While The Cancer Store has no physical location, its online presence is bringing information, resources and help to many people diagnosed with the dreaded disease. Leanne Chan started The Cancer Store website after her partner and his sister were diagnosed with two different types of cancer just three months apart. "We were devastated," she recalls, "and we immediately went into research and discovery mode."
After their experiences with doctors, hospitals and treatment options, Leanne decided to make their research and checklists available to others. "After diagnosis," she explains, "you have about a two-week window to research your cancer, types of treatments available, nutritional requirements and so on. If we could know things faster, be able to do things more efficiently, that could possibly save lives."
The result is a website full of useful information for cancer patients and their caregivers. "The key," says Leanne, "is that as a patient you need to take charge of your own treatment." She recommends getting a binder and filling it with copies of your medical records and treatment information. "You can wait for two hours to see your doctor or specialist, then you get five minutes with them. Be prepared. You have to have all the information at hand."
Leanne understands "doctor fatigue" and the roller coaster of emotions after a cancer diagnosis. "There is so much information to navigate through," she notes, "and I strongly believe in the role of diet, natural nutritional supplements and having access to the right naturopath."
