Tips To Help You Soothe Radiation Burns from Britta Aragon, founder of CV Skinlabs

by Britta Aragon

This is a condensed version of the complete post which you can access:
http://blog.lotstolivefor.com/2013/10/02/tips-to-help-you-soothe-radiation-burns-from-cv-skinlabs/

Ask anyone who's been through radiation treatments, and they'll tell you - one of the most difficult things to deal with are the burns.  Radiation kills cancer cells, but on its way into the body to attack the tumor, it can also damage skin cells.  Depending on the intensity or strength of the beam and how many sessions you have, the burns may range from minor redness and swelling, like a sunburn, to more sever blistering, peeling and flaking.

When treating these types of burns, the standard, over-the-counter petroleum-based products just won't cut it! Petroleum covers the skin, but does noting to nourish or heal it, and can actually contribute to more dryness over the long term.  Chemical preservatives and fragrances can also contribute to the irritation and pain.

Instead, what you need when treating radiation burns is:
A. Something to cool it down
B. Something to heal it
C. Something to deeply moisturize

In this blog post Britta Aragon, cancer survivor, shares tips for reducing the effects of radiation on the skin. Britta shares her skin care knowledge as a make up artist and esthetician.  "My goal is to encourage people to be extra kind to their bodies, minds and souls during what can be a very difficult time...Self-care is where the healing starts."

Using her expertise, Britta has developed the CV Skinlabs product line especially for sensitive skin.  With careful attention paid to be sure that all ingredients are natural and soothing, CV Skinlabs products deliver beauty and safety without compromise.

There are currently 4 products in the CV Skinlabs product line (shown above) and Britta explains how they can help you relive the symptoms of radiation burns including itch, radiation bumps and radiation rash with these fabulous products that she has developed.

1. Rescue & Relief Spray - brings cooling relief to dry, itchy, burning and irritated skin
2. Body Repair Lotion - hydrates dry skin and restores radiance, relieves dry itcy skin
3. Restorative Skin Balm - advanced therapy for severely dry and cracked skin, helps scars
4. Calming Moisture for Face, Neck and Scalp - helps to immediately calm, hydrate & nourish chronically dry and flushed skin while returning radiance.

Read the full blog post: http://blog.lotstolivefor.com/2013/10/02/tips-to-help-you-soothe-radiation-burns-from-cv-skinlabs/

Please enter our FACEBOOK RAFFLE to win a FREE CV SKINLABS RESCUE & RELIEF SPRAY.  Please "LIKE" one of the raffle announcement posts, and be sure you "LIKE" our facebook page to enter. You can find our facebook page www.facebook.com/LotsToLiveFor by clicking here

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.   

Survive and Live Well – Internet Radio for Cancer Patients, Cancer Survivors and Cancer Thrivers

By Elyn Jacobs, Guest Blogger and Cancer Coach

I am no stranger to cancer. My father survived prostate cancer fifteen years ago; my mother battled breast cancer for thirteen years and lost her battle months after my own diagnosis. My sister would then be diagnosed mere months later. I was 45. We were young and healthy; young, healthy people don’t get cancer. We were wrong. We had to be missing something.

I reflected on my mother’s life with cancer. My mother’s journey was strife with episodes of doctor’s orders, not teamwork, and I had to intervene many times. I knew that she had been pushed into one final treatment that had little promise, and was to be the cause of her sudden and rapid decline. With one last gasp of air and the flickering of her eyes, she was gone. The fear in her eyes as they flashed and she fell silent is a sight I would never forget. It haunts me. I don’t want to die like that, of the terrible death cancer inflicts. I would not let this cancer take me from my two wonderful boys. I then reflected on my own journey. I had an incredible team of doctors who empowered me to take control of the situation and to be an active participant in my care. My questions were answered, my voice heard. Clearly, to have the best outcome, one must have a great team who is willing to work as a team. Still, team Elyn knew that just because treatment had ended, life without cancer had just begun.

I realized that I would do everything possible to avoid recurrence and to help others avoid getting this disease. I began with extensive research to better understand the causes which led to certain lifestyle changes I have made. I learned that healing requires more than just the best medical team. I learned that by changing the environment in which my cancer was permitted to grow, I could reduce its ability to take hold again. I found there was a gap between utilizing the best of medical science and supporting the body’s own innate ability to heal itself; nature provides ample resources for healing as well as enhancing conventional cancer treatment, but this ability requires support.

I like to say that my encounter with breast cancer propelled me on a life-changing course. One that took me from the darkness of cancer to empowering women to find the best treatment and team for their cancer, and to move on to a life of wellness. I realized that I could not return to my Wall Street job. I knew I had found my new passion. I wanted to be the voice. I wanted to make sure that all women were heard by their doctors and received the best possible care. I wanted to help women to reduce their risk of recurrence. I wanted others to know the value of complementary therapies during and post treatment. I wanted to help others get past their cancer and into cancer-free lives. I became a cancer coach. My life would be forever changed.

However, along this path I realized that coaching was not enough. I decided to host a radio show to give people access to doctors, peers, and critical information direct to their home or office. My show, Survive and Live Well, tips to treat and beat cancer, is part of the Cancer Support Network, W4CS.com. (Women4CancerSupport). Join me weekly as I chat with the experts; hear the stories and paths taken by those who have traveled before and alongside you. We have an amazing lineup; upcoming shows will cover surgical options for breast cancer, genetics, and alternative options for treatment. Want a peek at upcoming guests? Click here for the show schedule of bios of past and future guests. We have fun, we learn a lot. You can listen live Tuesdays at 1pm, EST, by logging into http://www.w4cs.com/. Join us in the chat room to chat with other guests and to ask questions. Find the best options for you, for your cancer. Learn how you can help prevent recurrence and minimize the treatment side effects that compromise your health and well being. My goal is to empower you with information to help you regain control of your health; to not only treat cancer, but beat cancer, survive, thrive and live well.

To view a list of upcoming and past shows click here. Past shows/interviews have been archived and are available for you to listen at any time on your computer. There is no charge to listen to upcoming or archived shows. Click here for guest bios and topics.

                                  

Elyn Jacobs

http://www.elynjacobs.wordpress.com/

Twitter @elynjacobs

Facebook @Elyn Jacobs and @Elyn Jacobs Consulting

Linkedin @Elyn Jacobs

Elyn Jacobs is a breast cancer survivor, professional cancer coach, radio talk show host, speaker, and the Executive Director for the Emerald Heart Cancer Foundation. Elyn empowers women to choose the path for treatment that best fits their own individual needs. She is passionate about helping others move forward into a life of health and wellbeing. Elyn lives in New York with her husband and two young boys. To learn more about Elyn’s coaching services, please visit: http://elynjacobs.wordpress.com. To tune into the Survive and Live Well radio show, please visit www.W4CS.com, Tuesdays at 1pm (EST).

To view products and other resources that can be helpful to cancer patients please click here: http://www.lotstolivefor.com/

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

Skin and Personal Care Products for Cancer Patients

Alra Care Package - Cancer Gift

Alra Therapy Lotion for skin care during radiation therapy, Alra Non-Metallic Deodorant and Alra Shampoo

ALRA (short for "all-radiation") Therapy Lotion was the first lotion to specifically address the skin care needs of individuals undergoing radiation therapy. Developed in 1987 by Cosmetic Chemist Henry Ott, in collaboration with Dr. Ronald W. Thompson, F.A.C.R., Director of Radiation Therapy at Cedars-Sinai Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA, ALRA Therapy Lotion continues to be widely used and recommended in the nations’ finest cancer treatment centers. For more information about Alra Therapy Lotion including a list of ingredients:
http://www.LotsToLivefor.com/products/therapy-lotion

Responding to requests of oncology professionals, two other ALRA formulations were added to address other side effects of cancer treatment: ALRA Mild Conditioning Shampoo for gentle scalp and hair cleansing during chemotherapy and ALRA Non-Metallic Deodorant, formulated without any metallic salts that can interfere with radiation treatments.

Over 2.5 million Americans have some degree of alopecia, and though there are many causes, hair loss is often the most visible aspect of cancer treatment. Important as the right wigs and head coverings may be, taking extra care of the scalp with a special chemotherapy shampoo is important at this challenging time. And that is exactly why Alra Mild Conditioning Shampoo was created.
.
As hair loss begins, the scalp is often dry, itching, irritated, and tender. Sensitivity to fragrances is common. Alra Mild Conditioning Shampoo is free of any chemical fragrances, artificial color, or drying additives. Natural Oil of Rosemary, along with 100% Aloe Vera Gel help to replenish the scalp.

Oncology nurses came to the developers of Alra in the early 1990’s with a request for a deodorant without aluminum for breast cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy treatments. Why? Because metallic ions have been shown to accelerate, intensify, or misdirect the treatment rays, with potential adverse results. The solution? Alra Non-Metallic Deodorant.

More recently, fears and questions have arisen about the possible linking of antiperspirants and deodorants with subsequent development of breast cancer and/or Alzheimer’s. Research continues with no conclusive evidence to support this hypothesis.

For these reasons, plus underarm irritation and allergic reactions, women now seek a natural deodorant that is radiation safe and does not contain metallic ions. It is vital to read the ingredient listing and avoid products that are labeled as mineral salts or “crystals” (as they contain alum (potassium aluminum sulfate), as well as those containing aluminum and zirconium. All contain metallic ions.

Be safe, select Alra Non-Metallic Deodorant.


All three ALRA products are aloe-vera based, with high levels of efficacy, and contain no alcohol, added colors or fragrance.
http://www.LotsToLiveFor.com/category/alra

You can purchase all 3 products as a cancer gift in an attractive gift bag as shown above by clicking here:
 http://www.lotstolivefor.com/alra-care-package

Introduced nationally at the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO) in 1988; ALRA Therapy Lotion has been evaluated favorably and recommended by oncologists, oncology nurses and radiation therapists for over twenty years.

ALRA Care products are available without a prescription. ALRA has helped thousands of cancer patients worldwide, as they cope with the side effects of their 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.

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.