If you've received a cancer diagnosis, you may feel alone. You may feel that no one else could understand how you feel. Help is available.

SLOCA is an organization of ovarian cancer survivors, caregivers and medical professionals. Its primary role is raising awareness and, while it doesn't deliver direct services to patients, it can be a source of referral and support.

When you meet with your oncology nurse for the first time, ask her for the SLOCA gift box. We call it the Sister Package, and it's packed with gifts we believe will be helpful to you as you undergo treatment and followup care.

You also can ask your nurse to put you in touch with a survivor who is willing to talk with you. Survivors are not there to give medical advice but to listen to your feelings and share observations based on their personal experience.

Cancer and its treatment oftens poses a financial burden on the patient and their families. You can search a database at the National Cancer Institute website for information on financial assistance.

Many women face then problem of keeping their family and friends informed of their progress without endless phone calls and individual e-mails. You can ease the burden by setting up a website to communicate with them and to coordinate your care through MyLifeline or Caring Bridge.

Sign up for a free subscription to Cure magazine. It’s a monthly publication available in hard copy and online with stories that reflect the science and humanity of cancer. It's available to cancer patients, their families and caregivers.

KNOW THE SYMPTOMS. LISTEN TO YOUR BODY. TAKE ACTION.

SLOCA volunteers package home-baked teal-iced ribbon cookies to be taken to chemo infusion centers in September as part of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance offers information about clinical trials, research funding, education and advocacy efforts on a national level.

OCNA’s web site also offers a personal Symptom Diary that was developed in cooperation with the Center for Women's Cancer (formerly Gynecologic Cancer Foundation) to track persistency of symptoms over time. In addition, you can find an Interim Practice Guidance tool that outlines important steps your doctor may take to evaluate whether your symptoms may be ovarian cancer.

The Women’s Cancer Network web site provides a confidential assessment of your chance of developing ovarian cancer. Click on “Am I at Risk?” On that site you can also find a gynecologic oncologist in your area. Click on “Find A Gynecologic Oncologist” and enter your ZIP code.

You can learn more about genetic testing for the BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 gene mutations at the Myriad website. Click on Patients & Caregivers.