Recommended resources
Facing advanced breast cancer often presents a range of emotional as well as physical challenges. The resources listed below provide information and support that can help during your treatment and beyond.
AstraZeneca's breast cancer commitment
AstraZeneca has been at the forefront of the fight against breast cancer for over 30 years and is fully committed to cancer research and treatment.
- As part of our commitment to patients, we have created the Breast Cancer Patient Education Service. This toll-free number offers free printed and videotaped information on breast cancer treatment options. The number is 1-800-345-4334.
This list of resources is provided merely as a convenience. AstraZeneca takes no responsibility for the content of, or services provided by, these resources and makes no representation as to the accuracy or completeness of any information provided and shall have no liability for any damages or injuries of any kind arising from the information provided.
Online support and community
www.nbcam.org
As a principal founder and sponsor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the efforts of the AstraZeneca HealthCare Foundation have contributed to a marked increase in the number of women participating in mammography screening. Now, in an effort to further increase our impact, we are seeking to take our activities to the next level, encouraging all women to take charge of their own breast health. Whether it includes practicing regular breast self-exams, scheduling annual clinical breast exams, scheduling mammograms, or adhering to prescribed treatment, every bit counts.
www.lbbc.org
Supports the mission of empowering women with breast cancer to live as long as possible while enjoying all life has to offer. Provides news and message boards for women in all stages of breast cancer, including those living with metastatic disease.
www.breastcancer.org
A clearinghouse of breast cancer education information on a spectrum of topics. Support resources include chat rooms, discussion boards, and online conferences.
www.bcsupport.org
Click on "Recurrence" for the Breast Cancer Recurrences Board — a message board for advanced breast cancer survivors.
www.breastcancerstories.com
An online community in which breast cancer patients can write and upload diary entries and photos whenever they feel the need to write. Friends and family members have the ability to follow the day-by-day, week-by-week stories of what their loved ones are going through.
www.cbhp.org
The Community Breast Health Project provides information and support to women living with breast cancer. Features news articles with information ranging from medical to practical information. Online newsletter offers information about treatment, clinical trials, and symposium highlights.
Back to top
Books and publications
Advanced Breast Cancer: A Guide to Living with Metastatic Disease
By Musa Mayer. 2nd edition. O'Reilly & Associates, Inc., 1998.
Offers practical advice and emotional support to women and families dealing with the realities of metastatic breast cancer. It shares personal experiences of others living with the disease and how they have managed to cope day to day.
Art.Rage.Us.: Art and Writing by Women with Breast Cancer
By Jill Eikenberry and Terry Tempest. Chronicle Books, 1998.
Inspiring artwork and writing by breast cancer survivors, an outgrowth of an exhibit at the San Francisco Main Library Gallery sponsored by the Breast Cancer Fund, the American Cancer Society (San Francisco Bay Area), and the San Francisco chapter of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
Betty Crocker's Living with Cancer Cookbook: Easy Recipes and Tips Through Treatment and Beyond
Betty Crocker, 2001.
Provides advice from cancer patients, from tips for coping with emotions to ideas for making recipes more appealing. Recipes are tagged to show which are helpful for common side effects of cancer treatment, and there are also special diet menus to help stimulate the appetite and mask unpleasant tastes from radiation and chemotherapy.
The Breast Cancer Book of Strength & Courage: Inspiring Stories to See You Through Your Journey
By Ernie Bodai, M.D., and Judie Fertig Panneton. 1st edition. Prima Lifestyles, 2002.
Uplifting stories of women who faced mastectomies, radiation, and chemotherapy with courage, humor, and grace. Testimonials offer support and common ground for women facing their own battles with cancer.
The Cancer Monologue Project
By Tanya Taylor and Pamela Thompson. MacAdam/Cage Publishing, 2002.
In a series of workshops, people affected by cancer were invited to write and perform their stories about living, resulting in these 30 engaging monologues.
Hanging Out with Lab Coats: Hope, Humor & Help for Cancer Patients and Their Caregivers
By Wendi Fox Pedicone. 1st edition. FoxPress, 2007.
This is a book written by an inspired person and a true survivor. When you are ready to combine the information in it with the inspiration you bring to it, you will find yourself on the path to healing.
Holding Tight, Letting Go: Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer
By Musa Mayer. 1st edition. Patient Center Guides, 1997.
A personalized and highly informed guide to life with metastatic breast cancer.
Here for Now: Living Well with Cancer through Mindfulness
By Elana Rosenbaum. Satya House Publications, 2005.
Provides mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques for those living with cancer.
Live Longer, Live Larger: A Holistic Approach for Cancer Patients and Their Families
By Susan W. Buchholz, Ph.D., and William M. Buchholz, M.D. 1st edition. Patient Center Guides, 2001.
A handbook for thriving with cancer, it contains stories and exercises to help conquer fear, find the right treatment, and find joy in day-to-day life.
Back to top
Audio CDs
A Healing Meditation for Cancer Patients and Their Loved Ones
Elana Rosenbaum, 2002.
A gentle introduction to mindfulness and being well in the midst of difficulty.
Tai Chi: Inspiration and Meditation
Various Artists, 2004.
Traditional music to support tai chi meditation, which is often used by women to help them cope with advanced breast cancer.
Back to top
Toll-free support
The Breast Cancer Patient Education Service.
AstraZeneca has been at the forefront of the fight against breast cancer for over 30 years and is fully committed to cancer research and treatment. As part of our commitment to patients, we have created the Breast Cancer Patient Education Service. This toll-free number offers free printed and videotaped information on breast cancer treatment options. The number is 1-800-345-4334.
Back to top