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                                          Support Groups Are Powerful

The Breast Cancer Survival Center, which offers post-treatment education and support for breast cancer survivors and their families, will begin its fall support groups on Tuesday, September 12, at 5:30 P.M. in Room 104, West Campus, Norwalk Community College.

Why do many survivors need and want a support group?   

“I never thought that any else could understand what I was feeling after my treatment was over,” said one recent participant at a Breast Cancer Survival Center (BCSC) support group.  “I walked into a room full of strangers, and when I left, I had a room full of friends.”

BCSC support groups bring together a diverse group of people who share a common bond,  the questions and fears which can arise after diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer is completed.  Many of the women who come to the groups were not in any kind of support group while  they were in active treatment.  “I had the support of my family and a few close friends, and I really didn’t need anyone else.  But when my treatment ended, I had so many unanswered questions.  I had trouble sleeping, I was so afraid that every little ache or pain I felt was the cancer coming back.  My family thinks I’m crazy, so I can’t tell them what I’m feeling any more. Is it normal to feel this way?”

A support group is a safe place where people can give and receive emotional support, share their feelings and have them validated, learn to cope, and, sometimes, just let off steam.  All of this takes place in a completely confidential environment.  The groups actually form a new “family,” in some cases. 

Some participants believe the greatest benefit to being part of a support group is being really listened to.  For others, it’s a way to decrease the sense of isolation which often occurs when treatment ends.  Still others are grateful for the strong bonds of friendship which form as a result of participating in the groups.  “I’m not saying I’m glad I had breast cancer,” said one survivor.  “But I am so glad that sharing my cancer experience with other survivors has brought me friends whom I never would have met any other way.  Now, I can’t imagine my life without them.”

In addition to the social aspect of BCSC’s groups, participants often share practical tips about dealing with side effects from their follow-up drug protocols, as well as diet and nutritional information. 

The groups are facilitated by BCSC Clinical Director Nina Marino, LCSW, who is herself a ten-year breast cancer survivor.

“When Nina looks me in the eye and says, ‘I know what you mean,’ she really does,” said a group member.  “She understand that it’s sometimes hard to talk about things.  That just making the effort to come that first time is a huge risk.  And that sometimes when I really don’t want to come to the group, that’s when I need it the most.”

BCSC’s support groups are held the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month at 5:30 p.m. in Room 104, West Campus, Norwalk Community College, 188 Richards Avenue, Norwalk.  The fall schedule is as follows: September 12 and 26; October 10 and 24; November 14 and 28, December 12.

Space is limited, so pre-registration is strongly suggested. Call (203) 857-7304, or e-mail us at cancersurvival@aol.com.