Why is a woman editing this website?  Because when you start something – it can grow!

Editing www.after-cancer.com, devised for women by women, I kept on getting comments from men:  “we get skin problems too”.  So my backer set up this website, and told me to get on with it.

Drugs – they are proven to extend our post cancer survival rate, yet in Britain especially it is often difficult to find a doctor who can help with side effects.  Every cancer patient I speak to says they have side effects.  Most feel they can’t bother busy staff to find solutions;  others can’t stand side effects and make the decision to stop the drugs that cause the problem.

DON’T DROP THE DRUGS

Statistics prove if we take these pills for the duration of the course we have a far better chance of living longer.  And recent research by Cancer Research UK  say the nastier side effects may prove the drugs are working better.

So this website gives some ideas for zapping side effects.  Hope they might work for you.  But before you try them out, ask advice from your medical team.

Statistics say 95% of us will have side effects.  Often doctors and nurses are just too busy to deal with these, especially as everyone is different.  They don’t have time to give individual attention to you – so you have to work things out for yourself.  However, it doesn’t help when showing a Professor of Dermatology skin lesions caused by drugs, and tells patients “it’s your age”.  Phooey!

On this website I mention lots of lovely things I was given in French cancer centres, and also in Germany, and information I found from American and Australian cancer hospitals, and how the same treatments and products are now becoming available all over the world.

Talking to other cancer survivors,  I find that although we all have different side effects, for anyone taking drugs there are many similar problems.

I am NOT medically qualified, but asked and asked questions of those who were.  I found wonderful products to use, and fun things to do, but relied on others to tell me what was

• Clinically trialled in France, USA, etc.
• Approved by FDA (Food and Drug Agencies) of Australia, USA and Europe
• Recommended by charities such as Macmillan etc.
• Or can be prescribed on NHS
• Suitable for and developed for men

Before trying anything, ask advice of your doctor, oncologist or nurse.

Solutions

Choose a catergory (on right side of page), click on your ‘problem area’ category and find advice and possible solutions for problems with:

• Body Skin (arms, body and legs)
• Face Facts (what to do when drugs make us look old as the hills)
• Hands, Feet and Hair
• Products (yes, they make money, but in return they really help)

What helps

Often the leaflets that come with the drugs will list possible side effects, then say “Ask your GP/doctor for advice on dealing with this”.   I suspect our doctors are too busy with running a general practice, and don’t have the time that is given to these side effects abroad.  However, French, German, American and Australian clinical trials are producing fantastic creams and lotions to help patients, and their superior survival rates prove staying on drugs is one way to live longer.

According to the World Health Organisation, NHS, The Lancet, etc., France comes tops in the post cancer survival league.  Britain has one of the worst post-cancer survival rates in Europe  – on a par with those at the bottom (best statistics show us between 13th – 17th, depending on the cancer).

And the next medic who smugly says “we are not allowed to recommend commercial products” (even though they are recommended by doctors in Europe) might make me guilty of assault.  What are the drugs they recommend we take, if not commercial?

So – if you have dry, itchy skin, peeling nails, straw hair, brillo pad face skin, cracked feet or any other skin problem from the drugs, don’t come off them – copy others abroad  – see the details on this website!

Many of the products recommended to French and American cancer patients are now coming into chemists in Britain.  We have to pay for them, but they work wonders .

So this website is for those of you who are fed up with doctors saying they can’t help and don’t know what to do about side effects.  Become an ‘Expert Patient’ and tell them!

And HAVE FUN AFTER CANCER!

If you want to contact me email me at veriteatgreenbee.net

The contents of this website are not intended to replace professional medical advice. If you are ill, have a medical problem or question, please consult a doctor or physician.

I would like to thank the various companies who have helped by providing products and services for testing and approval.  However, it must be pointed out that the accuracy of any statements cannot be warranted, nor any products or services mentioned be guaranteed or endorsed.