AC chemotherapy Factsheet - Breast Cancer Care

12 | Further supportAC chemotherapy | 13Can I take other medicines, drugs and treatments?It is important to tell your specialist about any other drugs you aretaking or additional drugs you would like to take. This includesvitamin and mineral supplements that you buy over the counter.You should also talk to your specialist before taking any herbalremedies to check that they will be suitable for you and will notinterfere with your chemotherapy treatment.For more information on the side effects of chemotherapy see ourChemotherapy for breast cancer booklet.Further supportBreast Cancer CareFrom diagnosis, throughout treatment and beyond, our servicesare here every step of the way. Here is an overview of all theservices we offer to people living with and beyond breast cancer.Our free, confidential Helpline is here for anyone who hasquestions about breast cancer or breast health. Your call will beanswered by one of our nurses or trained staff members withexperience of breast cancer. If you find it difficult to talk aboutbreast cancer, we can answer your questions by email insteadthrough the Ask the Nurse service on our website.Our website gives instant access to information when you needit. It’s also home to our Discussion Forums, the largest onlinebreast cancer community in the UK, where you can share yourquestions or concerns with other people in a similar situation.Through our professionally-hosted forums you can exchange tipson coping with the side effects of treatment, ask questions, shareexperiences and talk through concerns online. If you’re feelinganxious or just need to hear from someone else who’s beenthere, this is a way to gain support and reassurance from othersin a similar situationWe host weekly Live Chat sessions on our website offering youa private space to discuss your concerns with others – gettinginstant responses to messages and talking about issues that areimportant to you.Our map of breast cancer services is an interactive tool,designed to help you find breast cancer services in your localarea wherever you live in the UK. Visit www.breastcancercare.org.uk/mapOur One-to-One Support service can put you in touch withsomeone who knows what you’re going through. Just tell uswhat you’d like to talk about and we can find someone who’sright for you.We run Moving Forward Information Sessions and Coursesfor people living with and beyond breast cancer. These cover arange of topics including adjusting and adapting after a breastcancer diagnosis, exercise and keeping well, and managing sideeffects. In addition, we run Lingerie Evenings where you canlearn more about choosing a bra after surgery.Our HeadStrong service can help you prepare for the possibilityof losing your hair during treatment – find out how to look afteryour hair and scalp and make the most of alternatives to wigs.We offer specific, tailored support for younger women throughour Younger Women’s Forums, and for people with asecondary diagnosis through our Living with SecondaryBreast Cancer events.Our free Information Resources for anyone affected by breastcancer include factsheets, booklets and DVDs. You can orderall our publications from our website or by using an order formavailable from the Helpline.To request a free leaflet containing further information about ourservices for people having treatment for breast cancer pleasecontact your nearest centre (contact details at the back).Visit www.breastcancercare.org.ukCall our Helpline on 0808 800 6000

14 | Further supportOther organisationsMacmillan Cancer Support89 Albert EmbankmentLondon SE1 7UQGeneral enquiries: 020 7840 7840Helpline: 0808 808 0000Website: www.macmillan.org.ukTextphone: 0808 808 0121 or Text RelayMacmillan Cancer Support provides practical, medical, emotionaland financial support to people living with cancer and theircarers and families. It also funds expert health and social careprofessionals such as nurses, doctors and benefits advisers.This factsheet can be downloaded from our website,www.breastcancercare.org.uk It is also availablein large print, Braille, audio CD or DAISY format onrequest by phoning 0845 092 0808.This factsheet has been produced by Breast Cancer Care’sclinical specialists and reviewed by healthcare professionalsand people affected by breast cancer.If you would like a list of the sources we used to research thispublication, email publications@breastcancercare.org.uk orcall 0845 092 0808.CentresLondon and the South East of EnglandTelephone 0845 077 1895Email src@breastcancercare.org.ukWales, South West and Central EnglandTelephone 0845 077 1894Email cym@breastcancercare.org.ukEast Midlands and the North of EnglandTelephone 0845 077 1893Email nrc@breastcancercare.org.ukScotland and Northern IrelandTelephone 0845 077 1892Email sco@breastcancercare.org.uk© All rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted,in any form or by any means, without the prior permission of the publishers.Visit www.breastcancercare.org.uk

Breast Cancer Care is here for anyone affectedby breast cancer. We bring people together,provide information and support, and campaignfor improved standards of care. We use ourunderstanding of people’s experience of breastcancer and our clinical expertise in everything we do.Visit www.breastcancercare.org.uk or call ourfree Helpline on 0808 800 6000 (Text Relay 18001).Interpreters are available in any language. Calls may be monitored fortraining purposes. Confidentiality is maintained between callers andBreast Cancer Care.Central OfficeBreast Cancer Care5–13 Great Suffolk StreetLondon SE1 0NSTelephone 0845 092 0800Fax 0845 092 0820Email info@breastcancercare.org.uk© Breast Cancer Care, May 2012, BCC195Edition 2, next planned review 2014Registered charity in England and Wales (1017658)Registered charity in Scotland (SC038104)Registered company in England (2447182)