Breast Cancer Support Groups

Curlykat

I'm not really sure of the best place to put this, but this seemed like a good forum.

Are you, or have you been involved with a breast cancer support group? The reason I ask, is because I am becoming involved with my local group and am looking for ideas and inspiration. Our facilitator (the Breast Health Navigator at the Cancer Center) will be retiring soon and I'd hate to see the group fall apart. Also, I've recently created a Facebook page for the group and would like ideas.

If you do or have participated, what did you like (and what didn't you like)? What were the perceived benefits of belonging/attending? Were there some programs that you found particularly impact-full or informative? Considering that a group may have people who are newly diagnosed and long-time survivors, what kind of information would be helpful?

Our group put together a cookbook and that has been their fundraising option. Any other successful suggestions?

Thanks for the input!

CurlyKat

rwiley4529

The hospital where I was treated has a breast cancer support group. I don't know how helpful this will be, but here are my answers to your questions.

If you do or have participated, what did you like (and what didn't you like)? I like meeting other women who understand the breast cancer experience.

What were the perceived benefits of belonging/attending? Getting to know other breast cancer patients.

Were there some programs that you found particularly impact-full or informative? In addition to the monthly meeting, there is an annual luncheon in October (of course). We also have participated in Relay for Life as a group.

Considering that a group may have people who are newly diagnosed and long-time survivors, what kind of information would be helpful? The leader of my group has brought in all different kinds of speakers--speech therapist, breast surgeon, dermatologist, horse therapy, gynecologist are the ones I remember off the top of my head. Some meetings are just sharing and getting to know one another, most have a speaker. Oh, April's speaker will be someone talking about exercise. And I recently found a lymphedema certified massage therapist, and the leader is probably going to have her come speak to our group.

I believe my group is funded by the hospital, but I think I've heard that there are some changes coming; I don't know to what extent.

That's all I can think of right now.

Skittlegirl

If you do or have participated, what did you like (and what didn't you like)? I like the fellowship. Being able to talk to people who have gone through it. Seeing people currently going through it just a little bit ahead of me.

What were the perceived benefits of belonging/attending? I originally went just to meet other people around my age who had been through treatment. Being younger it can be hard to find people who get juggling a job, kids, marriage, and a BC diagnosis. I have gotten so much out of it. Friendships. People willing to sit with me during chemo. People who are like "you should go to the ER" when I wasn't sure about side effects.

Were there some programs that you found particularly impact-full or informative? My group is starting to get more organized. We have had the head chemo nurse at the infusion center come and talk to us and allow us to voice some frustrations. There's been talk of having a geneticist come in. We met with a guy about leaving a written legacy about your life or part of your life.

Considering that a group may have people who are newly diagnosed and long-time survivors, what kind of information would be helpful? I like our rotation of a speaker one month and a fun activity or just get together the next month.

Our big fundraising event is in October. There's silent auction items, businesses where the fundraiser is might give us a percentage of sales. There were drink specials and tattoo specials. We had items for sale.

We have also partnered with the local hockey team and sold tickets to a game and a few bucks from each ticket sold went back to us.

We have had nights at a local wine bar. We got the cover charge and some money from a drink special. We had karoke and you could buy insurance so no one could make you sing. Otherwise it was pay to sing or pay and make someone else sing.