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My sister has breast cancer, and now she has lymphedema as a result of her...

For women undergoing breast cancer treatment and those in the survivorship phase, lymphedema can pose new challenges at an already difficult time. Unfortunately, despite ongoing advocacy efforts, there...

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When I was diagnosed, my cancer was aggressive and treatment needed to start...

When you are diagnosed with cancer you are faced with many immediate decisions to make, it is extremely overwhelming. It is challenging to process the news of your diagnosis, especially when you have...

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Is there any financial help available to pay for fertility treatment costs?

When discussing fertility, preservation costs can play a huge role in determining how to move forward. It may be essential to explore your fertility options—physically and financially—when diagnosed...

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How can I learn about meditation to help me deal with breast cancer?

While some practitioners might work with specific populations to develop meditation techniques with a focus on the issues unique to their cancer, the universal goals of meditation are essentially the...

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My cousin has been diagnosed with cancer, and she's engaged. She's worried...

Starting a family is an experience that many look forward to their whole lives. Unfortunately, a cancer diagnosis can threaten one’s chance of having this experience. The extent to which your fertility...

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My parents are visiting me from India since February 2020. Recently, last...

I’m so sorry to hear about your mother’s diagnosis. CancerCare offers financial assistance in the form of a small grant that can go towards the cost of transportation, home care, child care, food, and...

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I have a friend with a recent diagnosis of cancer. She works in Michigan in a...

I’m sorry to hear about your friend’s situation. I would recommend that she speak with her medical team to better understand the risks that COVID-19 might pose for her, and to better understand what...

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My 22-year-old son had cancer in September 2019 and had most of his right...

I’m sorry to hear about what your son had to go through last year and what you’re having to go through now. I would recommend speaking with your son’s doctor and perhaps scheduling a consult over the...

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My mom was diagnosed with cancer in December 2018. They did surgery and...

It can be difficult to be the primary caregiver for a loved one with advanced cancer and there are many steps you can take to ensure that she has adequate support.The first thing to consider is the...

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I was diagnosed with cancer three years ago and am still taking treatments. I...

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, “the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA or Act) requires certain employers to provide employees with paid sick leave or expanded family and...

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Can I still see the doctor during COVID-19 for checkups because I am showing...

The short answer is yes, but the longer answer depends on where you live and what the current guidelines are that have been set by your state governor. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has...

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I’m a nurse who lost my job due to COVID-19 and was just diagnosed with...

Unfortunately, being uninsured, underinsured, or finding health insurance can be extremely difficult as one proceeds with cancer treatment. I can understand many mixed emotions when diagnosed as well...

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A friend's wife has stage 3 colon cancer. Being a teacher, she lost her job...

COVID-19 has had such an immense impact on jobs, and I can understand how difficult this may be as your wife continues through cancer treatment. I would definitely encourage you to call our Hopeline...

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I'm concerned about taking my mother to her radiation treatments due to...

We know that cancer patients and survivors are more vulnerable to COVID-19. However, being in active treatment and navigating this pandemic can feel especially difficult. Be sure to discuss with her...

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My sister was diagnosed with cancer recently, and she has no health insurance...

If your sister was previously employed and receiving health insurance coverage through her employment inquire about COBRA which will help her keep that insurance. Another option of getting coverage is...

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I have been diagnosed with cancer. I have no insurance or can't get Medicaid....

It sounds like you might not be able to afford coverage at this time so you should reach out to hospitals that might offer charity care. Charity care will help get some kind of treatment but it depends...

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My mom is currently undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer, and my dad feels...

I want to start with saying that what your dad is feeling right now is completely normal. Both patients and caregivers are experiencing a lot of isolation due to COVID-19 and social distancing...

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I work in a hospital and would like to better understand the challenges...

It is important to be mindful of the fact that the LGBTQ+ community has historically faced a great deal of violence and discrimination. Although we have made massive strides toward greater equality,...

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I'm worried my grandfather is not getting the best treatment for his cancer....

Thank you for reaching out. We highly recommend all patients receive second opinions, especially when you believe that your grandfather is not getting the best treatment for his cancer. If he has...

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My mother is 71 and was recently diagnosed with cancer that has spread to her...

Uncertainty is one of the most challenging emotions that comes with a cancer diagnosis. Not only does the individual diagnosed have to cope with the emotional and practical challenges, but also the...

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I'm trying to compile resources for a close friend whose husband was...

First of all, I am so sorry to hear about your loved one’s recent brain cancer diagnosis. CancerCare offers online support groups for both patients and caregivers, which he/she may find helpful. If she...

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Is there a support group for newly diagnosed people? I'm 55 and just...

Being newly diagnosed is a chaotic time as you’re taking in a lot of information and figuring out the details of your diagnosis and treatment plan. Joining a support group or reaching out to a peer...

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Would you recommend specific websites or organizations that can provide the...

Biomarkers (short for biological markers) are indicators in the body or tumor that can influence which treatments may be most effective for an individual and allow for personalized medicine....

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I'd like to organize a support group for cancer survivors and people facing a...

Support group has become a much broader term than many of us realize. What type of support group do you intend to start? At CancerCare, we offer three modalities of support group: including in-person,...

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Are there any alternative treatment options available for cervical cancer? Or...

Alternative treatment options for cancer can include a wide variety of approaches that are sometimes used in place of conventional measures of care practiced by Western practitioners, such as...

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I have ocular melanoma and there is very little written about it. Do you have...

Melanomas begin in cells called melanocytes. Melanocytes produce the skin pigment called melanin which gives skin its color. While the majority of melanomas form on the skin, melanocytes are also...

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I have stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer and now am receiving Tarceva. I'm...

There is no easy means of determining how late-stage lung cancer may progress. At times the process can be relatively benign and pain free; at other times, it may cause the person with cancer to deal...

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I've finished treatment and now I feel like I'm on my own. Are there things I...

Finishing cancer treatment often brings mixed feelings. A sense of relief and feelings of accomplishment are normal; so, too, is uncertainty about the future. Your instinct to prepare in some way for...

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I am a 20-year-old college student and I recently lost two grandparents to...

I suggest seeing if your school has a counseling center. You mentioned that you are having trouble dealing with the guilt, which is understandable, with two significant losses. That can overwhelm your...

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What support groups are there for people with skin cancer? My brother was...

It’s never easy to adjust to a cancer diagnosis. Everything changes when you hear the words “you have cancer.” It is a time when many people need extra support. Speaking to an oncology social worker...

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I was just diagnosed with breast cancer on my right breast and abnormal cells...

Hearing that you have cancer is very scary, and it is natural to have anxiety, specifically anticipatory anxiety. Anticipatory anxiety is increased anxiety to a scary situation you are about to...

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What resources are available for women with cervical cancer who have no...

The many challenges of being diagnosed and not having insurance are stressful and emotionally difficult. Navigating treatment without insurance can feel daunting, but there are resources you can...

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I'm wondering if there are any good resources out there that would help me...

Caring for a family member or loved one with cancer can be a full-time job. There are lots of unknowns and by asking for help, you have taken the first step in helping your mother. Luckily, there are a...

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My father has multiple myeloma and it is disheartening to see to him lose...

Caring for a loved one with cancer can be difficult. It is admirable and not uncommon to want to ease your loved ones pain. As physical changes occur, it can be especially overwhelming and may bring up...

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Christmas is very special to me. My mother passed away on Christmas. My...

I’d like to thank you for taking the time to write in to us and offer my condolences to all that you’re going through, both with your own cancer and your mother’s loss.I can certainly understand the...

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How do I deal with the anxiety of showing your body to your husband after...

Coping with the loss of breasts is a very challenging experience for many women who go through mastectomy surgery, especially when the breasts are considered a source of confidence or a sense of...

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When should I be screened for colon cancer?

Screening is important because many colorectal cancers can be prevented through regular screening. Additionally, if cancer is found early, colorectal cancer is highly treatable. Screening options for...

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My best friend went in for a breast exam back in October. Since then, through...

A biopsy is the best way to determine if a mass is cancer, or a benign (non-cancerous) condition. If someone is uninsured, it can be difficult to follow up with this procedure. It can definitely be...

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My brother is 70 and has been diagnosed with metastatic cancer. He has had...

First, I would like to normalize your experience and how challenging navigating a loved one’s cancer diagnosis can be. Watching the physical changes that accompany cancer treatment can bring up many...

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I am looking for legal advice about my job. Because of my treatment I had for...

I’m sorry to hear that your job is not being more supportive of your needs during post-treatment. Given your cancer diagnosis you should be protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act or ADA. This...

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Where can I find the latest screening info for cervical cancer? Seems like...

The first step with any cancer diagnosis is obtaining access to screen. Fortunately, there are places you can look into to acquire the latest information. Some places to seek updates about screenings...

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I would like to find a support group for my wife. She was recently diagnosed...

Support groups are a great way for people to connect around shared experiences, provide support or encouragement and have an outlet where others understand the feelings and challenges that come with a...

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Are there any live video chat support groups available for people...

CancerCare offers two types of support groups, one is online and the other is via live, video chat. Our online support groups take place on a message board that is open to members 24/7 and you can post...

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I am a 66-year-old surviving spouse of a cancer patient who sadly died in...

CancerCare provides individual grief counseling with an oncology social worker in New Jersey and New York. The sessions are usually every other week and they last 45 minutes. CancerCare also offers...

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Are there any resources available to assist families deliver a cancer...

A cancer diagnosis has a large impact on the entire family unit and it can be difficult to know how much information to share. When speaking with children about a cancer diagnosis or side effects there...

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My 12-year-old grandson has cancer. He’s in his second chemo cycle and his...

Firstly, I would like to acknowledge that as a grandparent, it’s natural for you to feel a connection to your grandson’s well-being, and witnessing him go through this challenging situation can be...

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I've been matched for clinical trial HER2 cell therapy and I need help to pay...

Regarding financial assistance for clinical trials, there are a few avenues you can explore. You can contact the treatment center to see if they offer any grants or financial aid. Furthermore, some...

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