Meeting with the American Cancer Society

Through some effort of a friend, Karen, who found out who to call I was able to set up a meeting with the American Cancer Society. For anyone who may be diagnosed with cancer one of first things that needs to happen is to meet with the American Cancer Society group/representative in your area. This organization has a number of resources and information that will be helpful as you go through this process. One of the books that I received was about "What questions to ask my surgeon?" This I could have used a couple of weeks ago.

I found out that I can talk with my oncologist and receive a prescription to purchase bras. I can also get a prescription to purchase a wig(s), turbans, and other items that will be helpful to me. There was so much information given to me that I will not be lacking reading material for at least a week. The representative also brought me a pillow to place under my arm so that I am not resting my arm on my incision.

I was able to discuss and ask questions about so many things, like when will my hair grow back after I finish Chemo? My hair should start growing back in about 1 month. The positive here is that it may grow back thicker and more luscious than ever. When will my hair fall out? About 21 days after the first Chemo session. The representative told me about a sleep cap. I am to wear the sleep cap to bed and when my hair falls out then it will be in the cap and not in my bed. This sounds like a great tool and she did say that she would get one for me.

I received so much information from the local chapter that I see that I will be talking with the representative again. So to reinforce that if you are diagnosed with Cancer or have a family member or close friend who has just found out about their cancer share with them about contacting their local American Cancer Association Chapter. They will provide you so many resources so you can be informed and make informed decisions. Here is their website that you can visit. This page also allows you to type in the zip code to find your local chapter. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/home/index.asp