Lots To Live For, Inc. is Dedicated to Delivering Comfort During Cancer

Lots To Live For, Inc. is a curated collection of cancer resources dedicated to delivering comfort to individuals who are battling the unpleasant and uncomfortable side effects of chemotherapy and radiation.

The Daily Voice recently wrote an article describing the inspiration for the launch of Lots To Live For, Inc. and the most popular products sold on the website.

Lots to Live For was created by Margot Malin as a loving tribute to her mother and grandmother, who both fought cancer so bravely. As a firsthand witness to the debilitating effects that their treatments took on her relatives, Margot saw the need for personal care products that would comfort cancer patients during a difficult time.

"Malin's dream was to create a one-stop shopping site for products that would reduce and relieve the side effects of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery."

 “Since 2000, there have been so many products introduced to help cancer patients,” Malin said. “A lot of them have been created by individuals who have gone through treatment.”

Products sold reduce and relieve side effects in a variety of categories including: skin care, radiation burn care, oral care, hair care and nutrition. There are also many curated thoughtful gifts which are both thoughtful and useful, and certainly welcomed by the recipients.

To read the full article in the Daily Voice: click here.  
Upper Saddle River Woman Sells Products That Comfort Cancer Patients

To shop for products on the Lots To Live For website: click here.

Relief: Comfort Slings Help Relieve Abrasions and Dermatitis Beneath The Breast

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

Patients who are undergoing radiation therapy on the underside of their breasts may develop radiation dermatitis, painful sores, and even weepy lesions in the skin folds beneath their breasts. The inflammation can be worsened by excessive perspiration and the chafing resulting from skin-to-skin contact. Once these side effects occur the patient experiences significant discomfort.

Relief: A new product called the ComfortSling(R) can help to improve comfort and prevent the continuing abrasion or fold over effect. The Breast Comfort Sling allows the breast to rest on a soft cushion giving freer air circulation while wicking away perspiration to keep the sore area dry. The straps are adjustable so there is no pressure on the neck or shoulder, or on the sore areas beneath the breast. The cushion provides a comfort barrier between the breast and the skin beneath it to prevent excessive chafing, and the antimicrobial material discourages bacteria growth.

The Slings are available in either a single sling, or a double sling.
The Single Sling: Women have found that wearing the Breast Comfort Single Sling from the onset of radiotherapy, even before any side effects have begun to appear, is the most effective way to minimize uncomfortable side effects to the skin. Wearing the sling as many hours as possible throughout the day, especially when sleeping, is most effective.
The Double Sling:  Women with large breasts often suffer yeast infections, skin rashes, fungus and other irritations due to excessive perspiration and poor circulation under their breasts. The moisture irritates the skin and the area becomes further inflamed as the breast tends to rub against the skin beneath it. The ComfortSling^® Double-Sling is an ideal solution.

The fabric for the Breast ComfortSlings and Pads was specially selected because it is very soft and has both wicking and antimicrobial qualities. The straps are soft enough to be comfortable yet firm enough to hold their shape when worn across the shoulders. The slings stay in place, yet they are loose enough to avoid pressure and constriction across the neck and under the breast.

Breast ComfortSlings and Pads were developed by Elizabeth Silver during her radiation oncology treatment and they proved so effective that her radiologist and oncologist were amazed at the excellent condition of her skin during her treatment. In fact, it was they who recommended that she begin to market the slings so that more women could benefit from the relief they provided.

Patients have found amazing relief from using the products, as described in these reviews: 

Life Saver!!

Posted on May 12th 2016

My cousin was in her 20th treatment of radiation and we started noticing that the crease under her left breast was raw and peeling to the point of extreme pain. I was desperately searching for some type of treatment that would help and I did. This breast sling is the best . It allowed her breast to heel so much faster. If anyone is going to be starting radiation, please, please get this before starting treatment! It will help sooooo much! 

Posted on May 31, 2016

Using the breast comfort sling and the pads, combined with clotrimazole (an antifungal cream found in lortimin AF athletes foot cream), I have managed to heal a 1/2 dollar sized very painful and itchy irritation under my breast. It has been there for months and within 5 days of using the pads and cream it has greatly reduced and virtually healed.

This post is a condensed version of  Comfort Slings Help Relieve Soreness and Abrasion Beneath the Breasts published on the Breast Cancer Yoga Blog in December 2015.

Homeopathic Treatment for Radiation Burns and Other Skin Conditions

7 Cream is a homeopathic treatment for radiation burns and radiation dermatitis, as well as an excellent cream for other skin conditions. The 7 ingredients are described below with their healing properties. You can order 7 Cream by clicking here.

7 CREAM'S ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Shea Butter (Butyrospermum parkii) comes from the fat obtained from the karite tree from Africa. It is extremely therapeutic; helping to heal cracked and damaged skin. Shea butter penetrates the skin and leaves it feeling soft and smooth. It contains unsaponifiables and cinnamic esters, which have antimicrobial and moisturizing properties and provide protection from the UV rays of the sun.
Avocado oil (Persea americana) contains more than 20% essential unsaturated fatty acids. It also contains vitamins A, C, D and E, proteins, beta-carotene, lecithin, fatty acids and potassium. It has a superior moisturizing effect on the upper layer of the skin and reduces scars. A study at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology found that avocado oil significantly increases the water soluble collagen content in the dermis. The AMA states that it reduces roughness, cracking and irritation.
Coconut oil (Cocos nucifera) is one of the safest most effective natural body moisturizers available. It is rich in lauric fatty acid. According to research as it appears to have significant antimicrobial, antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Manuka oil A unique oil extracted from the Manuka plant. We use a particularly concentrated form of it. For example it is effective against the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes and Propionibacterium acnes in concentrations as low as 1:3500.
Neem oil (Azadriachta indica) is used widely in India as an antibacterial, antiviral. antifungal, antiseptic and antiparasitic. It is used to treat skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis, ringworm, scabies, syphilitic sores, chicken pox etc.
Manuka Honey is honey from the flower of the Manuka tree indigenous to New Zealand. Its healing properties have been known to the Maoris for a very long time. Manuka honey promotes a hydrated healing environment and rapidly clears bacteria from colonized and infected wounds. It has even been observed to be effective against antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria (MRSA). It has an anti-inflammatory action and prevents scarring. Manuka honey has been used to treat a range of skin problems including chronic sores, ring worm, eczema, fungal infections and dandruff. We use the most powerful and expensive form of Manuka Honey available.
Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis Miller) is a well known plant with many documented therapeutic effects. It has more than 200 biologically active components including polysaccharides, phytosterols and glycerol. Aloe Vera has been found to have anti-inflammatory, burn healing and wound and scar reducing properties. We use a pure, certified Organic, aloe Vera gel.
Calendula (Calendula officinalis) has been used by herbalists and homeopaths for hundreds of years. Its chief use is as a local application to help heal and prevent infection of wounds through its anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. 7 Cream contains a powerful Organic, alcohol free Calendula extract made especially for us by Gaia Herbs and contains as much as most purely calendula creams.
7 Cream was developed by a homeopathic practitioner in Canada. The water used in 7 Cream is Canadian glacier water - the world’s purest and softest water
NO parabens, mineral oil, fragrances, lanolin, propylene glycol. The unavoidable preservative and stablisers are chosen for their gentleness and non-toxicity.

This cream, while excellent as a moisturizer, protective barrier cream, and infection preventer, was also designed to be a promoter of healing for damaged skin. It is therefore very useful for injuries and burns as well as eczema and otherdermatitis type conditions and fungal infections. It can also being used cosmetically for its moisturizing effect.

Lots To Live For, Inc. is a website that specializes in discovering excellent products to help reduce the unpleasant and uncomfortable side effects of cancer therapies. To view all of the RADIATION BURN products available through Lots To Live For, Inc. please click here.

Cancer Gifts – Thoughtful Gifts for Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiation Therapy Treatment

Cancer gifts express your caring, concern and support. If you are having trouble selecting just the right item for your friend or loved one consider buying a product or a collection of products to ease cancer side effects.

Patients who are undergoing radiation therapy often get radiation dermatitis, or radiation burns. There are some excellent creams and lotions that can help to prevent the burns, and then to soothe them if a person has already been burned. A few suggestions include:

•  RADX radiation therapy gift kit – 4 products to help from before radiation starts to post radiation skin protection care. Using these products should keep your skin supple and healthy
•  Alra therapy lotion - offers soothing relief to skin exposed to radiation therapy, and is also effective in the treatment of eczema, sunburn, and other severe dry skin conditions
•  CoolMagic gel sheets - these light-weight, see-through polymer sheets provide instant cooling to burns, abrasions, skin tears, radiation reactions and sensitive wounds, effectively reducing pain.
•  Skin cooler rolls - especially effective on hyper-sensitive, compromised skin. They can be used on radiation dermatitis, sunburn, “hot flashes”, or itchy, dry skin.
•  My Girl's Cream - Calendula based, and made in Hungary, My Girls skin cream has a creamy texture that spreads easily over delicate skin and helps maintain the healthy appearance of the skin without staining clothes.
•  7 cream -  7 Cream is a topical homeopathic skin care remedy with 7 natural ingredients whose healing properties help radiation burns.

Other unpleasant and uncomfortable side effects of radiation and chemotherapy can be related to oral care, hair care, skin care (other than radiation burns), and nausea.
We will talk about gift suggestions for these side effects in future blog posts.

To view our cancer gift page click here.
http://www.lotstolivefor.com/brands/cancer-gifts/

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Gel Sheets for Radiation Burn Care – Cool Magic Gel Sheets and Lind Skin Cooler Rolls

Gel sheets are a handy and noninvasive product that can be used for radiation burn care. They help to soothe and calm radiation burns. Some of our customers tell us they provide incredible relief from pain and itching and that allows them to continue with daily chores and especially to sleep at night! The great thing about gel sheets is that they can be left on for long periods of time (for some people, up to 3 days) and they provide continuous relief. You can also put the gel sheets over radiation creams such as the RADX radiation therapy cream or Alra Therapy Lotion.

We carry two kinds of gel sheets on our cancer care product website: http://www.lotstolivefor.com/brands/CoolMagic-Gel-Sheets.html.
Cool Magic gel sheets receive rave customer reviews.
Cool Magic Hydrogel Sheets come in 2 sizes
3.75 inches x 3.75 inches OR 6 inches x 8 inches
They can be purchased individually or in a box of 10 sheets all the same size.
• This light-weight, see-through polymer sheet provides instant cooling to burns, abrasions, skin tears, radiation reactions and sensitive wounds, effectively reducing pain.
• The sterile hydrogel polymer sheet consists of 90% water, 10% inactive crosslinked polyethylene oxide matrix, and it transfers heat away from the wound, providing a cooling effect.
• Cooling action relieves pain of burning, itching, or sore skin
• Can be refrigerated for greater cooling capacity
• Allows oxygen flow while preventing bacteria or foreign material from entering wound.
Cool Magic is mentioned enthusiastically in several cancer blogs by cancer patients who have used these dressings and received relief. (for example cancercompass.com)
Suggestions for use for Cool Magic gel sheets:
Apply over wound for a cool, soothing effect.
Change the dressing every 24 to 36 hours.
Hold in place with tape or stretch gauze (you may not need tape or gauze).
Why it works:
Semi-occlusive: allows flow of oxygen
Prevents bacteria and foreign matter from entering wound
Hydrophilic and absorptive – absorbs three times its weight
Cools live nerve endings due to 90% water-10% polyethylene formulation
Will not damage tissue when removed
The dressing can easily be cut to fit the wound
The dressing leaves no wet or sticky feeling when removed
DO NOT USE Cool Magic FOR:
• Full Thickness Wounds
• Infected Wounds
• 3rd Degree Burns

Lind Skin Cooler Rolls which have aloe vera are also featured on our website.
Lindi Skin Coolers provide intense relief to areas that are burned or dehydrated.
Skin Coolers are especially effective on hyper-sensitive, compromised skin. They can be used on radiation dermatitis, sunburn, “hot flashes”, or itchy, dry skin. During radiation therapy, skin should always be washed and free of any product. Skin Coolers should be used after each treatment.
To relieve areas that are burned or dehydrated, look to the immediate cooling comfort and intense hydration of the Lindi Skin Cooler Roll. The natural properties of water and aloe vera combine to help soothe any compromised area and promote a moist, healing environment for healthy skin. Leave on area for 20-45 minutes. Lindi Skin Cooler Roll is designed to be custom cut for your needs and conform to the size and shape of the wound. Simply cut, apply to skin and then discard after one-time use.
The size of the lindiskin cooler roll is - 1 roll (4 in x 60 in)
Lindi Skin cooler rolls are Dermatologist Tested - Allergy Tested - Non-Irritating
Suggestions for use: open the package and drain the excess liquid. Cut Lindi Skin Cooler to the desired size and peel off backing. For maximum comfort, place on skin for 20-45 minutes. Discard used product. Unused product may be stored in a sealed bag or container in the refrigerator. Do not freeze or leave it uncovered.
Caution – the Skin cooler roll is for external use only. Not for use on broken skin.
The Cool Magic gel sheets and the Lind Skin cooler rolls can be cut to size. They can be refrigerated before use, but they don’t have to be. They will naturally adhere to the skin, and peel off easily when you want to remove them.
To order Cool Magic gel sheets or Lind Skin cooler rolls you can click here.
Cool Magic gel sheets can be purchased in boxes of 10 (3.75 inch square) or (6x8 inch).

You can also view our other radiation care products by clicking here.
To view all the products we offer click here.