1. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Sat, Apr 11, 2009, 5:01 am PDT

In 1999 after finishing treatment, I attended ONE support group meeting and swore I would never go back. The meeting was about humor and was probably the biggest downer in my whole bc experience. I met another first time attendee there and she felt the same way. The cancer has since metastasized and I can understand why a mixed group would not be advantageous to either group. For those that support groups are just not right for, I believe we build our own support network of friends and family in person and online.

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2. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Sat, Apr 11, 2009, 1:33 pm PDT

I believe support groups do help. Everyone need to be able to have a outlet. When you are seriously ill with any type of illness you can not always talk to family. They can not deal with your illness. If you are going through Chemo or other therapies it is nice to have someone you can complain to. Once you have let out your fears and feelings it is good to find someway to help others to cope. Helping others is the best way to not dwell on yourself.

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3. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Mon, Apr 13, 2009, 6:56 am PDT

Regarding the longevity - I think that most people who attend a support group are most likely pro-active about their treatment choices and overall health in general. That may be why they do better. I go now occasionally as a "pay it forward" to all the folks who supported me. It sure helps to go to a support group and see someone who is doing well and can tell you everything is going to be alright.

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4. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Mon, Apr 13, 2009, 8:57 am PDT

Thanks for a great article. I think going to a support group for breast cancer survivors is a personal thing. I'm 3 1/2 years out and still get upset when I hear of someone who has lost her battle so I think that combining groups of women who are doing fine and those who have stage 4 would be bad. I've also found a tremendous support group within my church. We have a healing ministry and it is a great comfort, but I know women who are really helped by a breast cancer support group. In fact, I talked to a nurse who heads one at the local hospital and told her it didn't seem that it would be helpful for me. She told me that I would be amazed at the positive things that happen at their group and that you couldn't explain it until you experienced it.

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5. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Fri, Apr 17, 2009, 1:32 pm PDT

I do believe that support groups are very helpful. I was not able to join a group while I was undergoing treatment but I did join a post treatment group and it was very helpful. It allows the cancer survivor to talk to people who just "understand" how they are feeling. One of the women in our group was still undergoing treatment with herceptin but she fit in the group. There were 7 of us, age range 35 - 65, all stages, some had lumpectomies and others mastectomies, some chemo and some radiation and all combinations. But it gave each of us a chance to just talk and not feel like you had to explain why your feelings. We just understood. There were no "sorry looks" and just a lot of support. I have encourgage other breast cancer survivors to find a group as quickly as possible. I wish I had joined one during treatment but the post treatment was just what I needed

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6. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Mon, Apr 27, 2009, 10:47 am PDT

They are great for some people, but I resented being constantly told that I should join a support group for breast cancer survivors. It made me feel more like a victim and it gave people an excuse to not deal with my illness. If they could get me to a support group, then they didn't have to talk with me about cancer. Sometimes, sharing every emotion is very over-rated.

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7. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Mon, Apr 27, 2009, 12:19 pm PDT

Re: Support groups- I think going into a group with open eyes is important. I recently joined one for anxiety/drepression (I am a 4 yr. pancreatic CA survivor, and a 2 yr. breast cancer survivor with the BRCA1 gene.) What I found was my increasing anger towards others in the group (none had cancer.) I was angry about what I perceived as their whining and non-gratitude for what the blessings they have in life. I discussed my feelings with the group leader before I left. She told me that she sensed my anger and she chastised me for 'shutting myself off' from 'that' part of life. What part of life have I shut myself off from? I simply have no time for whiners now. All cancer survivors make adjustments to the 'new' normal. I have done that. Had the leader been more experienced and mature in dealing with the 'real' stuff of life, I might still be in the group.

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8. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Wed, May 06, 2009, 3:31 am PDT

Nice post

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9. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Wed, May 06, 2009, 3:33 am PDT

Nice post

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10. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Wed, May 20, 2009, 11:35 am PDT

Reading this wonderful story truly makes you feel God's power, love and compassion over His people. An eye opener towards the realms of our spirituality. I urge you to through the links and let know your comments by posting it below. So go on, experience life one's more with God's words...and try to search in google the thankgodforebooks by C. Olivia Parr-Rud.... thank you

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11. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Wed, May 20, 2009, 11:47 am PDT

Reading this wonderful story truly makes you feel God's power, love and compassion over His people. An eye opener towards the realms of our spirituality. I urge you to through the links and let know your comments by posting it below. So go on, experience life one's more with God's words...and try to search in google the thankgodforebooks by C. Olivia Parr-Rud.... thank you

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