My name is Melanie Bone, M.D. I'm an OB/GYN, mother of four, wife of a trial lawyer, and a cancer survivor. My perfect world fell apart on August 1, 2000 when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Within two weeks I had both my breasts removed and reconstructed. Two weeks later I started a six-month course of chemotherapy to be followed by a 6-week course of radiation therapy.

     Even though I am a doctor, I was totally unprepared to deal with the challenges of chemotherapy. I was scared of the side effects. Many questions whizzed around in my head, and I was actually a little embarrassed to ask my doctor about them because I was supposed to "know it all." Some things I asked, often to the infusion nurses. Many things I talked about with other patients. Most of all, I figured out a lot on my own by trial and error.

     With each chemotherapy session I experienced mouth problems, bowel issues, fatigue, and steroid side effects, not to mention hair loss, diminished libido, and depression.

As I finished my last chemotherapy session and prepared for the onslaught of these side effects for the 8th time, I was determined to do something to make it easier for other people to go through cancer treatments. My mother, my best friend, and I got together and decided to create a company to offer goods, services, and information that might help other cancer patients. While I am sure that all suffering during chemotherapy can't be averted, I believe our products and suggestions can help.