Making the breast of a bad situation

October 11, 2014 10:02 AM

My cherished spouse was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. It's going to be a long haul. At the oncologist's office, I saw a coupon for 3 free acupuncture treatments for breast cancer patients and it got me thinking...

I was just wondering what other free or discounted goods or services are out there to make breast cancer patients' lives a bit better. I'd like to surprise her with practical, helpful things that might her life a little bit easier on this journey.

We are located in the Los Angeles area.

Thanks in advance for any advice you can supply.

posted by anonymous to Grab Bag (9 answers total)

I'm helping a friend through ovarian cancer in L.A. right now, and in my experience over the last 18 months -- ask at the oncologist's office. Some of those places are super dialed-in, and they have support groups, or links to them, and all sorts of stuff. At one of the oncologists we were at, they've got free wigs, free knit caps for the newly-bald, etc. There are exercise classes, meditation groups, etc.
posted by BlahLaLa at 10:13 AM on October 11, 2014

Check out your local chapter of the American Cancer Society. I got a free wig (a really nice one, btw) and head coverings from them.

For breast cancer patients, there is Breastcancer.org, which is a goldmine of help, support, and information.

(Incidentally, I found that acupuncture helped me tremendously with chemo fatigue and side effects!)
posted by Rosie M. Banks at 10:21 AM on October 11, 2014 [2 favorites]

when my partner's mother was being treated for breast cancer, she had access to several free classes at the gym, including yoga classes. I also believe she attended meditation groups for cancer patients.
posted by tippy at 10:38 AM on October 11, 2014

P.S. I don't know if you are in California, but if you are, there is the Women's Cancer Resource Center. They hold meditation sessions, cooking classes and so on.

Even if you are not in California, it might be worth giving them a call or email and seeing if they can refer you to resources in your area.
posted by Rosie M. Banks at 10:58 AM on October 11, 2014

Assuming she's insured, your wife may also have access to a wide range of benefits directly through her insurance company, including specialized care management to help smooth the way through the process. She may also be eligible for certain home care benefits during or after chemotherapy. A call to her insurance company would be a good first step.

Another thing you might be interested in is preliminary studies that show short-term fasting can improve chemotherapy outcomes in mice. It might be something your wife could talk to her oncologist about (I wouldn't suggest trying it without medical supervision/approval.)
posted by kythuen at 11:01 AM on October 11, 2014

I'm in LA. My sister's pot dispensary didn't charge her when she was battling breast cancer and leukemia. YMMV and I don't mean to imply anything, only that she was helped greatly with some symptoms and side effects and this was a generous perk for her.
posted by buzzkillington at 1:17 PM on October 11, 2014

It's not for her physical care, but it might comfort her (and you) to know that Cleaning for a Reason is a network of housecleaning/maid service companies which provide cleaning services to women undergoing cancer treatment.

You should also call your insurance company. My mom had breast cancer three years ago, and she (and I) was surprised to find that her insurance company provided coverage for up to six post-surgery bras per year. Note, she only had a lumpectomy, not a mastectomy or reconstructive surgery, but that didn't matter to the insurance company. They sent her to a particular non-commercial store (like a medical supply store, but only for bras), and while she didn't love the various options (she has very specific tastes), they were functional and not un-pretty, and completely free of charge. So definitely call the insurance company, in addition to the other suggestions above.
posted by The Wrong Kind of Cheese at 1:37 PM on October 11, 2014 [2 favorites]

Inquire with your local YMCA about breast cancer survivors programs. The Y that I work for has a program that offers a wide range of free services for a year.
posted by stefnet at 4:03 PM on October 11, 2014

Not sure where in LA you are but in Redondo Beach there is a center called the Wellness Community, which provides support for cancer patients as well as thosthose with other health concerns. TheY offer lots of programs and are very tuned in to the community. If they are not local for you they may be able to suggest a similar program that is.
posted by vignettist at 5:31 PM on October 11, 2014