Monday, October 13, 2008
Resources - Groups that can help cancer survivor Part 2
Patient Advocate Foundation
Toll free: 1.800.532.5274
www.patientadvocate.org
Patient Advocate Foundation can work with you to settle insurance, employment and debt matters resulting from your diagnosis. A case manager will work together with you, your doctor and/or your employer to help with these issues.
Sister Network, Inc.
Toll free: 1.866.781.1808
www.sisternetworkinc.org
Sister Network provides individual and group support, education, advocacy and research for the African-American woman's fight against breast cancer.
Us TOO International Prostate Cancer Education and Support Network
Toll free: 1.800.808.7866
www.ustoo.org
Us TOO International provides men and their families with fellowship, peer counseling and timely, personalized, unbiased and reliable information about prostate cancer. They also offer community awareness volunteer training for minority and undeserved populations.
Monday, September 29, 2008
MY CANCER – MY BLESSING by Marissa Nerida
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Resources - Groups that can help cancer survivor
American Pain Foundation
Toll free: 1.888.615.7246
www.painfoundation.org
The American Pain Foundation (AFP) provides information and education about pain and pain management through free publications, a website an online pain community, emails and toll free calls. AFP supports research and advocacy, bringing the voices of people with pain to healthcare providers and government agencies.
LiveStrong Survivor Care
Toll free: 1.888.235.7205
www.livestrong.org
LiveStrong Survivor Care will provide you with information, education, counselling services and referrals to other resources. You can also speak with a professional oncology social worker.
National Cancer Institute - Cancer Information Service
Toll free: 1.800.4.CANCER (1.800.422.6237)
www.cancer.gov
You can speak with caring staff who can explain medical information in easy to understand terms. They answer calls in English and Spanish
More groups on my next postings...
Monday, September 15, 2008
A New Life... After Cancer Treatment
Panibagong buhay.. na naman!
By Rolyn G. SarmientoHave I been too preoccupied with the things in this world that I became so complacent with almost everything? Did I completely forget the blessings that led me to where I am now? Not long ago, I begged the Lord for mercy, to spare my life and restore my health. When He gave that all to me, it made me think that I was somewhat invincible. But then the Lord had to tell me that I was wrong. That He was God, and He made me realize that I was nothing without Him. . When you are stricken with cancer, you are reminded of your mortality. You grieve, you bargain, you do all the possible things in your power to reverse your condition. I was scared to death when I was first diagnosed at age 18.. It was even frightening when the scans, the blood works and the palpable signs indicate the recurrence at 37…
I prayed fervently. Once again I begged the Lord for mercy… He did not disappoint me. I was referred by my internist to a Radiation Oncologist last April 2008. Surgery was also an option but I chose radiation. Immediately, CT planning was done. I had 33 radiation sessions. Two weeks after, there was a residual on the right side of my neck. So I had three more radiation treatments. During the entire session, my throat hurts…It was very difficult to swallow. I developed ulcers in my mouth and throat because it was near the target areas of radiation. I can’t eat anything. It was so painful that even liquids, I can’t tolerate…Di nyo alam kung gaano ako kasabik sa pagkain! I was so tired and depressed. I almost gave up… my husband Nilo was always there for me. My parents and my children were my sources of strength. My sister, Kitte comforted me even if we were miles away from each other. My friends and relatives stormed the heavens with prayers. Ang bait ng Diyos! Online, I received words of support and encouragement. The Lord gave all that I needed… and more. I received the last dose of radiation June 4, 2008. A month after the treatment, the cancer marker in my blood dropped….. I know in my heart that the Lord was healing me slowly, but surely …I was giddy with the surge of blessings. All the tests and treatments done to me yielded favorable results. I was back!
I know that having Cancer does not put anyone near the grave. I could have died just being hit by a car or even in my sleep. I know, the Lord has bigger plans for me. I’ll never get tired of sharing this miracle. The Lord is always faithful to His promises… I plan to stay a little longer, In Jesus name!
..sa lahat ng nagdasal at patuloy na nagdarasal para sa akin, maraming salamat… alam kong higit pa ang pagdurusa at paghihirap ng iba …