Cancer Support Group begins June 12

New Cancer Support Group Forming
Chester, CA

If you are looking for a safe supportive group to help you cope with a cancer diagnosis in any stage, Sierra Hospice is sponsoring a new Cancer Support Group. This group will meet from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on the second and fourth Thursdays, beginning June 12, 2008. It will be led by Jan Cox, cancer survivor, and Janis Davies, Whole Health Practitioner and will be held in the Education Building, at Seneca Healthcare District, 150 Brentwood, Chester. Group members are welcome to bring their lunches and eat during the meeting. Coffee, tea, and water will be available.

The question is sometimes asked, "Why should I attend a cancer support group?" There are several answers to this question. The first is that people who attend such a group get the support they need from others who have gone through similar treatments or are doing so now. In the group there will be others who know and will understand what you are feeling and coping with. Group support also helps the newly diagnosed to understand what they can do to live with this diagnosis. When we first learn that we have cancer, there is often a feeling of loneliness, fear, and loss of control. And there is a great need for information about our personal cancer. Access to this information will be available at these meetings.

Just a few of the subjects to be discussed include living with the fear of dying, learning to manage anger, managing fatigue and pain, coping with depression or guilt, searching for meaning in this life situation. Members will have time to share about their own personal cancer experience, their present concerns or fears, and what support is needed. Time will also be given to concerns about treatment decisions, side-effects, pain, relationships with family and with health-care providers, complementary therapies, and financial burdens. There will be opportunities to have guest speakers address the group’s specific needs or desires.

The support group is open to men and women who have been newly diagnosed, those currently undergoing healing therapies, those who have completed their therapies and are experiencing life with reduced medical support, and also to cancer survivors regardless of how long it has been. It is open to people experiencing any kind of cancer. People from all surrounding communities are welcome. Please contact Jan Cox at 256-2119 if you have any questions.