There are a couple new books on the shelves and we've received some copies to give away!

The first book is a revised edition of "Be A Survivor" by Vladimir Lange. Each chapter includes a list of questions you might ask your health care professionals. They've also provided a few suggestions on how to cope with your diagnosis and feelings. There are tips on how to tell your family, friends and co-workers about your diagnosis, and how to assemble a network of support to help you get through the tough times. The majority of the books details various procedures and treatments you may encounter including diagnostic procedures, surgery options and adjuvant therapies.

The second book donated is "Your Brain After Chemo, a Practical Guide to Lifting the Fog and Getting Back your Focus" written by Dan Silverman, MD and Idelle Davidson. Chemotherapy saves lives, but new studies reveal that the agents used to kill cancer cells may also impair normal brain function. Even years after treatment, patients report problems with memory, concentrating, multitasking, and word retrieval. As one person put it, "I've lost my edge."
 
If you've undergone chemotherapy, perhaps you're among those who've had trouble following the thread of a conversation or feel "less than" who you once were. Until recently, oncologists often discounted or trivialized "chemo brain." Now, argue Silverman and Idelle Davidson, there is plenty of evidence to the contrary; thankfully, you can rest assured that you're not alone in feeling this way-and that you can do something about it.

To enter our contest, please reply to this email and tell us about your experience with "chemo brain." The winners will be chosen at random at the beginning of September and notified.

 

Project LEAD, the National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund's premier science training course for activists, has created a revolution in the world of breast cancer research and public policy. The courses have prepared graduates to engage in the wide range of local and national forums where breast cancer decisions are made. Project LEAD graduates bring an educated consumer perspective and critical thinking skills to the important issues and controversies in breast cancer.

I'd like to tell you that I recently completed the program! What an incredible experience Project LEAD was. The NBCCF has thought of everything! I can't wait to use my new found skills and knowledge in being a better survivor advocate.

To see the photos from the program, click here

I was interviewed by Lorraine Baratta from the LBC Show.tv at the Good Causes event in New York City. Listen to my interview by clicking here.

 



Check out our mention in the article entitled "Online Breast Cancer Support Groups" written by Leah Melby from MORE.com

As you may know, CURE Magazine and CURE TODAY Online keep us informed of the latest cancer news. Kathy LaTour, the editor-at-large for CURE magazine, is a 23 and a two-year breast cancer survivor. Diagnosed initially at age 37 in 1986, she has been active in the survivor community since then. She updates her blog regularly and likes to write about happenings in the breast cancer community. Click here to check out her blog.


This year walk to raise money for the City of Hope! There are 7 walks remaining for the year in the following cities:


Sept 27th in Philadelphia
Oct 3rd in San Francisco
Oct 4th in Phoenix, Seattle and Chicago
Oct 11th in Washington DC
Oct 25th in Los Angeles

I'll be walking in LA and would love to have a Pink-Link team. I'll be coordinating our team starting next month. To register for a walk in your area, click here.


Deciding which surgery options are right for you? Check out the article entitled "Talking with the Doctor about Lumpectomy or Mastectomy" on the Cancer.net website, oncologist approved cancer information from the American Society of Clinical Oncology.


Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center are seeking volunteers recently treated for breast cancer who may be experiencing cognitive difficulties, a condition often referred to as "chemo brain."

The pilot study aims to develop and evaluate a rehabilitation program for breast cancer survivors who believe they are having trouble thinking and concentrating after receiving treatment. Study volunteers will be asked to come to UCLA for a 90-minute initial baseline visit, then return once a week for six weeks to participate in two- to three-hour group intervention sessions. Volunteers will need to return to UCLA for one-hour follow-up visits two months and six months after the intervention. To view a news story about this study, click here. If you would like to get more information, please contact Barbara Kahn  at 310-825-2520.


Need Personalized Help with Treatment Decisions? Patients and Caregivers can use the FREE Treatment Decision Tools available on the American Cancer Society website.  These interactive decision support tools help answer the question "What treatment options are right for me?"
 
You will receive a personalized treatment options report tailored to your diagnosis.  Your report will provide the pros and cons of each treatment, side effects, questions to ask your physician, and more.
 
All of the information comes from current sources and is reviewed by physicians who are recognized experts and leaders in their respective specialties.  It's the information you need to have a more informed discussion with your doctor, take charge of your health, and participate more fully in treatment decisions. By clicking on this link, you will be connected to the ACS website. Pink-Link is NOT affiliated with the ACS.