Resources

Below are a number of helpful resources that brought understanding, support, and helped me feel empowered.

1) The Bible:  Instead of attempting this all on your own, let God and His Word lead you down this road.  This is a long journey that is more doable with God rather than all on your own.  I recommend starting in the New Testament.  The books of Matthew and Mark are the ones that brought me the most hope, strength, comfort, peace, and confidence.

​2) LymphomaSurvival.com:  This  site provides  up-to-date  information  on  treatments  for  follicular  lymphoma  coupled  with  a  scientifically-based  plan  of  natural  strategies  developed  over  many  years.  This site has many available resources with up to date news and articles pertaining to follicular lymphoma, including treatments.  The natural strategies provided on this site I believe could be useful for all lymphomas, not just follicular.  This site was very helpful and informative to me for my battle against cancer.  I believe a definite blessing from God.

3) Social Security Disability: You could possibly qualify for financial or medical benefits to help with your fight against cancer.  Some cancer diagnosis qualify automatically, others will qualify if your disability/treatment will last longer than 12 months and are unable to work.  It is worth looking into to see if you qualify for some assistance to help during this difficult time. Go to ssa.gov and click on disability to get started.

4) Leukemia & Lymphoma Society:  Lots of information at this website, more than I can put here.  You could possibly qualify for financial support here as well.  This foundation provides cancer informational resources, financial support, support groups, peer to peer support, caregiver support (cancer battles are extremely hard on caregivers as well, not just the patient), online chats, group meetings with doctors for the newest treatments/trials coming out, etc.  Go to LLS.org to get started and for more information.

5) Call the phone number 211

Not everyone has insurance or can afford the care or treatment needed.  211 provides other possible resources to help with treatment and care in your area.

Population served: Everyone in the U.S. (check the website for availability in your area)
Mission:

2-1-1 is the telephone number of a call center that offers information and provides referrals to health and human services for everyday needs and in times of crisis. Services vary from community to community.

Examples of service referrals include:

  • Basic human need resources: food banks, clothing, shelters, rent assistance and utility assistance

  • Physical and mental health resources: medical information lines, crisis intervention services, counseling, drug and alcohol intervention

  • Employment support: unemployment benefits, financial assistance, job training, transportation assistance and education programs

  • Support for older Americans and persons with disabilities: home healthcare, adult daycare, congregate meals, Meals on Wheels, respite care, transportation and homemaker services

  • Support for children, youth and families: childcare, family resource centers, summer camps and recreation programs, mentoring, tutoring and protective services.

​6) American Cancer Society: http://www.cancer.org  Cancer Resource Services/Cancer Support Program/Latest treatments and clinical trials coming out

7) http://www.myoptumhealthcomplexmedical.com : Cancer Resource Services/Cancer Support Program

8) curetoday.com : Cancer Resource Services/Cancer Support Program/Latest treatments and clinical trials coming out

9) http://www.cancare.org : provides resources, support groups, one on one support matching you up with someone who has been through the same cancer treatment you are going through, volunteer opprotunities, etc.

​10) Uversion app has fantastic devotionals.   Ex: I will carry you through, and others specifically for anxiety, etc

11) Abide app is also wonderful

12) SAVE SOMEONES LIFE:   For caregivers and others who do not have cancer, go to Be the Match.  Save someones life (a child, mother, dad, etc. who needs a stem cell/marrow transplant) by signing up to be a stem cell/marrow donor.  Through my personal experience I can say this is pain free (just drawing blood).  Go to http://join.bethematch.org  to answer some simple questions about health history.  Everyone eligible after an online screening test is sent a kit containing four cotton swabs to collect cells from the inside of the cheek for DNA testing.  The registry contacts potential donors if there is a patient match.   People die each year without finding a match.  THERE IS NO COST TO DONATE AND ALL MEDICAL EXPENSES ARE COVERED.  Again, the process is pain free, just drawing blood/stem cells.

13) New breakthrough experimental treatment immunotherapy for breast cancer patients using autolgous lymphocytes targeting somatic mutations.  Very encouraging news.  Can have treatment and a cure possibly without having to do chemo or radiation.
CBS news Jeff Glor reported on this on the 6/4/18 episode.  Dr. Steven Rosenberg at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda Maryland.