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Having a double mastectomy is an emotional and traumatic experience. I lost a huge part of who I am – the very essence of femininity – that part of my identity that makes me feel like a woman. Adjusting to life without breasts post-op was daunting, but I was determined to claw my womanhood back by ensuring that when dressed, I looked…well, like me.  The hospital support staff were truly amazing, but the ‘boob pillows’ that I was given to wear, were just awful and impractical! Pinned inside your bra, these fake boobs would often end up under my chin, as they are not weighted like a prosthesis and absolutely NOTHING would keep them in place. I can almost guarantee that anyone reading this who has been through this experience, will totally agree with me! That said, when I discovered the Aurora Bioscience EZBra, it honestly changed my life.   The EZBra is the first and only sterile, disposable, and feminine post-surgical bra on the market. It comfortably supports with the correct placement and is fully adjustable. With two wide straps across the top of the bra to prevent riding up, and two wide straps at the bottom to keep everything in place, I feel confident when wearing it. The EZbra, which is aimed at providing a better and more patient-centered recovery experience, has absolutely redefined the standard of care for post-operative breast procedure needs. I also found that the bra served as an excellent wound dressing post mastectomy, and 6-8 weeks later when I started radiation treatment. There is currently no product on the market that can secure post radiation dressings comfortably and hold them in place quite like the EZBra can.   The great thing about the EZBra, is that you can comfortably adjust the compression and firmness of the bra to suite your shape. Available in small, medium and large, the EZBra allows for easy adjustment and fit, something I really struggled with when using conventional bras after my procedure. Post-surgery, you don’t have a lot of movement in your arms, so trying to get into a bra when you have limited movement is really difficult, frustrating and at times, painful. Because EZBra is a bandeau style, it’s so much easier to manage when putting on – you just simply wrap it around you and adjust accordingly. It’s really that simple. An added bonus is that it also keeps the drain tubes secure in the first week post-surgery.   The EZBra has honestly changed my life and I just know it will change many more. The fact that it was designed by a woman, for women is testament to this and you can really feel it.  Linda L For more information on the Aurora Bioscience EZBra, visit https://aurorabioscience.com.au/ezbra/.    

It is a common fact that chemotherapy comes with many adverse side effects including fatigue, hair loss, mouth sores, mood swings and loss of libido. Patients have also experienced skin and nail problems, easy bruising and bleeding, fertility issues and having trouble concentrating or remembering things. There can also be nerve and muscle effects and even hearing changes, along with loss of appetite, nausea, and bowel issues such as constipation or diarrhoea. Gastrointestinal issues can have a direct bearing on our overall health and feeling of wellbeing while undergoing chemotherapy and having a better understanding and knowing how to manage these symptoms, can go a long way to help you get through your treatment.  The good news is not every person with cancer gets every side effect, and some people get few! The severity of side effects and how bad they are, can vary greatly from person to person, but let’s look at the gastrointestinal side effects of chemotherapy and radiation.    Does chemotherapy affect the stomach?   It can cause nausea and vomiting. Chemotherapy drugs are administered in doses. These can be large or small, depending on the requirements of the patient. As a result, these drugs can cause dehydration and malnourishment, making a person feel sick and potentially intensifying other chemo-related side effects.. Whether you have these side effects, and how often, depends on the specific drugs and dose. There are medications that are given before and after each dose of chemotherapy that can help prevent these symptoms, however, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery may also affect how a person digests food and even cause stomach swelling in some instances. Surgery or radiation therapy to the abdominal area can cause tissue scarring, long-term pain, and intestinal problems. Some cancer patients may have chronic diarrhoea that reduces the body's ability to absorb nutrients, which can manifest other symptoms, as our bodies fight for survival.     Why is diarrhoea a common side effect of chemotherapy?   Some strategies that may help prevent chemo-induced diarrhoea include:  Making dietary modifications: A person may wish to try lowering their intake of fat, sugar, and processed foods. Also, they should aim to choose bland foods if they are not feeling well. Taking probiotics: Taking probiotics may help reduce the risk of developing diarrhoea. Probiotics may also be helpful after recent antibiotic treatment for an infection. Changing medication: People using stool softeners, laxatives, and other medications that can induce diarrhoea should talk with a doctor about stopping these during chemo treatment. Drinking clear liquids: Drinking water and other clear fluids, such as electrolyte drinks, may prevent dehydration, which is a potentially serious diarrhoea complication. Taking medications: Using certain medications can help reduce the risk of diarrhoea, especially in people undergoing chemo who have previously had severe diarrhoea.    Gastrointestinal pain and discomfort can be debilitating while undergoing chemotherapy treatment, which is why we formulated Enterade®, an advanced oncology formula ‘medical food’ in a refreshing orange flavour, which may help with the symptoms and side effects of chemotherapy such as diarrhoea, dehydration, and limited absorption of nutrition. Enterade’s formula uses plant-based amino acids to rebuild the damage in healthy cells that line your intestines, that are affected when undergoing treatment for cancer.    Enterade® will be your best friend during chemotherapy or radiation therapy, as it keeps you more hydrated than water, and helps manage side effects such as nausea, diarrhoea, exhaustion, undesirable weight loss, and dehydration. It is a clinically proven, plant-based medical food, using Hydro Active Technology.   Aurora Direct recommends that patients should drink Enterade® twice daily (on an empty stomach) 30 minutes before meals for optimal absorption of the amino acids, for a minimum of 7 days. Once symptoms subside, patients can drink one bottle a day or every other day, depending on their symptoms.  Visit www.auroradirect.com.au. 

Most people in Australia will be touched by cancer at some stage in their lives, either personally or through family and friends. On the upside however, the survival rate for many types of cancer has increased by more than 20% in the past three decades, due to medical treatment improvements and new interventions brought about by research. As a major cause of illness in Australia, cancer has a substantial social and economic impact on individuals, families and the community. It was estimated that approximately 162,000 new cancer cases were diagnosed here in 2022, however every Australian’s journey with cancer is different. 1 in 3 Australian men and 1 in 4 Australian women will be diagnosed with cancer before the age of 75. This is the harsh reality of a world with cancer, where support, over and above encouraging words and love, is valuable. So, when it comes to supportive care, what do you buy someone who has been diagnosed with cancer and about to start their treatment journey with chemotherapy or radiation would be: hand and nail care packs containing non-invasive, sensitive hand creams and lotions body wash, lip balm, facial cleanser and moisturiser scalp and hair care non-harsh soaps and serums. It’s important to avoid products that contain perfumes, colognes, aftershaves, parabens and other alcohol-based ingredients as these can cause irritation and issues for people undergoing cancer treatments. The Follact Restore Healthy Hair range provides a unique system that was designed specifically with patients undergoing cancer treatments and scalp cooling in mind. As treatment such as chemotherapy and radiation can cause nausea, our Enterade® advanced oncology formula ‘medical food’ in a refreshing orange flavour may help with symptoms such as diarrhoea, dehydration and limited absorption of nutrition, which can lead to increased fatigue and weakness. Enterade®’s formula uses select amino acids to rebuild the damage in healthy GI cells as a result of the treatments for cancer.   Another great idea is for the discerning woman who might be losing her hair through treatment – something that can be very traumatic for many – a beautifully designed headwear scarf in a variety of colours and designs. With compositions of bamboo and spandex, some being a turban-style, with or without a detachable tie, there are many ways to wear these as a comfortable headband. Cooling therapy constricts (narrows) the blood vessels below the skin where hair and nails grow. Experts think that cooling allows less of some chemo medicines to get to these areas. This may reduce the impact of chemo on these cells. Ice Cold socks and gloves which are reusable, are intended as cold therapy for persons requiring hot or cold therapy, and can make a great, practical gift. And of course, there are those gifts that do not need to be physically given to a loved one. By letting them know that you are there to support them can come in many ways, shapes and forms, such as: Volunteering your time is a positive and inspiring way to assist. Charity fundraising with a host of various events. Make a donation and helping cancer research Shave your head for cancer research is one of the most powerful ways to show your love and support for someone you love. If you are looking for the perfect support gift for a friend or loved one, Aurora Direct Gifting Care range is available on the website – which has products that provide both men and women with thoughtful gifts that show just how much you care. Visit www.auroradirect.com.au

Since the early 1900s and for as long as patients have been undergoing chemotherapy, the side effects of this treatment for cancer has been a major concern over the years. While cancer cells are often fast-growing, so are the cells in hair follicles, bone marrow and the digestive system. Chemotherapy targets and kills these fast-growing cells, which in turn cause side effects including hair loss, nausea and vomiting being the most common, along with other more debilitating outcomes. Chemotherapy-induced nausea is a common side effect and is caused by the drugs used in chemotherapy, which can damage the cells in the body, including the cells in the stomach and intestines. This in turn can lead to inflammation, causing nausea and vomiting. Oncology nurses play a crucial role in helping patients manage their nausea during chemotherapy treatment, by offering various therapeutic alternatives to minimise the symptoms. Nausea is a complex phenomenon that is influenced by a variety of factors, including the type and dose of chemotherapy drugs, the patient's individual sensitivity to the drugs, and the patient's overall health. Some chemotherapy drugs are more likely to cause nausea than others, and certain patients may be more susceptible to the side effects. One of the most effective ways to relieve chemotherapy-induced nausea is to use anti-nausea medications, also known as antiemetics. These medications work by blocking the action of the chemicals in the brain that cause nausea and vomiting. Oncology nurses who are responsible for administering these medications and ensuring that they are taken correctly,  also monitor the patient's response to the medication and adjust the dosage accordingly. Another way to relieve chemotherapy-induced nausea is to use complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, aromatherapy; and to consume fresh ginger. Working with patients to develop an individualised treatment plan that incorporates these therapies in addition to their traditional treatment, is often an effective solution. Paying careful attention to your diet during chemotherapy is key and eating small, frequent meals while avoiding foods that are high in fat or spices, can help to significantly reduce nausea. Drinking clear fluids such as water, broths and eating ice chips, can also help to keep you hydrated and prevent nausea. enterade® is the first plant-based medical food that is clinically proven to reduce the gastrointestinal side effects of chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiation treatment. It works with the body’s natural healing systems, using a unique blend of plant based amino acids, to not only repair the damage to those good cells caused by chemotherapy and radiation, but to help protect against any additional damage. Patients using enterade® saw a 91% improvement in nausea, 88% improvement in dehydration and 74% improvement in diarrhoea.* Constant vomiting can take its toll. It's important to pay attention to your body's needs during chemotherapy and if at any point you start to feel tired or weak, it's important to rest and conserve your energy. If you're feeling anxious or stressed, find ways to relax and reduce stress using techniques such as deep breathing and visualisation. Talk to your medical team today to find the most effective treatment plan for your individual needs when it comes to helping manage your symptoms. At Aurora Direct, we have a range of supportive care products to help you on your journey, including enterade® for gut health, Follact Restore Healthy Hair for hair growth and our Ice Cold range for peripheral neuropathy.   With the right treatment plan, you can manage your symptoms and improve your overall quality of life during and after chemotherapy.   *Luque L, Cheuvront SN, Mantz C, Finkelstein SE (2020) Alleviation of Cancer Therapy-Induced Gastrointestinal Toxicity using an Amino Acid Medical Food. Food Nutr J 5: 216. DOI: 10.29011/2575-7091.100116

Cancer is a life-altering disease that affects not only the person diagnosed but also their loved ones. Family and friends play a crucial role in providing support and care for a loved one with cancer. Let’s explore some ways you can support a family member or friend after they have been diagnosed with cancer, drawing on tips from oncologists and nurses.   The first and most important thing you can do is to be there for your loved one. This means simply being present and available to listen, talk, and provide emotional support. Showing up and being there, whether it be in person or through phone calls, text messages, or video chats, can make a huge difference. According to an oncologist, the emotional support of loved ones is crucial for the patient's mental well-being and can greatly improve the outcome of treatment.   Another way to support a loved one with cancer is to help them navigate the healthcare system. Cancer treatment can be complex and confusing, and it is common for patients and their families to feel overwhelmed. Offer to help your loved one schedule appointments, fill out paperwork, and understand the treatment options available to them. A nurse recommends keeping a journal or calendar to keep track of appointments, medications, and other important information to make the process less overwhelming.   Another way to support a loved one with cancer is to help them maintain their daily routine. Cancer treatment can be physically and emotionally draining, and it is important for patients to maintain a sense of normalcy. Offer to help with household chores, run errands, or even just spend time with them doing something they enjoy. According to an oncologist, maintaining a sense of normalcy can greatly improve the patient's quality of life during treatment.   It is also important to be mindful of the emotional and psychological toll that cancer can take on a person. Cancer patients may experience a wide range of emotions, including fear, anxiety, and depression. Be there to listen and provide support, but also know when to seek out professional help if necessary. Encouraging your loved one to talk to a therapist or counsellor, especially if they are experiencing severe emotional distress can also be helpful.   Educate yourself about the disease and treatment options. This will not only help you understand what your loved one is going through but also make you more equipped to provide them with accurate information, resources, and support. I found these two websites very informative; Cancer Council  and Cancer Australia.   Cancer can be financially draining, so it's a good idea to offer help in that regard if you can. From offering to pay for treatment, to helping with bills and groceries, or even finding alternative healthcare support or rebates.   It is a heavy load to carry so remember that you also need to take care of yourself. Supporting a loved one with cancer can be emotionally and physically taxing, Self care and setting boundaries to avoid burnout is essential.   So, although your role in supporting your loved one with cancer is a challenging one, it is a rewarding one too.   View Aurora Direct’s Supportive care range, the products provide nutritional support, gut health, wound care and hair care which can improve the recently diagnosed, quality of life. Visit www.auroradirect.com.au

We know that diet and digestion may not be at the forefront of your mind when you are navigating through the journey of cancer treatment. However, many patients and survivors experience digestive concerns during and after treatment of many different types of cancer. Here we will offer nutrition and food advice and tips to manage digestive side effects relating to cancer or cancer treatment. These side effects will range from person to person but often include diarrhoea, bloating and constipation, ranging in degree from mild to severe. During cancer treatments, radiation and/or chemotherapy are often used to decrease the size of a tumour and to reduce the spread of cancerous cells in the body. Unfortunately, these treatments can negatively impact on the body’s healthy cells. This includes cells that are in the gastrointestinal tract, mouth, and stomach. Harming these health cells in the digestive areas of the body can cause symptoms of dehydration, diarrhoea, and reduced absorption of nutrients. When this occurs, it can be beneficial to consume amino acids to support your body in absorbing essential electrolytes and nutrients to protect your digestive health. Amino acids are organic compounds that combine to make proteins. These amino acids and proteins are building blocks of life as they help build and support the function of healthy cells in your body. Consuming amino acids during this time can support your gastrointestinal tract’s ability to absorb essential nutrients. enterade® Advanced Oncology Formula is the only amino acid based, glucose free medical food specially created for the dietary management of side effects of cancer treatment. This unique formula provides amino acids and electrolytes to restore and shield the gastrointestinal tract to keep your body hydrated during cancer treatment. Many people experience constipation due to dehydration during cancer treatment. To combat constipation during this time, it is important to stick to 3 simple rules. Firstly, try to include 30 minutes of physical activity into each day. Second, drink 8 cups of water or fluids throughout the day. And lastly, increase your fibre intake to approximately 25-35 grams. However, it is not uncommon during this time to experience poor appetite and fatigue during your treatment. If it is difficult for you to eat and move your body during this time, try: Taking a short 10-minute walk before eating Sipping hot beverages like a decaffeinated tea around the time you would normally have a bowel movement Increasing your consumption of fluids by eating frozen fruits, sucking on ice chips or by having soup with your meals   We understand that it may be uncomfortable to discuss your bowel movements and habits with your team of healthcare professionals. Although, it is common to experience diarrhoea during cancer treatment. Diarrhoea can deplete the body of important nutrients and fluids needed to maintain a healthy gut. The number one way to reduce diarrhoea during this time is by avoiding digestive stimulants like caffeine, peppermint, and ginger. Also, it can be helpful to increase your intake of low fibre foods like leafy greens, grains, and cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage). It may also be beneficial to consume beverages between meals rather than with your meal. There are many ways to give yourself the best fighting change of good gut health during and after cancer treatment. If you have not yet started on your cancer treatment journey, it can be valuable to start optimising your gut health now before cancer treatment begins. This can be accomplished through diet and exercise. Regular exercise can reduce inflammation and stress in the body whilst also keeping you fit and strong. While a balanced diet of whole foods, rich fibre and probiotics can promote good gut function. If you would like more information on your gut health during and after cancer treatment, seek support from qualified dieticians and your healthcare team. Link to enterade          

Chemotherapy is the most common cancer treatment utilised in Australia that uses powerful chemicals to kill fast-growing cancer cells in your body. Although chemotherapy is an effective method to treat many different types of cancer, it does carry its own risks and side effects. One of these risks that can occur with cancer or cancer treatment is chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). For those who experience CIPN due to chemotherapy drugs, 7 out of 10 people will experience some symptoms one month after treatment while 3 out of 10 people will have ongoing symptoms six months after their treatment commences.*    CIPN can negatively impact or cause damage to the body’s peripheral nerves. These peripheral nerves are located away from the centre of the body, and they are important in carrying sensations or neurological messages to and from the spine and the brain. These messages allow you to control movements and have feeling in different parts of the body such as the feet, hands, arms, and legs. Often when this occurs, a person may experience weakness, numbness, tingling sensations like pins and needles, discomfort and burning. However, peripheral neuropathy can affect people in different ways and symptoms can range from mild to severe. Additionally, these symptoms may start during therapy or after therapy and they may be temporary or permanent. Symptoms often differ depending on the type of chemotherapy drug used.   Research has found that not managing CIPN can greatly impact a person’s quality of life. So, what can you be doing to help prevent and reduce your risk of the cell damage that causes peripheral neuropathy?   Studies suggest that cooling and compression can have a preventative effect on CIPN. A recent study by Michael and his colleagues (2022) (# insert study reference) found that cooling through  frozen gloves was highly effective in preventing grade 2 or more CIPN for patients undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. This study showed that ice gloves and socks during chemotherapy almost halved the risk of grade 2 or higher CIPN. These clinical studies are playing an important role in the health and wellbeing of cancer survivors and helping patients manage this common side effect of Chemotherapy.   Aurora Direct now offers Ice Cold Socks and Gloves for a convenient way to apply icy cool temperatures to your fingers, hands, wrists, ankles, feet, heels, and nail beds for those affected by neuropathy, arthritis, inflammation, localised injury, swelling or soreness. This means that you can conveniently apply cold or if needed heat to peripheral areas of the body that are experiencing these uncomfortable sensations.  These products also provide you with a convenient, reusable, flexible gel ice packs that can be fastened to your wrists or worn on the feet before, during or after chemotherapy treatment.   Whether you are just starting or are well into your treatment journey, do not wait until the side effects of chemo become an issue, interrupt your treatment, or become a long-term problem needing ongoing management. These Ice Cold treatment options are an excellent solution to apply icy cold in order to help patients try to address neuropathy symptoms. These Ice Cold Gloves and Socks with bag can be easily taken with you to chemotherapy appointments.  Click here to shop the Ice Cold Gloves and Socks today.   Link: https://auroradirect.com.au/collections/ice-cold

Amino acids are the building blocks of life. They come together to create the proteins that make up your organs, muscles, skin, etc. When you eat foods that contain proteins your body will digest and break them down into amino acids which will then be sent to carry out different functions throughout your body. Amino acids have many functions including: Building muscles Connective tissue repair Transporting of nutrients Boosting immunity Involvement in certain chemical reactions Source of energy In some cases, people can become deficient in amino acids, which can decrease immunity, cause depression, slow growth, and cause digestive issues. How do amino acids affect your gut? Gastrointestinal health is very important when it comes to feeling good and keeping your body strong. Many people don’t realize that 60-70% of your immune system is centralized in your GI tract. If your GI tract is unable to work efficiently then that can cause many health problems like a malnutrition, bloating, nausea, diarrhea, food allergies, constipation, gallbladder disease, and other digestive issues. This is where amino acids come in. Your body needs amino acids to fortify your digestive system. Amino acids help to detoxify unhealthy bacteria and tissue in the gut, strengthen the immune system, and repair damaged cells that line the gastrointestinal tract.   How does cancer treatment affect the GI? Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation are excellent at killing cancer cells but they unfortunately also damage the healthy cells that make up your gut. When this happens, the good cells in your gut called villi become blunted, which affects their ability to absorb nutrients. This can result in unwanted weight loss and dehydration. Treatment can also weaken the barrier between the cells that prevent harmful toxins from entering your bloodstream. When these barriers are damaged, gaps open allowing toxins and bacteria to enter your system leaving you with side effects like diarrhea, nausea, and fatigue.   What should I include in my diet to help restore normal GI function? One reason why patients go often choose to discontinue treatment is due the severity of the side effects. The treatment should not be worse than the disease, especially when that treatment has the potential to beat cancer. Below is a list of important amino acid filled foods that may help manage the side effects of cancer treatment: 1) Vegetables- choose leafy, green vegetables like spinach, kale, and arugula. 2) Quinoa- is the most nutritious grain available as it contains the nine essential amino acids that your body needs. 3) Fish- most fish contain essential amino acids. Salmon is high in amino acids and omega 3s. Salmon also has important fatty acids that support heart health among other health benefits. 4) Beans and Legumes- these are great sources of protein and amino acids, especially the amino acid lysine, an important amino acid in the formation of collagen—a vital protein for bones and connective tissues including skin, cartilage, and tendons. The human body cannot make lysine on its own, so it must be eaten in the diet. Other sources of lysine include meat, fish, dairy, and eggs. Want to get the right amino acids at the right time? There are specific amino acids that can directly help the GI side effects of cancer treatment Enterade is formulated with 5 specific amino acids to help rebuild the damaged cells in your gut, protect your GI from toxins by tightening the gut barrier while giving total body hydration. All these benefits will help to enhance a healthy immune function so that you can feel better and fight harder against cancer. Enterade contains no sugar and is plant-based medical food. – 91% of patients saw improvement in nausea – 74% of patients saw improvement in diarrhoea – 88% of patients saw improvement in dehydration – 77% of patients saw improvement in weight loss Enterade can help you stay on course with your treatment because when you feel better you can fight harder.  by Katie O'Grady   Sources: Amino Acids & Probiotics = Good Digestion – Healthy Beginnings (hbmag.com) 5 Foods High in Amino Acids (webmd.com) Amino acids: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia Essential amino acids: Definition, benefits, and foods (medicalnewstoday.com)