Support Groups - Guest Blog by David Haas

Recently I was asked if I allowed guest bloggers on my blog.  I hadn't really thought much about it, but it did motivate me to start sharing again.  I recently started volunteering for a couple of hours on Tuesdays at the WVCI visiting physcians office and infusion room in Florence.  I have to say it's been wonderful so far, I love seeing every one again, and giving back - I think that it is helping me move toward my new normal (well maybe).  I'm also getting Reach to Recovery training from the American Cancer society, I'll then be able to volunteer with the ACS. 

My guest blogger is David Haas - he contacted me after reading my blog.  He felt that his information would fit right in with mine, and I quite agree - The topic is on support groups - before sharing his information I'd like to talk a little about support groups.  I'm a member of our local cancer support group for women - The Sisterhood - I started attending about two weeks after my diagnosis, they've helped me in so many ways, I can't even begin to tell you, the value of a group that allows you to voice your fears, joys, questions, anger.. is invaluable.  There are alot of things that you might not want to talk about with your family, and this is the safe place where you can share these things, and not only can you share your issues, they are an amazing resource on how to deal with them, and are also great sounding post to just let you get some things off of your chest.  Yesterday, while I was volunteering at the cancer center the subject of support groups came up, a lovely lady was quite disturbed that there was no support group in her community - the infusion room becomes a support group at times, but she would like more.  David shares information on this subject as well as some links to online groups that you might want to check out.  Also, you can check out his blog at - http://haasblaag.blogspot.com.  I hope you enjoy this as much as I did......

They're Waiting to Welcome You
By: David Haas

A room full of concerned & compassionate loved ones surrounds you, yet you've never felt more alone. You look around at the faces of well-intentioned family and friends, yet can't find a single person who can genuinely relate to what you're going through. How can you be expected to express your appreciation to these people, what you really want to do is be left completely alone because none of these people have the experience to possibly understand.

Our personal stories, our coping strategies and our support systems may vary somewhat, but the truth is, you are never alone. Your experience is not unique and you don't have to figure this out all on your own. Sometimes the very people you need the most are the ones that you have never met, as so many are discovering through the gift of cancer survivor networks and supportive Internet programs. It's often in our anonymity that we are able to discover our true strengths and admit our deepest fears, along with making connections that we'll treasure a lifetime.

It's undeniable that speaking with and/or writing about your feelings with people who have been where you are can reduce stress, improve feelings of well-being and confidence, lessen loneliness, and help with coping skills, among other benefits. But now cancer support groups are being looked at as a possible direct link to improving the health of it's members. A recent small-scale study at Stanford actually found significant health benefits associated with involvement with these type groups. Larger-scale studies of this type are ongoing.

While some groups are dedicated to one particular type of cancer, patients vs. survivors, etc., many sites, such as Cancer Support Community, offer a comprehensive support site where you can find everything covered, from mesothelioma support groups, to help selecting a doctor to caregiver support and much, much more. This particular site even has a new smartphone app so that you can access it anytime, anywhere. I found the quote at the top of it's homepage particularly sums up the point:

"Having a place to share experiences and questions with others, as well as learn how to cope, all from the comfort of their home, will greatly benefit cancer patients.” - Ted Kennedy, Jr.

Gone are the days when cancer is something anyone has to face alone. So the next time you're fretting over cancer care costs or you want to hear experience from real patients who've undergone alternative therapies or you just feel inspired to share your own story with others who can find inspiration in it, remember you're only one click away from 1,000's that may even know you better than you know yourself.

Thank you David!!