories (http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/hair_loss.asp) lists several companies that provide hair loss accessories. Contact information is provided, as well as website address when available.

Tender Loving Care (TLC; http://www.cancer.org/tlc/turbans.html) is a program sponsored by the American Cancer Society. TLC offers a variety of fashionable turbans, hats, and accessories for women who have experienced hair loss during cancer treatment. Available colors, prints, and textures are described alongside pictures of the turbans and hats. The products may be ordered by calling toll free 1.800.850.9445.

The Wellness Community (http://www.thewellnesscommunity.org/) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to help people with cancer and their families enhance their health and well-being by providing a professional program of emotional support, education and hope. The website provides additional information on the Wellness Community as well as links to other online cancer resources.

Updated: August 29, 2007

Imaginis

The Women's Health Resource. On the web since 1997.

Coping With Breast Cancer

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