Supported By
There are many additonal resources available. We have compiled a list here. Click on any of the links below to access the information.
Books
View the list of recommended reading from our social workers.
The BC Cancer Agency also has a large library that patients and families have found useful. You can contact the BC Cancer Agency library at 604-675-8003, or online at http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/our-services/services/library
Becky and the Worry Cup
Story by Wendy S. Harpham, MD.
This book is an illustrated children’s book that tells a story of a seven-year-old girl’s experiences with her mother’s cancer. This book, along with “When a Parent Has Cancer – A Guide to Caring for Your Children” (see below), provide a plan of action for you and your children to live meaningfully and well when life is at its most uncertain.
When a Parent Has Cancer — A Guide to Caring for Your Children
Written by Wendy Schlessel Harpham, M.D.
This is a book for families written from the heart of experience. A mother, physician, and cancer survivor, Dr. Wendy Harpham offers clear, direct, and sympathetic advice for parents challenged with the task of raising normal, healthy children while they struggle with a potentially life-threatening disease.
When a Parent is Sick — Helping Parents Explain Serious Illness to Children
Written by Joan Hamilton
This book provides parents and other caregivers with suggestions on how to approach children with the information that their parent is seriously ill. There are lots of examples of how and what to say to children and teens.
The Human Side of Cancer
Written by Jimmie C. Holland, M.D. & Sheldon Lewis
This book explores the broad range of emotions people with cancer and their loved ones experience from the moment of diagnosis through the treatment and its aftermath. It is a book that inspires hope – through stories of the simple courage of ordinary people confronting cancer.
Picking Up the Pieces: Moving Forward After Surviving Cancer
Written by Sherri Magee, PhD & Kathy Scalzo M.S.O.D.
This book addresses the difficulties that many patients face after treatment is complete. Now what? How do you pick up the pieces of your life and put them back together? There are no guidelines where to go and how to get there. This book will support you along your recovery journey.
My (So-Called) Normal Life
Written by Erin Zammett
Erin Zammett is a cancer patient that was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia when she was 23. This book deals with all the funny, scary, happy and sad moments that occur after you hear the words “You have cancer.” An excellent book, especially for young adults dealing with cancer because this book is written by a young adult and it discusses young adult issues such as fertility, intimacy and relationships.
Climb Back from Cancer: A Survivor and Caregiver’s Inspirational Journey
Written by Alan Hobson & Cecilia Hobson
Three years after reaching the top of Everest, he came face to face with an even bigger mountain: he was diagnosed with acute leukemia…and given less than a year to live. With the help of his fiancée, Cecilia, he not only survived, but thrived, and the couple emerged stronger. The story offers not only a living example of how to climb back from cancer, but demonstrates how to transform adversity into opportunity. A must read for every patient, survivor and caregiver. Visit their web site at www.climbback.com
It’s Not About The Bike: My Journey Back to Life
Written by Lance Armstrong & Sally Jenkins
7 times Tour De France winner Lance Armstrong tells his story of his journey with cancer. Armstrong’s book is an inspiring story that is truthful and honest. He doesn’t sugar-coat what the difficult moments were like for him, rather he lets us in on his personal battle with cancer.
Free Materials for Download
Click the links below to download patient education materials. Brochures are also available through the BMT social workers.
Web Links
There are a number of internet resources available. Click on any of the links below to access the appropriate list.
Clinical Trials
Click on any of the links below to access clinical trials-related web sites. The Leukemia/BMT Program of BC also runs a number of clinical trials. If you are interested in participating in these, please speak to your BMT doctor.
Disease & Treatment
Click on any of the links below to access disease & treatment related web sites.
BC Cancer
British Columbia’s Cancer Agency web site. The web site offers information on many cancer related topics. Disease information, clinical trials, library, support groups, unconventional therapies, cancer treatments, and cancer statistics are just a few topics covered on the agency’s web site.
Inspire Health
Located in Vancouver, InspireHealth is Canada’s foremost integrated cancer care centre. They focus on helping patients integrate research-informed natural approaches to health into their cancer treatment and recovery.
LLS Canada
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada offers support for newly diagnosed patients, free resource materials, discussion boards, treatment and clinical trials information, and free teleconferences on new and upcoming medical information.
Canadian Cancer Society
The Canadian Cancer Society web site offers free printable materials on diseases and treatment as well as coping and support. They also deliver a variety of community-based education and support programs.
US National Cancer Institute
The U.S. National Cancer Institute’s web site has accurate, up-to-date information about many types of cancer, information about clinical trials, resources for people dealing with cancer, and information for researchers and health professionals.
Cancer Net
Cancer Net is a web site that addresses the following topics: cancer types, diagnosis and treatment, coping, survivorship, and managing side effects. The information is easy to navigate and understand. It gives basic information to build your cancer knowledge.
National Library of Medicine
The National Library of Medicine covers many health topics such as: drugs & supplements, medical encyclopedia, dictionary, news, and clinical trials.
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Centre
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Centre, home of three Nobel laureates, is an independent, non-profit research institution dedicated to the development and advancement of biomedical technology to eliminate cancer and other potentially fatal diseases. Within the science and education section there is a link to guidelines for patients that include a terrific downloadable resource manual for blood and marrow transplants.
Blood & Marrow Transplant Information Network
Sign up for newsletters, research medications, browse suggested books and/or join a transplant online support group.
Look Good Feel Better™
Look Good Feel Better™ is a national public service program dedicated to helping Canadian women living with cancer learn special cosmetic techniques and hair alternatives to manage the appearance-related side effects of cancer and its treatment.
Aplastic Anemia & Myelodysplasia Association of Canada
The Aplastic Anemia & Myelodysplasia Association of Canada (AAMAC) is dedicated to informing the public about aplastic anemia and myelodysplasia, provide a nation-wide support network for patients and advocate and raise funds for medical research.
Coping & Support
Click on any of the links below to access Coping & Support related web sites.
Local (Vancouver) Based
Callanish Society is a small organization in Vancouver, BC, dedicated to improving the emotional and spiritual health of communities by assisting families with cancer, and their health care providers, to explore illness and/or death openly and consciously. A team of health care professionals and volunteers offers weeklong retreats and ongoing support programs.
Located in Vancouver, InspireHealth is Canada’s foremost integrated cancer care centre. They focus on helping patients integrate research-informed natural approaches to health into their cancer treatment and recovery.
Friends for Life Society
https://www.vancouverfriendsforlife.ca/
Vancouver Friends for Life Society is a wellness centre offering integrative therapies to people with life-threatening illnesses such as cancer, HIV, ALS, CF.
The Society offers Yoga, Naturopathic Medicine, Massage Therapy, social programs and much more. Their programs empower members to take a more active role in their wellness journey.
Canada Based
www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/all_chap
The Leukemia Lymphoma Society of Canada offers support for newly diagnosed patients, free resource materials, discussion boards, treatment and clinical trials information, and free teleconferences on new and upcoming medical information.
The Canadian Cancer Society web site offers free printable materials on diseases and treatment as well as coping and support. They also deliver a variety of community-based education and support programs.
This is also an excellent web site dedicated to myeloma patients with a Canadian focus. You can gain access to support groups to help you cope with your diagnosis and gain important information about the disease and its treatment.
The Aplastic Anemia & Myelodysplasia Association of Canada (AAMAC) is dedicated to informing the public about aplastic anemia and myelodysplasia, provide a nation-wide support network for patients and advocate and raise funds for medical research.
US & International Based
CancerCare provides free, professional support services to anyone affected by cancer: people with cancer, caregivers, children, loved ones, and the bereaved. CancerCare programs include counselling, education, and practical help, and are provided by trained oncology social workers free of charge.
Cancer Net is a web site that addresses the following topics: cancer types, diagnosis and treatment, coping, survivorship, and managing side effects. The information is easy to navigate and understand. It gives basic information to build your cancer knowledge.
www.cancersupportcommunity.org
The Cancer Support Community is an international non-profit organization dedicated to providing free on-line support, education and hope to people with cancer and their loved ones.
The Livestrong Foundation inspires and empowers people affected by cancer. They help people with cancer focus on living; they believe unity is strength, knowledge is power and attitude is everything. From the moment of diagnosis the Livestrong Foundation provides the practical information and tools people with cancer need to live life on their own terms.
The Max Foundation (TMF) is a US-based non-profit cancer organization with international focus. TMF is dedicated to helping patients with leukemia and blood cancer worldwide by facilitating access to treatment and providing care and support for those who have limited access to resources.
Fertility
Olive Fertility
Olive Fertility Centre is a local fertility clinic, featuring decades of experience, a state-of-the-art laboratory facility, personalized care and advanced fertility treatments. Many of our male patients have sperm banking done here.
Fertile Future
Fertile Future is a national charity that aspires to ensure every young Canadian diagnosed with cancer will have the opportunity and means to have a child. They provide fertility preservation information and support services to cancer patients and oncology professionals.
Specifically for Young Adults
The Callanish Society
The Callanish Society in Vancouver offers week-long retreats and ongoing support programs such as Strength Within, Creativity & Healing and Meditation. Email them at info@callanish.org or phone 604-732-0633.
Young Adult Cancer Canada
Young Adult Cancer Canada, formerly known as RealTime Cancer, this is an internet community for young adults to “connect, share their sh*t and support one another”. Email them at connect@youngadultcancer.ca or phone toll-free 1-877-571-7325.
Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults
Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults offers information that specifically addresses the unique needs of young adults dealing with cancer.
Stupid Cancer is a fantastic and humorous online support group for young adults that deal with issues that patients are often too embarrassed to ask or talk about.
Group Loop
Group Loop is an online support network geared specifically for teens. It is a “safe place for teens with cancer and their parents to build an online community to find support, education and hope while dealing with a cancer diagnosis.
Palliative Care and Grief Resources
Nancy Chan Ambulatory Palliative Care Clinic (Vancouver) 604 659 1160
An excellent outpatient clinic that offers consultations to clients and families who are living with a serious illness and may be experiencing symptoms and distress which may be affecting their quality of life. www.vch.ca/Locations-Services/result?res_id=1434
Services may include one or more of the following:
- Palliative specialty consultation by Physician, Nurse, Social Worker and/or
- Spiritual Care Practitioner
Symptom assessment and management - Care planning, documentation, and communication to referral source (specialists, outpatient clinics, home health and GPs)
- Counselling and individualized education
- Spiritual care and counselling
- Self-management support and coaching – clients set goals and participate in action planning for ongoing and crisis-management planning
- Caregiver support/education
Bereavement risk assessment and follow up
Canadian Virtual Hospice www.virtualhospice.ca
This website has a wealth of information and access to professionals to answer questions related to comfort care in advanced illness and end of life. Practical information, spiritual care, symptom management, decision making, nutrition, communication and other concerns are addressed by this service. They have also launched a new online app that is a comprehensive tool for grief and loss at:
www.mygrief.ca
British Columbia Hospice Palliative Care Association 604 267 7024
An association dedicated to providing quality end-of-life care for British Columbians.
It is a good place to find local information and resources. https://bchpca.org/
BC Bereavement Helpline
Trained personnel are available to assist bereaved callers with understanding responses to loss and to inform them of community resources, as appropriate.
1-877-779-2223
Legal Information
Nidus Personal Planning Resource Centre & Registry
This resource centre offers comprehensive information on representation agreements and enduring powers of attorney as well as a registry service. Call 604-408-7414 or email at info@nidus.ca or www.nidus.ca.
Dial-a-Law
Dial-a-Law is a library of pre-recorded tapes with information about the law in BC. They have a tape on making a will as well as making a representation agreement. Call 604-687-4680 or toll-free at 1-800-565-5297. Or visit their website at https://dialalaw.peopleslawschool.ca/
The People’s Law School
The People’s Law School is “an independent, non-profit, non-political society whose purpose is to provide British Columbians – especially those with particular legal needs – with reliable and impartial information about the law”. They can be reached by phone at 604-331-5400. Or visit their website at www.publiclegaled.bc.ca.
Click Law BC
This website provides access to general legal information. Visit their site at https://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/
Society of Notaries Public
Phone or visit the website to obtain the name and telephone number of a Notary Public near you. They can be reached at 604-681-4516 or toll-free at 1-800-663-0343. Or visit their website at www.notaries.bc.ca/bcdirectory.
Lawyer Referral Service
Lawyer referral service can be found through Access Pro Bono and provides help to all British Columbians find a suitable lawyer to help resolve legal problems. They can be reached at 604-687-3221 or toll-free at 1-800-663-1919. Or visit their website at www.bccba.org. Please click on the Link for more information about this service.