Living With Cancer Support Group

My name is Carrie Evenden and I am a clinical psychologist at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center specializing in working with oncology patients, as well as their partners and families.

I have been facilitating support groups for several years and believe they can be vital in helping patients and loved ones cope with cancer.

The Living With Cancer Support Group is designed for patients with any type of cancer, at any stage in their treatment. It is also open to families and caregivers.

Whether you or your loved one have just received a cancer diagnosis, are in the midst of treatment, or have completed treatment, there are likely many concerns and thoughts regarding the various aspects of the disease.

This support group provides a compassionate space for you to share your thoughts and feelings, as well as to hear about how others are coping with their situation.

Many of the participants say they feel better, and often relieved, when they meet other people who can relate to what they are going through. Patients say they feel like the group is a safe place to talk about more difficult feelings such as sadness, anger and fear, that they often don't feel comfortable sharing with loved ones.

Caregivers also find the group helpful...they also need a strong community of support. Caregivers often feel overwhelmed with their role and find strength in learning from others about how to better cope.

I am always moved by how strong of an impact this group has on members, as meaningful bonds are quickly created. Both patients and caregivers say how hopeful and genuinely supported they feel after coming to the group, and feel they have the courage to face challenges, large and small.

I hope that I've given you an idea of what this support group looks like and how it might benefit you as a form of support. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 415-793-9643.

Thank you.

• Category

  Education

[absmc1]

Thanks for your comments Nancy. You might want to double-check that the hospital or physician’s office where you were treated doesn’t offer a support group already. I’m not familiar with your regional resources, so if you still cannot find a support group, you could search for one online using the phrase, “breast cancer support groups, marion ohio." I added a link to a list of national resources in the Description section above for your reference. Best wishes!

[sgr63071]

hi my name is nancy reynolds i was told last year that i have breast cancer i am now 7 mounths from surgery i live in marion ohio there is no support group in the town i live in i am going through lymphedema therphy i lost my left breast and 11 lymp nodes its so hard to feel beatuful when you look in the mirrow and see only one breast i gain so much weight none of my clothes fitt i wise i had someone that nows what i am going through to talk to