This might seem like an odd question, given that you're logged onto this blog and have virtually formed your own support group by chiming in periodically with others. But I ask because some studies have shown that participating in a breast cancer support group, whether on the Internet or at face-to-face meetings, provides women increased longevity compared to women who decline the offer to join.

This increased longevity may be due to women getting to vent, finding others who have similar fears, finding a networking opportunity that provides emotional comfort, or some reason we don't understand yet.

What have not worked as well are support groups that mix women who have completed their treatment and are doing fine with those who are battling stage-4 metastatic breast cancer. Women with metastases will always be in treatment and their breast cancer is now a chronic condition. The women who have finished treatment can become frightened hearing stories from those in this tough situation.

And the opposite is true too: Some of the women with mets are frustrated that a woman who is a survivor is complaining about having to deal with one or more side effects from treatment. Shouldn't she be thankful to be alive? Thankful to not have to worry about when this disease will take her from her family?

So tell me your thoughts on this. Do you support face-to-face support groups? Do you think bringing together women in treatment for mets with women who have completed treatment is a good or bad idea?