By Jeff Hutchins, PearlPoint Cancer Support I LOVE my "work." I get the opportunity to cross paths with anywhere from five to fifteen cancer patients a day. Speaking with them is one of my favorite things. Why? Because they teach me so much. Allow me to share… When I tell people about what my job entails, I often receive a number of questions—how do you do it? Don’t you get tired of it? Does it make you depressed? What do you say? (The last one is my favorite question.) Som...
By Abby Henry, Oncology Content Manager, PearlPoint Cancer Support | July 2016 As a parent receiving a cancer diagnosis, one of your first thoughts may be about how to tell your children. Children are very perceptive, no matter their age. While you may wish to protect your children by not telling them about your diagnosis, even young children may be able to tell that something is wrong. Not knowing what is wrong may cause them more stress and anxiety or lead them to believe that they hav...
By Abby Henry, Oncology Content Manager, PearlPoint Cancer Support | June 2016 Spending time in the great outdoors can improve your outlook and provide a welcome change from the monotony of indoor scenery many cancer survivors experience. Nature can provide tranquility and peace to help balance a busy schedule or ease a stressed mind. The wonder and simplicity that outdoor life exhibits can refresh your perspective and energy as well—even just a simple walk in the park is a great way t...
By Abby Henry, Oncology Content Manager, PearlPoint Cancer Support | August 2016 No matter your situation, dating can be hard. Throw a cancer diagnosis into the mix, and it can be even more intimidating. If you want to date, do not let a cancer diagnosis stop you! (If you want to take a break from dating, that is okay, too. You have to do what is best for you!) When thinking about dating, your first question may be when should you tell a potential partner about your diagnosis? There is n...
By Abby Henry, Oncology Content Manager, PearlPoint Cancer Support | June 2016 A lot of cancer patients and people in general have trouble getting a good night’s sleep. However, sleep is very important, especially during cancer treatment to promote healing. If you are having trouble sleeping, the first thing to do is figure out what is at the root of your difficulty sleeping—stress and anxiety, side effects, lack of peaceful sleeping environment? Once you know what is making sleep e...
By Abby Henry, Oncology Content Manager, PearlPoint Cancer Support | July 2016 Amusement parks are a fantastic source of family fun during the summer. Maybe you are planning a special trip to Disney World? Maybe you have season passes to Six Flags? Whatever your amusement park dreams, if you are a cancer survivor, you may need to take extra caution before embarking on your adventure. First and foremost, clear any travel and activities with your healthcare team. Be detailed. If you plan ...
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By Margaret Martin, RD, MS, LDN | July 2016 What is America's favorite dessert? Ice cream is definitely in the running! Did you know that ice cream can be beneficial for cancer survivors? Ice cream can help you manage side effects from cancer and cancer treatment such as weight loss, sore mouth, sore throat, and change in taste and smell. During cancer treatment, sometimes it is difficult to find a food, texture, or flavor that's appealing. The possible flavors and textures of ice cream...
While living with myeloma, you may have a number of different medications to take at home - medications you took prior to diagnosis, those you now take to treat myeloma, and others to reduce the side effects of treatment. The effectiveness of your medication is best when you follow your medication course as prescribed by your doctor or pharmacist. LLS is happy to share a new calendar to help you with your oral medication routine. The calendar includes helpful tips, a section for you to...
When diagnosed with cancer, you are eager to do whatever it takes to beat your disease. Part of that eagerness may be to use dietary supplements, such as vitamins; minerals; or herbal, botanical, enzyme or amino acid products and liquids. Not all supplements are safe or effective for all cancer survivors. Yet, some cancer centers report that 25 to 77 percent of patients take dietary supplements outside of their treatment plan developed by their healthcare team. Is this the right thing to do? ...
