Resources
Here, you can find links to important breast care resources, from support groups to educational reading materials and Web sites.
Support Groups
Especially for You® Support Group
More Information: (319) 365-HOPE (4673) or (800) 642-6329
After-breast cancer support group meets the fourth Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. at Mercy Medical Center.
|
Kids Count, Too!
More Information: (319) 221-8771
Five-week series about cancer and coping skills for children (ages 5-12 years) who have a family member or friend with cancer. Contact Mercy Regional Cancer Center for the next meeting date.
|
Gems of Hope
More Information:
www.gemsofhope.com
Gems of Hope Inc. is a nonprofit organization that offers gifts of jewelry mounted on inspirational cards to cancer patients. The patients are invited, along with family and friends, to attend workshops to create these works of art for others. Gems of Hope provides unique opportunities for patients to connect with others. Exposure to inspirational quotes and access to a resource library become the true gems that patients can carry through their treatment and beyond.
|
Cancerreallysucks.org
More Information:
http://www.cancerreallysucks.org/
Cancer Really Sucks is a website designed for teenagers by teenagers who have loved ones facing cancer. This could be family members or friends diagnosed with cancer. With a mission to help teens deal with questions and emotions of cancer, the Cancer Really Sucks website provides strategies to cope. Teens are able to post stories about their situations & questions on the Message Board link, speak with other teens through a monthly live chat and find strategies to cope under the "How to Deal" link.
|
What About Us?
More Information: (319) 393-9681
A fun, free three-session program designed to help children ages 5-12 cope with a loved ones cancer diagnosis. Each child will meet other children facing similar circumstances and will receive a free yoga kit and a Becky and the Worry Cup book and cup. The sessions are led by licensed social workers and a trained yoga instructor. Parents are invited to browse resource materials for their children as the children are in their session. Call the Gems of Hope office for more information.
|
Community Resources
Mercy Regional Cancer Center
More Information: (319) 365-HOPE (4673)
Through knowledgable, compassionate professionals and the latest technology in cancer treatment, Mercy Regional Cancer Center provides support, education and hope to those living with cancer.
|
Genetic Counseling
More Information: (319) 221-8689
Mercy Regional Cancer Center also offers genetic counseling, to help in identifying those women who have risk factors for hereditary cancer.
|
Mercy Women's Center
More Information: (319) 398-6821
Whether you're looking to change your life, or going through a life-changing event, Mercy Women's Center is a place just for you.
|
Breast Health Coordinators
More Information: (319) 398-6821
Mercy Women's Center is home to Breast Health Coordinators, your navigator and supporter for women with breast cancer, from diagnosis through treatment.
|
American Cancer Society
More Information: (319) 365-5241
The following programs are offered: I Can Cope; Look Good Feel Better; Early Support; Reach to Recovery; Road to Recovery.
|
Especially For You Funds
More Information: (319) 398-6821
If the inability to pay is preventing you or someone you know from having breast care, Especially for You funds are available.
|
Mercy Home Medical Equipment
More Information: (319) 363-1308
Mercy Home Medical Equipment offers a variety of durable medical equipment, including compression sleeves and bandages.
|
Mercy Fitness Center
More Information: (319) 221-8877
Mercy Fitness Center helps participants work toward a healthier lifestyle, with fitness classes and health education programs, including yoga, Pilates and tai chi classes.
|
Thrive Cancer Wellness Program
More Information: (319) 365-HOPE (4673) OR 1-800-642 6329
Get more than just treatment. Come full circle on your road to recovery with another component of Mercy's comprehensive cancer services.
|
Breast Health Web sites
American Cancer Society
– Nationwide, community based voluntary health organization.
National Cancer Institute
– Federal government's principal agency for cancer research and training.
Cancer Care
– National non-profit organization whose mission is to provide free, professional help to people with cancer.
National Lymphedema Network
– Non-profit organization that provides education and guidance to lymphedema patients, health care professionals and the general public.
National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship
– Patient-led advocacy organization working on behalf of people with all types of cancer, and their families.
National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organizations
Reading Resources
The following are book examples available to check out by calling Mercy Regional Cancer Center at (319) 221-8771:
"After Cancer: A Guide to Your New Life" – by Wendy Schlessel Harpham, M.D.
"Choices" – by Marion Morra and Eve Potts
"Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book" – by Susan M. Love, M.D.,with Karen Lindsey
"Helping Your Mate Face Breast Cancer: Tips for Becomingan Effective Support Partner for the One You Love During the Breast Cancer Experience" – by Judy C. Kneece, R.N., OCN
"Holding Tight, Letting Go, Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer" – by Musa Mayer
"Dr. Rosenfeld's Guide to Alternative Medicine: What Works, What Doesn't and What's Right for You" - by Isadore Rosenfeld, M.D.
"To Dance With The Devil: The New War on Breast Cancer" - by Karen Stabiner
Current copies of books chosen by "Gems of Hope," a local advocacy group, are
available at Mercy Women's Center or Mercy Regional Cancer Center.
