Hi, I thought it would be helpful to put my comments under “newly diagnosed” regarding the benefits of using the peer support services with BCC. I was diagnosed a year ago and signed up for both the young women’s group telephone sessions and for one-to-one chats with someone who has been through our experience.
Now that I’ve had some time for reflection over the last year I cannot speak more highly of the connections I made through BCC. Both my counselling sessions started midway through chemo and it was the weekly or fortnightly calls to “get it all out”, the worries, the moans, even some tears with ladies who “totally” understood. The girls in my young women group were all different, but we had that one thing in common that got us opening up to each other, to be able to raise questions we felt too stupid to ask our doctors, to share our fears, reassure each other when needed. I learned a lot from these girls and in lots of ways helped me put things into perspective.
My one-to-one lady was also fantastic. We could chat for ages about BC, how things were for me at the time, what my concerns were and also she shared her thoughts and feelings with me. It felt like I had made a friend. She was an inspiration to me and every time we talked, I felt stronger.
These are some of the people who got me through some difficult moments, and along with the support we get from our nearest and dearest, sometimes we need the help of someone from a bit of distance. I could say exactly what I wanted without worry and to “get all that out” is no bad thing.
Now six months after they’ve stopped, I still miss the chats and contact we had, but I think of all my special friends often and hope that I was able to help them as they did for me.
If you are in any doubt about signing up for telephone support, please dont be. Its all good.
Janice