There are people working on the question of why. There are people working on the question of when. There are people working on the questions of what. There are people working on the question of how. How do you deal with the diagnosis, the treatment, the emotional fall out? Well, there are resources and with the good 'ol internet most are just a few clicks away.
Recently a blogger reached out to me and asked me to post something about cancer support groups. Here is his post:
Support Groups Take Away the Loneliness
When you are facing difficult times, it helps to talk with people who understand what you are going through. Cancer, in particular, is a lonely road to travel that not everyone can relate to. Whether you are recently diagnosed or a survivor who has marked the 5-year milestone, support groups can help you travel this path and take away the feelings of isolation.
Tell someone you have cancer and they are sympathetic. They will tell you they’re sorry, they’ll say they’re praying for you. But they really don’t want to hear about how your bowel movements have been affected and how every stray hair now leaves you’re worried about the ones that remain.
Talk to another cancer patient, however, and you have someone who can relate and truly understand. They’ll share their experiences, assure you that what you’re going through is normal and help you find effective coping strategies. More than sympathy and prayers, you’ll get information that you can really use, and a friend who might even help you find some laughter in this difficult time.
The support groups can meet in person or they can be online. The method will depend on what works for you. Whether you are diagnosed with a common cancer such as breast cancer and chat online or going through a rare cancer like mesothelioma and meet in person, the therapeutic effect is the same: You won’t feel as alone anymore.
Support groups can also provide each other with valuable resources, referrals for doctors or tips on how to handle the debilitating exhaustion that sets in after treatments. Because these other people know exactly what you’re going through, they have a good idea of what you are looking for and can help you find it. They know which doctors have the best bedside manner and will share that information with you. They also know which clinics are using the most ground-breaking procedures for treatments and will guide you to that information, as well.
There is hope for anyone struggling with cancer. You don’t have to travel this road alone and you don’t have to isolate yourself to get away from the sympathetic glances that start to hurt as much as the diagnosis. As a survivor who lives in constant fear of a relapse, you can find comfort and relief in support groups. People in all stages of the process can find healing and help by sharing their stories and offering help to others. Find a support group today and get involved so you can say good-bye to the suffocating isolation.
Tell someone you have cancer and they are sympathetic. They will tell you they’re sorry, they’ll say they’re praying for you. But they really don’t want to hear about how your bowel movements have been affected and how every stray hair now leaves you’re worried about the ones that remain.
Talk to another cancer patient, however, and you have someone who can relate and truly understand. They’ll share their experiences, assure you that what you’re going through is normal and help you find effective coping strategies. More than sympathy and prayers, you’ll get information that you can really use, and a friend who might even help you find some laughter in this difficult time.
The support groups can meet in person or they can be online. The method will depend on what works for you. Whether you are diagnosed with a common cancer such as breast cancer and chat online or going through a rare cancer like mesothelioma and meet in person, the therapeutic effect is the same: You won’t feel as alone anymore.
Support groups can also provide each other with valuable resources, referrals for doctors or tips on how to handle the debilitating exhaustion that sets in after treatments. Because these other people know exactly what you’re going through, they have a good idea of what you are looking for and can help you find it. They know which doctors have the best bedside manner and will share that information with you. They also know which clinics are using the most ground-breaking procedures for treatments and will guide you to that information, as well.
There is hope for anyone struggling with cancer. You don’t have to travel this road alone and you don’t have to isolate yourself to get away from the sympathetic glances that start to hurt as much as the diagnosis. As a survivor who lives in constant fear of a relapse, you can find comfort and relief in support groups. People in all stages of the process can find healing and help by sharing their stories and offering help to others. Find a support group today and get involved so you can say good-bye to the suffocating isolation.
By: David Haas
