Tips to Reduce Chemotherapy Nausea and Vomiting

by Margot Malin, CEO of Lots To Live For, Inc.

This blog piece was originally posted as: Tips to Control Chemotherapy Nausea and Vomiting (CINV) which was published in the Breast Cancer Yoga blog on March 25, 2014. 

One of the most dreaded and anxiety producing side effects of cancer treatment is chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). In this blog post we offer a variety of tips to help you reduce chemotherapy nausea. Controlling nausea can significantly improve your comfort and help ensure completion of your chemo treatments as scheduled.

Medications

Speak with your oncology doctors and nurses to find the antinausea medicine that works best for you. Anti-nausea medications, also called antiemetics, are sometimes so effective that experts have shifted their focus from treating nausea to aggressive prevention. Unfortunately however, the majority of people on a chemo regimen still face some risk of becoming nauseous. Some patients have to try a few antiemetics before finding the one that works best. Sancuso patches are another prescription item that patients may ask their oncology team about.

Food

Try eating bland foods. For example – toast, oatmeal, bananas, broiled or baked chicken with no skin, or similar items. Eat small quantities more frequently. Delay eating for at least one hour after treatment. Try not to start treatment with an empty stomach. Avoid greasy, fried, salty, sweet, or spicy foods. A recent study funded by the National Cancer Institute showed that ginger, even in small amounts, can help reduce nausea.

Hydration

It is important to stay hydrated. Try taking small sips of water during the day instead of gulping or consuming large quantities at a single sitting. Broth is another liquid that may be easy to sip. Drinking natural root beer and/or ginger ale may be effective ways to reduce CINV. Some herbal teas may ease digestive discomfort while stimulating a weak appetite. Suck on hard candy such as Queasy Drops, popsicles or ice during treatment.

Smell

Avoid foods with strong odors. Avoid strong smells such as flowers, perfumes and some cleaning products. Some personal care product scents may irritate your senses. Some essential oils can be helpful, but they must be administered carefully.

Body Position

Do not lie down flat for at least 2 hours after eating. Rest by sitting up or reclining with your head elevated.

Products to Help

Biobands – This simple and inexpensive wristband utilizes acupressure, a natural pressure therapy applied to a specific acupuncture point that controls nausea and vomiting. Wearing Biobands can help control nausea during treatment and throughout the day. 

QueasyPops and Drops are the natural way to ease a queasy stomach. They are effective due to their special formulation of essential oils, aromatherapy and their unique delivery method. They are also a great way to help with dry mouth symptoms.

Frog Toggs Chilly Sport Cooling Towels can be worn around the neck. They can help patients by cooling and comforting.

Integrative Approaches and Alternative Treatments

Deep Breathing Exercises and Guided Meditation can help you relax before and during treatment. They can help put your mind in a calmer, positive and more proactive place.  An example of a CD to help teach you breathing techniques is Breathe With Purpose.  Calm.com offers a guided meditation app. Saagara offers two pranayama apps, with guided breathing.

Acupuncture lowers nausea and/or vomiting in some people. In addition to reducing nausea, some patients find that it also helps to minimize hives and joint swelling, which can be other side effects of treatment.

Exercise – Get moving as soon as you can! Find an exercise that you enjoy and do it!  Even if the movement is minimal or slow at first, or on the days of treatment, don’t be discouraged. Exercise should help you through chemo fatigue as well.  However, exercising too soon after eating may slow down digestion and increase discomfort. A good resource is the new book Exercises for Cancer Survivors by Carol Michaels.

Hypnosis has been suggested by some professionals as another helpful complementary therapy.

Essential Oils and Aromatherapy

There are a number of essential oils and herbs that can be helpful. Discuss the use of these treatments with your oncology team before using them, because they have the potential to block the effects of your medication. Natural Remedies of CINV by Pamela Taylor is a helpful book that can help to familiarize you with herbs, essential oils, and aromatherapy.

Medical Marijuana

It’s long been general knowledge that marijuana can soothe nausea. This is now an option in some states where medical marijuana is legal. A synthetic version of the active ingredient, THC, is in the prescription drug Marinol (dronabinol).

Important NO-NO’s

No caffeine. No smoking. No alcohol.

The more comfortable you are during treatment, the better your mental and emotional state.  A more comfortable state of mind will contribute to optimizing your outcome. Don’t hesitate to consult with your oncology team for additional ideas. We hope our suggestions will improve your comfort by reducing your nausea during your cancer journey.

Visit Lots To Live For, Inc. to learn about more products to reduce and relieve chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting, and to learn about products to combat other cancer treatment side effects. You will also find a collection of helpful cancer resources.

6 Tips to Help Cancer Patients Become More Organized and Comfortable During Treatment

by Margot Malin

This is a condensed version of a longer post that was published on the Breast Cancer Yoga Blog entitled:

Cancer Pre-Treatment Check List – 6 Tips To Make Your Life Easier Once You Begin Treatments

You can read the full post at: http://breastcanceryogablog.com/2014/01/22/cancer-pre-treatment-check-list/

Receiving a diagnosis of cancer can be overwhelming. There are so many questions swirling through your mind and so many things to put in order. Here is a short list of 6 tips suggested by other patients to help make your treatment both more comfortable and better organized.

1. Familiarize Yourself with Your Medications and their Side Effects
2. Schedule a Dental Appointment
3. Order some new products in advance to test them to see if you have any reactions to them, and to see if you like their feel and other characteristics.
4. Make a list of things that need to be done and circulate it to friends and family so that they can sign up to help you.
5. Create a treatment goody bag for yourself
6. Meet with a Naturopathic doctor

Each of these 6 tips should help to reduce the uncertainty and confusion that come with a cancer diagnosis and treatment plan. Try to organize and simplify your daily schedule whenever possible. Don’t forget to ask for help!

You can find products to add to your "Treatment Goody Bag" at www.LotsToLiveFor.com
Lots To Live For, Inc. sells products to reduce and relieve the unpleasant and uncomfortable side effects of cancer treatments including surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.

Tips to Combat Cancer Side Effects and Improve Comfort During Cancer Treatment

by Margot Malin, Founder and CEO of Lots To Live For, Inc.

Please note that this is an excerpt from a recent blog piece posted on our new Wordpress blog.
All new blog posts will be published at:
http://blog.lotstolivefor.com/
Please visit our new blog to subscribe / sign up to receive emails when we publish new posts.
The sign up is on the right side of the template "Subscribe to Blog Via Email" 
(subscribers to this blog will not automatically be transferred to the new blog)

Our latest post is entitled:

Tips to Improve Comfort During Cancer Treatment / How To Combat Cancer Side Effects

Starting either chemotherapy or radiation oncology treatment can feel overwhelming. There are logistics and arrangements to consider, medical research and treatment options to review, as well as getting through daily tasks.  Patients often forget to explore how they can reduce cancer treatment side effects.  Reducing unpleasant and uncomfortable side effects is important because the more comfortable you feel during treatment, the more likely you will be to continue through treatments uninterrupted, and the better your outcome will be. In addition, you will be able to carry on a more normal lifestyle, and have a better overall frame of mind.

Lots To Live For, Inc. provides Comfort During Cancer

In the post we offer concrete suggestions about how to combat the inevitable debilitating side effects of treatment. We share information about a variety of products that can make you more comfortable during chemotherapy and radiation. We offer tips and resources about nutrition and exercise during cancer. And perhaps most helpful, we offer suggestions for a "goody bag" of helpful items to take with you to radiation and chemotherapy treatments to enhance your comfort.

Please click here to view the full blog post.

To learn more about products to help reduce and relieve the unpleasant and uncomfortable side effects of chemotherapy and radiation please visit us at: www.LotsToLiveFor.com

Eight Awesome Tips To Help Cancer Patients

Acts of Kindness To Help Make Life Easier for A Patient Undergoing Cancer Treatment
By Margot Malin     

It may be an awkward moment when you learn that a friend, loved one, or coworker has been diagnosed with cancer. You may initially be at a loss for words and yet you want to offer empathy and comfort. Here are 8 Tips and Helpful Gifts of Kindness so you can create your own plan to help the cancer patient you know along his or her journey.

Food – Go grocery shopping – stock the refrigerator with fresh, healthy and easy to prepare items. Cook dinner for the family and deliver it.

Childcare – Cancer patients get tired, sometimes very tired. You can offer to baby sit for young children. Offer to arrange and take older children on play dates. If you know the children well, take them on a little outing – to the playground, to a movie, to a show or museum. During this stressful time, school work might suffer. Offer to tutor, or arrange for a tutor for those subjects that are particularly challenging right now.

Laundry and other daily chores – Laundry can be easily postponed when someone is not feeling well. Offer to do the laundry – at your home or theirs – or take it to a wash and fold service. Helping with other daily chores and activities can be a great way to relieve the patient of some activities which might be repetitive, tiring and stressful.

Chemotherapy and Radiation sessions – Offer to drive to radiation oncology sessions and chemo appointments. Sitting and receiving an infusion can be cold and lonely. Stay during chemo to help the time pass – you can write letters, read aloud, listen to music, or look at poetry during these sessions. Bring a warm and cozy blanket with you. Other things you can bring to pass the time: an ipad, a laptop, a Kindle, craft supplies.

Doctor appointments – Offer to drive to a doctor appointment or accompany the patient on public transportation – and if the patient is open to the idea – be present when the patient speaks with the doctor. A second set of ears is a welcome addition during this stressful time. Maybe you can think of questions that the patient might be too overwhelmed or nervous to consider. You can also take notes about the visit to be sure that the important takeaways are remembered.

Medical record keeping and medical research – You can help by doing medical research about the patient’s diagnosis as well as research into complimentary and alternative therapies. Personal health record keeping is especially important during treatment and beyond. Consider purchasing either a special loose leaf / workbook to keep track of paper records, or the Minerva Health Manager, electronic personal health record software.

Side effect solutions – There are many products to help unpleasant and uncomfortable physical side effects of chemotherapy and radiation. For example, you can find products to help radiation dermatitis, radiation burns, hair loss, dry mouth and mouth sores, nausea, and more. To learn about products that can help reduce and relieve cancer treatment side effects visit www.LotsToLiveFor.com.

Books, CD’s and Music – There are many inspirational books written by, and about cancer patients. Just two examples are: From Incurable to Incredible – Cancer Survivors Who Beat the Odds written by Tami Boehmer, a cancer survivor and When Cancer Hits – A Complete Guide to Taking Care of You Through Treatment authored by Britta Aragon, also a cancer survivor. There are rest and relaxation CD’s. Breast Cancer Yoga has created a CD for breathing and meditation and a DVD for gentle yoga. Recovery Fitness also has an Exercise for Cancer Patients DVD. There are also CD’s and DVD’s available to reduce stress and enhance relaxation.

A little thought and creativity can help you come up with many other helpful ideas. You can even ask the patient to give you a wish list of what kind of help they might appreciate for their situation. Some of the best expressions of support are inexpensive and some are free – but they are all priceless to the patient receiving your kindness.

Margot Malin is the CEO, President and Founder of Lots To Live For, Inc. which sells carefully selected products to reduce and relieve the uncomfortable and unpleasant side effects caused by chemotherapy and radiation. Lots To Live For, Inc. was founded after the passing of Margot’s mother and grandmother who both fought courageous battles against cancer.

To find products to help reduce and relieve the uncomfortable and unpleasant side effects of cancer treatment please visit: www.LotsToLiveFor.com
Visit our facebook page at: www.facebook.com/LotsToLiveFor for information and inspiration!

The Genesis of Lots To Live For, Inc.- An Interview with IdeaMensch

IdeaMensch is a community of entrepreneurs who share how they bring their businesses to life. Margot Malin, the founder of Lots To Live For, Inc. was interviewed by IdeaMensch on September 4, 2012. IdeaMensch probes about the genesis of the business with insightful questions that let the founder's ideas, beliefs and experiences shine through.

Some excerpts of the interview:

"Where did the idea for Lots To Live For, Inc. come from?

The genesis and inspiration for the company came from watching both my mother and grandmother fight courageous battles against cancer while simultaneously trying to maintain normal lifestyles. Lots To Live For, Inc. offers one-stop shopping and solutions for cancer patients, by selling products and offering tips to alleviate, reduce and relieve unpleasant and uncomfortable side effects of chemotherapy and radiation.

Side effects from cancer treatments can be debilitating. During my mother’s and grandmother’s treatments, we found some really helpful products after exhaustive searching. It occurred to me that consolidating these items in a single place would be extremely helpful to others who are going through treatment. Our business slogan is: We recognize that you have lots to live for, and we offer solutions so that you can improve the quality of your life."

In the interview Margot also offers some advice to aspiring entrepreneurs - below is a quick quote:

"As an entrepreneur what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
Keep your eyes and ears open. Treat customers and suppliers with respect. Read a lot. Try to think outside of the box. Look for disruptive technologies and try to jump on the wave. Never fall into the OPM (other people’s money) mentality. Treat equity investors’ money as if it were your own. Don’t spend frivolously."

In another section of the interview, Margot offers some personal inspiration to readers.

"Can you offer some words of advice for our readers’ personal lives?
1. Always act with integrity.
2. Accept personal responsibility.
3. Life is a marathon, not a sprint. Take time to have fun and reflect. Smell the roses.
4. Believe in yourself.
5. Dare to be different.
6. Be careful of the footprints you leave. Unfortunately, your indiscretions or social media gaffes can haunt you."

To read about some of the challenges in bringing Lots To Live For, Inc. to life, as well as thoughts about business opportunities, and general observations and advice about life you can read the complete interview with Margot Malin on the IdeaMensch website by clicking here.

Please visit www.LotsToLiveFor.com to learn about products to help relieve the unpleasant and uncomfortable side effects of chemotherapy and radiation. Lots To Live For, Inc. welcomes you as a facebook fan at www.facebook.com/LotsToLiveFor.

A Checklist for Chemotherapy Patients

20 Things You Need To Know About Chemotherapy

The journey after a cancer diagnosis can be approached holistically - incorporating mind, body and spirit. Click on the CancerActive article below for great advice if you or someone you know is considering Chemotherapy. The "Twenty Things You Need to Know About Chemotherapy" includes questions to ask your doctor about the treatment he or she is recommending, and what you can do to support your body during and after treatment. This is a really informative article because it is easy to read, and integrates medical information along with holistic, lifestyle, diet and exercise suggestions.

Do you know the difference between the older regimens of chemotherapy drugs and the newer biologics?
What kind of questions should you ask your oncologist?
How can you modify your diet to strengthen your body during your treatment? Did you know there are some herbs and supplements that can be very helpful?
Which alternative therapies in addition to massage, yoga and accupuncture can help you?

Learn the answers to all these questions and more at:
http://www.canceractive.com/cancer-active-page-link.aspx?n=248   This article is from the CancerActive website which is Britain´s Number 1 holistic cancer charity.

The goal of CancerActive is to EMPOWER people to increase their personal odds of beating cancer; to be able to make more informed personal choices about their cancer treatment options. They provide a wide variety of information, not just about orthodox cancer treatments, but also on complementary canccert therapies and some, currently alternative cancer treatments as well. You can sign up for their email newsletter directly on the CancerActive website. (Note: The CANCERactive name and logo are registered trade marks)  The CancerActive website contains a wealth of interesting and important information and it is worth taking the time to review many of the articles on the site.

A variety of products are available to reduce and relieve some of the common side effects of chemotherapy and radiation. To learn about these products visit Lots To Live For, Inc. On this website you will find solutions to common side effects such as compromised skin, radiation dermatitis, mouth sores, itchy scalp, and more.   

Lots To Live For, Inc. Wins Top Honors in StartupNation's Leading Moms In Business Competition

From among thousands of contestants, Lots To Live For, Inc has been ranked #22 in StartupNation.com’s 2012 Leading Moms in Business competition , sponsored by Web.com and Sam's Club.  

Over 350,000 votes were cast in support of the 2012 contestants, reflecting immense interest and supportiveness for moms building businesses at the same time they tend to their families.

“There’s been a sea change among moms as they’ve come to realize that adding entrepreneurship to their lives brings exhilaration and immense gratification, not to mention supplemental—sometimes primary—income to their families in these dicey economic times,” says Rich Sloan, chief startupologist and co-founder of StartupNation.

Margot Malin, President, CEO, and Founder said “We are thrilled that our customers, friends, and suppliers have shown overwhelming support by voting for us. Lots To Live For, Inc. is an internet retailer that sells carefully selected products to reduce and relieve the uncomfortable and unpleasant effects caused by chemotherapy and radiation.  The genesis and inspiration for Lots To Live For, Inc. came from watching both my mother's and grandmother’s courageous battle with cancer. “ The winner’s profile for Lots To Live For, Inc. can be found at: http://www.startupnation.com/leading-moms-in-business/contestant/11654/index.php

The 2012 Leading Moms in Business ranking highlights some of the dominant trends, motivations and attributes among moms in business. They include:

·         A great eye for providing attractive discounts, coupons, savings and value, all especially important to consumer moms of the recession era.

·         A likelihood to come up with innovative products and solutions to address the challenging maze of motherhood. It’s an environment that demands resourcefulness.

·         Conscience-driven business, where “doing well” is just fine, but the real rush comes from doing good.

Lots To Live For, Inc. Logo

·         The attraction of being your own boss looms large for moms wanting to take control they just can’t find in a day job.

·         Sustainable solutions and responsible business practices are increasingly paramount.

·         Making the most of social media for business benefit is seemingly a birthright for the socially adept moms.

The Top 200 Winners of the Top 2012 Leading Moms in Business ranking are available on StartupNation’s website at http://www.startupnation.com/leading-moms-in-business/2012-winners

Lots To Live For, Inc. sells products that offer innovative solutions to cancer side effects. Many of the products sold on the website have been developed by entrepreneurs whose lives have been affected by cancer.  For more information visit http://www.lotstolivefor.com/.
Visit the Lots To Live For, Inc. facebook page at www.facebook.com/LotsToLiveFor

What Is An Oncology Nurse Navigator?

By Pam Matten, RN, BSN, OCN

The diagnosis and treatment of cancer and living with the disease can be overwhelming for many patients and their family members. The maze of oncology services that families are asked to go through can be intimidating and daunting. A nurse navigator is a professional who comes alongside the family undergoing the cancer crisis. He/she may follow the patient from pre-diagnosis through the continuum of care. The navigator will ensure that the patient is given timely care for appointments, tests and procedures. She educates the patient on treatment options, medication and chemotherapy side effects, and clinical trial options. She may also provide psychosocial support to the patient and family. The navigator will provide resources and referrals to the family such as: financial assistance, support groups, transportation options and complimentary wellness opportunities. The nurse navigator role is integral for families as they navigate through the complexities of cancer care.

Most National and community cancer centers are using nurse navigators for individual types of cancer. For instance, there may be breast nurse navigator who deals specifically with patients diagnosed with breast cancer. It is important to understand that the role of navigator is diverse. You may find lay navigators who reach out to a particular community of patients or lay navigators who assist with more specific care such as those who coordinate initial consultations for treatment. If you are fortunate to be offered a lay or professional navigator I believe you will find them to be individuals who offer empathy and support during a difficult time. If you are not made aware of navigation services when you are newly diagnosed you can ask either your physician or cancer center if navigation services are provided.

Submitted by Guest Blogger:

Pam Matten, RN, BSN, OCN

Pam Matten is an oncology-certified nurse, specializing in thoracic oncology. She has been the Nurse Navigator for lung cancer patients at the Center for Cancer Prevention & Treatment, St. Joseph Hospital, orange. CA for over 9 years. Pam is also a public health nurse, tobacco treatment specialist, health instructor and yoga teacher.

For more information about oncology nurse navigators:

Academy of Oncology Nurse Navigators

To find products to help reduce and relieve cancer side effect symptoms visit: http://www.lotstolivefor.com/

Lots To Live For, Inc. Featured in Interview in the On and Off the Mat Blog by Embrace Activism

Lots To Live For, Inc. is featured in the On and Off the Mat Blog under the "Power of Love" series of blog posts. Margot Malin, President, CEO and Founder of Lots To Live For, Inc. is interviewed by Karen Whittier, Chief Activist at Embrace Activism about the inspiration and genesis of the company.  Lots To Live For, Inc is an internet retailer that sells carefully selected products to reduce and relieve the uncomfortable and unpleasant side effects caused by chemotherapy and radiation. The genesis and inspiration for this company came after the passing of two close family members following their courageous battles with cancer. The company mission is to provide options and support to others who are going through exhausting and debilitating chemotherapy and radiation oncology treatments. Put simply: We recognize that you have "lots to live for" and we offer solutions so that you can improve the quality of your life.

An few excerpts from the interview follow:

Karen:  Both your mother and grandmother battled cancer. Were their cancers found early?

Margot: Luckily research and discouvery in medicine continue to progress so both treatments and diagnoses have advanced over the years. So there is a double benefit: cancer is being found earlier, and the treatments have improved significantly. Sadly, the cancer was not found early in either my mother or grandmother. In fact both had already progressed to Stage 4 when they received their diagnoses.

Karen:  More than a handful of cancer patients have commented on the toll cancer treatments take. What types of treatment did your mother and grandmother have?

Margot: Between the two of them all of the weapons against cancer were used: surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. All three "weapons" have improved over time. Surgery is more precise, there are better and more targeted types of chemotherapy, and the radiology equipment has become more precise and focused. Unfortunately, even with all the improvements in medicine and technology, treatment can still be exhausting and debilitating.

Karen: What types of products are available through Lots to Live For, Inc?

Margot: This is my favorite question because we have so many wondeful side effect solutions! We sell helpful products ranging from nutitional supplements to topical skin, hair and nail products and much more. All these products help you improve the quality of your life while you are going though treatments that may effect your skin, hair, nails and mouth, and also make you tired and nauseous. Our products help these side effects. We carry a number of different product lines including Haelan 951, Thymuskin Hair Care items, RADX and SolRx products, Lindiskin Skin Care products, Alra products, Biotene Oral Care, My Girls Cream, SkinFree, CoolMagic gel sheets, Biobands for nausea and software from Minerva Health Manager to organize health records. We have a complete line of products for radiation skin care, radiation dermatitis and radiation burns. I should also mention that one of our most popular and most important product lines is Cancer Gifts. Of course any of the items we sell can be purchased as a gift, but we also have some uniquely themed gift sets for specific side effects ("Mouth Moisturizer", "Help for Hair", "Radiation Burn Care Kit", etc) which make expecially caring and thoughtful gifts. These gifts help to express your support and concern. You can write a note on our website order form which will be enclosed with the gift and sent directly to the recipient. We also sell gift certificates.

To read the complete interview please click here: On and Off the Mat Blog Interviews Lots To Live For!  

As Karen says at the conclusion of the post "Please share this Power of Love story with anyone you know battling cancer and/or caregivers. Visit the Lots to Live For website, Cancer Blog and, if you're on Facebook, be sure to 'like' their page. Cancer patients may be more keenly aware, but we ALL have lots to live for!"

More about the On and Off the Mat Blog:  in the Power of Love series Karen interviews individuals to explore why they started their foundations, charities or businesses, and what their hopes, goals or missions are. A couple of past posts were about Vivyn Lazonga, a tatoo artist specializing in body art for breast cancer patients and Robin Thomas, promoter of Heatlth and Wellness.

Embrace Activism creates purpose-driven yoga; improving the health and wellness of yoga practitioners and contributing to various health-related charities.

EXERCISE AND CANCER - PART 3 - ADD YOGA TO YOUR POST CANCER ARSENAL

For this post guest blogger Karen Whittier, Registered yoga teacher (RYT) and Chief Activist for Embrace Activism shares her thoughts about Cancer and Exercise, and why you might want to add Yoga to a post cancer exercise regimen.  Stay tuned for upcoming posts about Exercise and Cancer on the Lots To Live For! Cancer Blog.

Add Yoga to Your Post Cancer Arsenal

Though yoga originated as a way to meditate, to foster clear thinking and decision-making, the physical benefits yoga can bring are the ones emphasized more here in the West. Yoga does make positive changes to the body: increasing flexibility, improving balance, increasing your strength and the general tone of the body. But yoga can be so much more. Yoga’s value and impact on the mind and spirit should not be discounted. That’s especially true for cancer survivors.

The “C” word is very unsettling; everything you thought your life might hold gets put on hold. That one word has the power to keep every aspect of your life revolving around it. Have you been told you had cancer? What was the first thing you thought of? Did it feel like a death sentence? Did you go into denial thinking there must been a mistake in one of the tests? Did you accept the possibility, but resolve to find out more? Reactions are about as varied as each individual, but I don’t think anyone thinks they’ll be the one to develop cancer

The type of cancer, and its stage when discovered, determines the type of treatment prescribed. Most treatments take a lot of fortitude on the patient’s part. There can be more lab work required. There might be more xrays, MRIs or CT scans needed. Sometimes radiation is involved; sometimes chemotheraphy is needed; sometimes surgery is the only option. Whether your treatment plan includes surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy your body will have to withstand a major assault. It all takes time, but you can feel like you have precious little time to spare!

Once you’ve come through the other side of cancer there’s a little cloud that can hang over your head….recurrence. Are you questioning each ache and pain? Does a simple cold signal the start of another round of cancer to you? It’s understandable to be fearful. It wasn’t that long ago that a diagnosis of any cancer was synonymous with death. That’s not the case anymore. Inroads have been made to detect cancer at its earliest stage where the chance of survival is greatest. New treatment methods that target the cancer cells without damaging surrounding cells are available. But, the thought of a single cancer cell adrift within your lymph system waiting to take root can persist. It is my contention, if you’re living under that cloud of recurrence you’re letting cancer triumph.

This is where the mind and spirit benefits of yoga can be invaluable. From the moment you received the news of your cancer, your body has been at the mercy of your health care team. Their knowledge and experience gave them decision-making powers. Yes, you had to agree to it all, but the medical protocols are dictated by them. It is your body though, that’s subjected to an invasive onslaught of exploration and discovery. There is stress on the body even if your treatment plan includes the use of advanced medical equipment like the da Vinci Surgical System However, when you step onto your mat, YOU are the one in control. You monitor your body throughout practice determining just how much (or how little) that practice is for the day. Your practice may consist of lying comfortably on your back, with blocks and bolster offering support, for 5 minutes of deep breathing or listening to a guided meditation. You can decide what asanas (poses) are appropriate for you knowing what benefits those asanas bring to your body. In other words, yoga empowers YOU. It puts you back in control over your body. This sense of control, of reclaiming your life is monumental in importance. Additionally, evidence is showing how important physical exercise can be during treatment with one of the benefits being a reduction in cancer treatment side effects.

When you step onto your mat and begin your practice, your focus is narrowed to the here and now. Worries and anxiety over what may lie ahead are suspended as you concentrate on the breath…following the breath, the life-giving breath, on its journey inward. Can you feel the rush of oxygen? Can you imagine the blood taking the oxygen and other nutrients out to the farthest reaches of your body? Feeding your body; providing your body with the fuel it needs to perform. The breath cleanses your body with its exhales; removing carbon dioxide and other wastes. Most of us are so accustomed to breathing we don’t ever think about what’s involved or what it does. What does this realization awake within you? Awe? Gratitude? Both? Relief is probably in the mix of feelings too. And the more you practice the longer that interval that suspension of worry and anxiety can be. With continued practiced you can cultivate an awareness of peace and tranquility that you can take off your mat. This benefit of yoga, of cultivating a mindset of peace and tranquility that is available at any time, can be useful during cancer treatment as well.

Worry and anxiety are understandable, but persistent worry and anxiety is counter-productive; the negative effects of stress on your body’s immune system are well documented. Use your yoga practice to empower yourself, bolster your immune system and tap into peace and tranquility at any time. Your body came through the cancer battle; let yoga give you the tools to bring your mind and spirit to victory too.

Health, Wellness & CURES!!
Karen Whittier

Karen Whittier is a  Registered yoga teacher (RYT) and Chief Activist for Embrace Activism. Embrace Activism is the online source for yoga products with a CAUSE: Premium yoga products that will enhance your practice on the mat, a charitable-giving program that takes your practice off the mat. Using Embrace Activism yoga products transforms your practice into purpose-driven yoga.

About EmbraceActivism -website: http://www.embraceactivism.com/
This post also appears simultaneously on Karen's On & Off the Mat Blog and is republished here with her permission.
‘Like’ the EmbraceActivism Facebook page: www.facebook.com/EmbraceActivism    

For products that can be helpful for cancer side effects such as radiation dermatitis and radiation burns visit http://www.lotstolivefor.com/. Lots To Live For, Inc. also sells items for chemotherapy induced mouth sores, dry mouth, compromised skin, itchy scalp, nausea, and other uncomfortable treatment related issues.
More blog posts on Exercise and Cancer will follow on http://www.lotstolivefor.blogspot.com/

'Like' Lots To Live For! at: www.facebook.com/LotsToLiveFor

Lots To Live For, Inc. - 2012 StartupNation Leading Moms in Business Competition

Lots To Live For, Inc. - 2012 StartupNation Leading Moms in Business Competition

Lots To Live For, Inc. has entered Startup third annual Leading Moms in Business competition to celebrate America's top mom owned business, and the women behind them.
Please support Lots To Live For, Inc. by clicking here: CLICK HERE TO VOTE 
Lots To Live For, Inc. - 2012 StartupNation Leading Moms in Business Competition
Lots To Live For, Inc. is an internet retailer that sells carefully selected products to reduce and relieve the uncomfortable and unpleasant side effects caused by chemotherapy and radiation. The genesis and inspiration for this company came after the passing of the founder's mother and grandmother following their courageous battles with cancer. The founder wanted to provide options and support to others who were going through exhausting and debilitating treatments. Put simply: We recognize that you have “lots to live for” and we offer solutions so that you can improve the quality of your life.

Some of the side effects that we offer solutions for are:
•Products to help heal and soothe radiation burns
•Cancer skin care products for sensitive and compromised skin
•Cancer hair care products to reduce hair loss and stimulate hair regrowth
•Oral care items for dry mouth and mouth sores
•Nutritional products to help boost the immune system.
•Cancer gifts for individuals undergoing radiation and chemotherapy
•Easy to use Personal Health Record Organizer software — by Minerva Health Technologies.
•Natural, Botanical and Homeopathic products to relieve cancer side effects
•Products for the Relief of Nausea associated with chemotherapy
•An all natural Skin Care line of products made without perfumes or chemicals
•Post radiation sun protection products
•Nail protection and rejuvenation products
Our goal is to help you feel the best you possibly can. We hope these products will help enable you to live your life normally despite your health issues.
We treat our customers with dignity and respect. Our prices are competitive and our service is compassionate and responsive. Our goal is for all customers to become repeat customers, and that they recommend us to their circle of caregivers and friends.
The photo shows our logo and a picture from 1987 of the founder, her mother and grandmother. This is the last picture taken of all three generations.  The circle of life continues - the founder now has three children of her own.
You can visit the Lots To Live For, Inc. website and view all the helpful products for cancer patients and survivors at: http://www.lotstolivefor.com/
Please like us on facebook at: www.facebook.com/LotsToLiveFor

Lots To Live For, Inc. Facebook Fan Page

Lots To Live For, Inc. has launched a Facebook Fan page. Please "like" the page so that you can get updates about our products. You can also read what our customers have to say about our products.



Lots To Live For, Inc. offers one stop web shopping for patients combating unpleasant side effects from chemotherapy and radiation treatment. There are also helpful resources for cancer patients and caregivers.

Lots To Live For, Inc. offers:
Products to help heal and soothe radiation burns

Cancer skin care products for sensitive and compromised skin
Cancer hair care products to reduce hair loss and stimulate hair regrowth
Oral care items for dry mouth and mouth sores
Nutritional products to help boost the immune system.
Cancer gifts for individuals undergoing radiation and chemotherapy
Natural, Botanical and Homeopathic products to relieve cancer side effects
Products for the Relief of Nausea associated with chemotherapy
An all natural Skin Care line of products made without perfumes or chemicals
Post radiation sun protection products

No other company offers such a complete collection of cancer care products to help all types of cancer side effects. We are also a cancer care resource offering cancer information and links to useful articles, organizations and research. Please take your time exploring and call or email us with your questions.

To view the Lots To Live For, Inc. facebook page please click here.
To view the Lots To Live For, Inc. website where you can view and order products on line click here.

Celldex Brain Cancer Vaccine Update – More Good News on Immunotherapy

The Celldex Therapeutics Inc. vaccine brain cancer received an encouraging result according to US Researchers. Patients with the brain cancer glioblastoma who were treated with this vaccine lived nearly twice as long as those who received radiation and chemotherapy.

This type of cancer often kills patients within a year; patients rarely survive more than three years. In this study, many patients are still alive after five years.

The Celldex Therapeutics Inc. vaccine works by targeting a mutation in a gene called the epidermal growth factor receptor, which fuels cancer growth.

The results were published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology online. Researchers contributing to the study were Dr. John Sampson of Duke University in conjunction with researchers from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

To read more about this study access the article on Thompson Reuters here.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39505662/ns/health-cancer/

You can also refer to The Journal of Clinical Oncology here.
http://jco.ascopubs.org/

For products to help alleviate unpleasant and uncomfortable side effects of radiation and chemotherapy treatment, please click here.
http://www.LotsToLiveFor.com

Cancer Side Effects: Radiation Burns

The purpose of this blog is to serve as a source of information and inspiration to patients, friends and caregivers who are interested in learning about options to reduce some of the uncomfortable side effects of radiation and chemotherapy.

When two courageous members of our own family experienced debilitating side effects from cancer treatment, we searched for products that could help them. We discovered some great items, but also found that they were hard to obtain. We founded Lots To Live For, Inc. (http://www.lotstolivefor.com/) as a one stop shopping resource for cancer side effect solutions.

In our blog posts we will talk about products, give patient feedback, and link to important and current articles relating to oncology and radiation care.

For our first post we focus on Radiation Burns. We have a number of products that are helpful for the skin during radiation therapy. Most of these products have been developed by individuals and families who have undergone radiation therapy treatment themselves, and created their products to target their own uncomfortable side effects.

In this posting we highlight the RADX Product line.
http://www.lotstolivefor.com/brands/RADX-and-SolRX.html
RADX was developed specifically for the founder of the product line’s brother who, going through intensive radiation treatments, developed burn and skin irritation that the usual prescription products did not help. With over 24 years in the burn relief/skin care business (including sun protection/sun care products), and having been named one of the top 500 privately held companies in America, the founders used their technological expertise to create the RADX products. RADX has been proven repeatedly – in several hundred cancer treatment facilities in the US, including some of the most renowned – to prevent radiation dermatitis and to relieve many of the skin related side effects of radiation therapy.

RADX Moisture Therapy
This is the first line of defense used at the onset of treatments, and then also as a last phase treatment used on irradiated skin after completion of radiation treatment. RADX Moisture Therapy is a lightly fragranced lotion made with Prickly Pear Cactus Gel; this product is excellent for use in reducing and eliminating redness and inflammation. It helps moisturize skin, and if used at start, or early during treatments, has been shown to slow down the process of radiation reaction which frequently occurs with treatments. This is an exceptional product, often used by the nurses themselves. For more information, and an ingredient list:
http://www.lotstolivefor.com/radx-moisture-therapy/


RADX Radiation Therapy
The best selling item in the RADX line - an unfragranced 2 % lidocaine cream made with 61% fresh ground aloe (differentiated from “drug store” aloe in that all the commercially available aloe products are made with freeze dried aloe—like comparing concentrate orange juice with fresh squeezed). This product provides almost immediate (within 5 minutes) relief from radiation reaction/burn. Used regularly during a treatment series, it can slow down point at which skin reactions occur and minimized severity of skin damage. This product is paraben free. For more information, and an ingredient list:
http://www.lotstolivefor.com/radx-radiation-therapy/

SolRx Lip Protectant
SPF #30 stick lip product made with vanilla, vitamins A & E, and aloe. Provides needed moisturizer and protectant for head and neck patients. It comes with a cap or is available on a sports cord, and is often worn by nurses nationally while on duty. This lip product is also great for all outdoor enthusiasts including triathletes. For more information:
http://www.lotstolivefor.com/solrx-lip-protectant-spf-30/

RADX SPF #44 Sunblock
Packaged specifically for cancer patients and laser clients, irradiated skin should not have sun exposure for 3 years following treatments; and use of a sunblock is commonly prescribed. This product is a Parsol 1789 formulation (the most effective UVA blocker), and features the WaterBlock 8 hour waterproof system (shown to function at 97% to 100% after 8 hours in and out of water—the highest rating in the industry). Female patients have been impressed by this—the product is an exceptional moisturizer, and is light enough that make-up may be applied over it. Entering the summer season, this is a product that everyone can benefit from! For more information:
http://www.lotstolivefor.com/radx-sunblock-spf-44-with-parsol-1789/

Reminder – do not use any of these products immediately before a radiation treatment.

The information in this posting is intended to be helpful and educational, but is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You can print detailed information about the products, including ingredients, and show them to your medical practitioner.