Support Groups

I have spoken to a fair number of cancer support groups through the years, and one thing I've learned:  a support group can be very beneficial, not just for the person who is making the cancer journey, but for the family as well.  Support groups offer far more than information and conversation, too.  They can often be a source of strength and, more importantly, hope.

And here's another plus:  support groups often have featured speakers, such as oncology nurses and surgeons, who can relate some personal stories and walk the group through the basics of surgery and treatment.  These more personal relationships pay large dividends, and as everyone is more relaxed, the time for conversation and questions is most helpful.

Check at your local hospital or clinic and you are very likely to discover that there is a cancer support group meeting in your area.   You won't have to go far to find a group of like-minded and likeable people who are also making some leg of the cancer journey.  You can learn from these other experiences. 

You may even discover new friends who will become best friends . . . friendships that will last far beyond the years of cancer treatment.  That's another plus.

And when it comes to the journey itself, everyone can use all the pluses they can get.