First Aid Resources for Patients
This resource page by Pacific Medical Training gives tips for handling a wide range of emotional and physical issues that arise for cancer patients. This information in these links can help you know the first steps to take in the given situations.
Concerned about Drug/Medical Device Safety?
Drug Dangers was developed to educate the public and lend a hand to people who have been affected by defective drugs and medical devices. Our goal at Drug Dangers is to keep the public educated and informed of all defective medical devices and dangerous medications that are currently available on the market today. Pharmaceutical companies are trusted to put safe products on the shelves, yet thousands of people lose their lives each year due to prescription medications with adverse side effects. By spreading awareness, we believe we can lower this statistic by decreasing the number of recalls, saving more lives of those who have been affected.
Body Image Resources
Cancer affects more than your physical health. It also can also change your appearance, which can have a dramatic impact on your mental health. Your skin and your hair can change, and your weight may fluctuate dramatically as a result of chemotherapy, radiation side effects, and steroids (among other things). Tapestry Eating Disorder Treatment Centers offers a free online resource, “Beauty and the Beast Inside: How Body Image Impacts Mental Health“.
Resources on Preventing Drug Addiction in Cancer Patients
There are many different categories of drugs, including illegal drugs, prescription medications, benzos, opioids, pain relievers, psychedelic, stimulants, antidepressants, and others. Some substances are addictive, while others are not. However, people can still abuse and/or misuse of non-addictive substances. Addiction Group is an informational web guide created for people struggling with substance use disorders (SUD), alcohol use disorders (AUD), and co-occurring mental health disorders. Our site is filled with helpful information.
While there are a time and place for opioids, other pain management techniques are available to help reduce pain without the fear of overdose or addiction. This resource from Asana Recovery includes pain relief alternatives to opioids.
Addiction takes a toll on the body and mind, which can then be an obstacle to successful cancer treatment. It is possible to safely take a prescription medication and be treated for cancer at the same time. We at the Recovery Villiage understand receiving a cancer diagnosis can be a stressful time and it is our hope that we can shed some light on the risks associated with opioids and alternative treatment options so that patients and their loved ones can make informed care decisions. Visit our resource page for more information on safely managing medications during cancer treatment,
Struggling with Depression or Anxiety?
It’s common for patients and their family members to become depressed or experience anxiety in the face of their cancer. It’s important to address these problems as quickly as possible so that you can live the best life you can in spite of your illness.
To learn more about mental illness, check out this page from Arrow Passage Recovery.
Resources for Finding Support and Information
Having Trouble Sleeping?
50+ Sleep Statistics That Will Scare And Surprise You
This article has some amazing statistics on sleep, sleep disorders, and the effects of insomnia. It’s a fascinating look at how valuable a good night’s sleep is.
People living with cancer are dealing with a range of conditions that make life more challenging: frequent doctor’s appointments, painful symptoms, uncomfortable side effects, and more. Trouble sleeping is yet another complication and its effects are pervasive. To find out more about cancer and sleep, check out the Sleep Help Institute’s website.
National Cancer Information Center (NCIC)
A program of the American Cancer Society, the National Cancer Information Center provides information and support to those facing cancer 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Trained cancer information specialists are available via phone, email or live chat, providing accurate, up to date cancer information to patients, family members, and caregivers and connecting them with valuable services and resources in their communities, including information on insurance, support groups, and other resources. they will match you up with the programs that will meet your specific needs.
Patient Navigator Program (Personal cancer guide)
The American Cancer Society Patient Navigator Program connects you with a patient navigator at a cancer treatment center. You can talk one-on-one with a patient navigator about your situation. This person will listen in your time of need. To learn more about this program, call:
1-800-227-2345,
National Cancer Institute’s Patient Publications
You can find downloadable resources as well as request publications to be mailed to you free of charge. There are also resources available for caregivers, families, and children.
Legal Help
National Cancer Legal Services Network offers referrals to free legal services programs so that people affected by cancer may focus on medical care and their quality of life.
Take a Break
Priceless4Purpose
An Adult Respite Program, North of the Tension Zone
Priceless 4 Purpose grants adults affected by cancer and undergoing active treatment in Minnesota up to 3 nights respite time at Mystic Views alone or with an adult loved one of their choosing, providing a peaceful, calm distraction, free of sights and sounds of a hospital room or doctor’s office at no charge. We understand the financial burden that comes with a cancer diagnosis. It is for that reason that we provide our mission at no charge.
Our volunteer organization works tirelessly to support 100% of all requests for the Mystic Views adult respite program costs with grants and donations.
Check out my post on our experience with Priceless 4 Purpose.
Financial Resources
Planning ahead for the costs of cancer treatments can help patients offset costly medical bills and reduce financial stress.
Are you a Native American facing cancer?
Check out grantsfornativeamericans.org. Our website provides detailed information on Native American grants that could help low-income individuals and families [ two-parent and single-parent ] with grants and scholarships. Assistance is offered free of cost to eligible families who can offer sufficient documentation to prove financial hardship. These programs help with the following :
- rent
- medical bills
- college scholarships
- medication
- utility bills
- mortgage
- childcare
Resources for Specific Cancers
Oral Cancer
New Mouth has a great page about oral cancers. “8,000 Americans die of oral cancer each year. Although, the earlier the disease is caught, the easier it can be prevented and effectively treated.”
Mesothelioma
Check out our page filled with links to resources for mesothelioma patients.
Lung Cancer
Check out our page with resources and information for patients living with lung cancer.
Stage IV Cancer Support
A CANCER diagnosis can cause intense fear –
Stronghold Ministry helps take the fear out of cancer.
Are you or a loved one fighting cancer?
Have you just been diagnosed and looking for help?
Have you been battling for a long time and wanting to give up?
We understand and we can help! Our founders, Joe and Terri Fornear, have been through an intense Stage IV cancer battle with metastatic melanoma and Joe has been cancer free since 2003. The Lord was their Stronghold – holding on to them when they were too weak to hang on to Him. This is how we got our name.
“He only is my rock and my salvation, My Stronghold; I shall not be shaken.”
– Psalm 62:6
Now, we want to be in your corner! Request our free spiritual gift basket! And let us know how we can pray and encourage you or your loved one. Sign up for our encouraging newsletter too.
Am I Missing Something?
If I am missing any resources for patients, please send the information to me at heatherericksonauthor@gmail.com. It is especially helpful if you include links and images you would like in the listing. Facing Cancer with Grace has the right to refuse a request, as well as make changes to a listing. Facing Cancer with Grace is not liable for the content on third-party websites.
In 2012 doctors diagnosed my husband, Dan, with stage IV lung cancer. Since then, our family has been learning what it means to face cancer. I’ve focused my writing and speaking on helping cancer patients and their families advocate for themselves and live life to the fullest, in spite of their illness. My goal is to help people face cancer with grace.
My book Facing Cancer as a Friend: How to Support Someone Who Has Cancer, is available on Amazon.com
I also blog at Heather Erickson Author/Writer/Speaker
