I was just wondering if anyone had joined a support group of any kind, other than this one of course! Wondering what you think of them, do they have activities, talks, etc? Just being nosey really!
Hi there,
The one i could use is up a flight of stairs, and i’m unable to do stairs so automatically excluded. But i think most have quite a varied programme, ask your breast care nurse and she’ll know the local ones or try looking at : breastcancercare.org.uk/content.php?page_id=2989 , go to your hospital from the pull down menu, then look for on-site support services - your local support group contact details might be there.
I have joined a living with cancer course at a Maggie’s centre and imagine that they are similar in format to other such courses at different centres. It is largely a chance to talk with other people with cancer and share stories, ask questions and think about how it has affected you. I have found it really useful and it gives me something to look forward to each week during chemo. People start the course at all different stages of treatment. The breast cancer care helpline could probably suggest courses local to you. I would say go for it!
Sinclair
We have a support group in gloucester which is run by our BCN’s, they have varied topics/themes ie., guests talkng about complimentary therapies, i attended only once, but there was a very nice atmosphere and laughter.
karen
Hiya,
I belong to a support group in Telford called ‘The Pink Ribbons’, there are a few other ladies on here who also belong to it. I have found it invaluable to be honest. I have only been going since May but it is so lovely to meet other people who are all going through the same thing and live literally around the corner. Our group meets once a month and we all pay ‘subs’ which goes towards events and stuff. Last month was a ‘cheese and wine’ do but unfortunately I couldn’t go to it as I was poorly, typical! Last night the group met in a local pub but again I had to miss out as was ‘spaced out’ following my CMF!
Oct is breast cancer awareness month and I know our group are planning to do some fund raising activities in the foyer of the local hosp.
So, personally I think support groups are worth their weight in gold and would recommend them to anyone who is considering it,
Take care,
Kelly
-x-
I have joined one…they have swimming and gymnastics and talks and EVERYTHING… they start up again this autumn and actually I can’t wait to go along…It will be great! LOL
I have joined a loal BC support group 1 year ago, once I had recovered from the worse of the treatment. Wasn’t at all sure at first whether I liked it or not, as there was absolutely no talk about BC etc. The girls chatted about it amongst themselves, but the leader did not have any speakers etc. who addressed BC specifically. However, as time has gone by I am really enjoying it now. The group is very mixed -agewise and stages of disease. But I think for all of us it’s just a way of having a friendly get-together and a few outings etc. We’ve been granted some lottery funding so now have regular treatments on offer (reflexology/massage/manicure) and everyone loves it. However, I must say if I have a specific quesion relating to BC and various treatment options, I still prefer to come onto this forum and get the valuable advice from the girls who ‘know’.