When you find out that you have skin cancer, especially an aggressive form that has spread to other organs or tissues, such as melanoma or neuroendocrine, the news can be absolutely devastating. It is quite easy for you, your loved one, or several members of your family to fall into depression, especially if your doctor has given you a dismal outlook on your long-term health. These are the times that you can really use support, and certainly your family and friends are your first lines of support. However, sometimes, you or they can use additional sources of support to help you deal with this difficult news.
Fortunately, there are many resources on the Internet that you can find to provide the support you need to keep your spirits up, to help you fight skin cancer, and to help deal with the complications you will be facing from your fight with skin cancer.
Where to Find Online Sources of Support
One of the best places to go to find online sources of support to help you in your fight with skin cancer is The American Cancer Society. There are many programs and services available there to help both you and your loved ones to understand what is involved when fighting skin cancer, including the treatment and recovery that is involved, as well as provide all of the emotional support you need to endure that fight.1 These programs and services are all free. Some of these programs and services, including some of their specific features and services, are discussed below.
Cancer Survivors Network
The Cancer Survivors Network is the American Cancer Society’s online community that was made by and for people who have cancer, as well as for their families. On this site, you can create your own online journal (blog) that allows you to express your thoughts on what you are experiencing, how you are coping with skin cancer and its ramifications, and any other thoughts and feelings you wish to express.2 You can also submit any photos and audio files you wish to share as well.2
The Cancer Survivors Network site also provides many discussion boards and chatrooms that will enable you to connect with other people who are battling various forms of cancer. 2 You can help support each other, which in turn can lead to friendships with people who have practical information and insight on how to deal with cancer, which can only aid your own efforts to battle skin cancer.
Road to Recovery (Rides to Treatment)
Another very vital support site provided by the American Cancer Society is their “Road to Recovery” site. This site provides cancer patients with the ability to reach their cancer treatment appointments where there are no other options. Some cancer patients are unable to drive themselves, and their family and friends are not always able to drive them to their treatment appointments.
Volunteer drivers who are willing to help cancer patients reach their treatments will volunteer their time and resources to ensure that these cancer patients reach their destinations on time and return home again afterwards.3 These drivers also give support and encouragement to cancer patients to help lift their spirits and keep them strong in their individual fights against cancer.
Hope Lodge (Lodging)
Another support site provided by The American Cancer Society is their “Hope Lodge” site. There are times when those battling skin cancer and other forms of cancer must leave their homes in order to receive the best treatments possible. This can cause quite a strain on the patients and their families and caregivers.
This is why the American Cancer Society created the “Hope Lodge.” The Hope Lodge is a free, temporary place where cancer patients and their caregivers are able to stay while the cancer patients receive treatment for their cancer in another city. This enables patients and their loved ones to concentrate more on beating cancer and not worrying about where they are going to stay or how much it is going to cost.4
There are currently 31 Hope Lodges located throughout the United States.4 Each Hope Lodge provides a home-like environment where cancer patients can choose to stay in private rooms or can connect with others in various locations throughout the facility.4 In addition, each Hope Lodge provides information and resources on how to best battle the cancer each patient is facing.4
I Can Cope Classes (Both in the Community and Online)
When you have skin cancer or any type of cancer, you and your loved ones are bound to have questions about that cancer, lifestyle changes, treatment options, and more. You may not know where to turn to. One good place to turn to is The American Cancer Society’s “I Can Cope” classes.
I Can Cope classes are classes that are provided in some communities across the United States and also online. These classes provide accurate information about what cancer is, what treatment options are available, what to do to adjust your lives after learning you have cancer, and what widely available information is just myth. 5 The information that is presented in these classes includes the following topics:
- Diagnosis of condition
- Treatment of condition
- Side effects resulting from treatment
- Articulating one’s thoughts and feelings
- Community resources that are available
- Concerns about financial management regarding cancer
- Managing pain resulting from cancer
- What foods one should eat when dealing with cancer
- Physical activity one should receive when dealing with cancer
- Fatigue resulting from fighting cancer
- Keeping oneself well in spirit, mind, and body
You can take these classes in certain communities by pre-registering.5 Alternatively, you can take these classes online within the privacy of your own home at the time and pace that fits your schedule.5
Utilizing the Online Resources Can Make Your Battle Against Skin Cancer Much Easier
Battling skin cancer is never an easy task, but you don’t have to go at it alone. Certainly, your family and friends can aid you in your battle, but don’t forget about the considerable online resources that are available to aid you as well.
There is much information and support available in the form of online communities that can help you to express your concerns and questions and who can provide support that truly understands what it means to be dealing with cancer, since many of the people in these communities are also battling cancer.
By utilizing the online resources available, you’ll make your battle with cancer be much easier, which will only strengthen you and your resolve to defeat the skin cancer and return to a healthier life.
References
1 Find Support Programs and Services in Your Area. (2011). From The American Cancer Society: www.cancer.org/Treatment/SupportProgramsServices/index?ssSourceSiteId=null
2 Cancer Survivors Network. (2011). From The American Cancer Society: csn.cancer.org/
3 Road to Recovery. (2009, March 3). From The American Cancer Society: www.cancer.org/Treatment/SupportProgramsServices/Programs/road-to-recovery
4 Hope Lodge. (2011). From The American Cancer Society: www.cancer.org/Treatment/SupportProgramsServices/HopeLodge/index
5 I Can Cope. (2011, January 20). From The American Cancer Society: www.cancer.org/Treatment/SupportProgramsServices/Programs/i-can-cope
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The content provided on this site is for informational purposes only. Our content is not medical advice you should seek a licensed physician or health professional regarding all health issues. SKIN-CANCER.ORG takes no responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, or application of medication which results from reading this site.
