Groups and meetings a support backbone for many

Jan. 11, 2015

For those suffering from cancer’s cruel effects, the opportunity to connect and share with others experiencing similar circumstances can be a great comfort.

"When the doctor tells you that you have cancer, it changes the whole world," said Jan Barber. "It’s difficult to handle on your own."

When Barber’s husband Wayne was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, they began attending a leukemia and lymphoma support group. Jan meets with a group for caregivers, while Wayne meets with others diagnosed with the disease.

"It’s not curable, but it is treatable," said Wayne of his disease. "It’s tough to talk about. Here you can talk to people in the same boat."

Those in attendance share the same questions regarding their quality and length of life. They say the opportunity to share benefits them all.

"Some are at their wit’s end. They talk it through," Wayne said.

There are support groups for most every type of cancer. If you have blood, breast or prostate cancer, if you’re a cancer survivor or a cancer caregiver, there’s help and support available.

Amy Juneau is a clinical oncology social worker in Petoskey. She works with McLaren Cancer Institute/Karmanos Cancer Institute to assist those dealing with cancer. She breaks down the disease’s effects into what she calls five dimensions of survivorship:

- Physical – body changes and side effects such as fatigue and weight loss - Social – changes in social roles, changes in schedules, etc.

- Psychological – emotional adjustments, depression, anxiety - Spiritual – questioning of faith or meaning - Financial and practical – ability to work, health insurance, how to afford or arrange transportation for treatment

"How people deal with cancer is influenced by many things," Juneau said. "Each situation is unique."

Cancer affects all those who fall within its reach; it’s not limited to those who contract cancer and their caregivers. Juneau, who also has a private practice, works with a group called CLIMB – Children’s Lives Include Moments of Bravery – a support group for children whose parents have cancer.

"It’s for kids 5-12 with a loved one who has cancer: a parent, grandparent, sibling," she said.

The six-week session provides the children with age-appropriate information and healthy ways to cope. It assures them that they’re not alone and gives them a connection with others.

Hospitals and oncologists can provide patients with information about local, online and telephone support groups. The American Cancer Society lists many of them on its website at www.cancer.org/treatment/supportprograms. Others are listed in the sidebar here.

Kathy Jacobson is a registered nurse who facilitates the Circle of Strength at Charlevoix Memorial Hospital. The group is comprised of women who have survived breast cancer and are now dedicated to helping other women do the same.

"We try to do what we can to help – visit, make phone calls, go on doctor’s appointments," she said.

The core group consists of about a half dozen women who meet monthly, with others joining occasionally. It includes one woman from Beaver Island who meets with them electronically.

Kim Stevens is a member currently working with a young woman who was just diagnosed with breast cancer. She says knowing she can be there for someone who may be struggling is a gift.

"We want them to know there are options, there’s hope," she said.

This may be the biggest benefit to those who attend these get-togethers. The camaraderie of others facing the same challenges in a non-clinical setting allows them both a bonding experience and a respite.

"Not everybody understands," said Jan Barber. "Nobody’s afraid to ask questions. We get good resources and we get laughter."

Cancer Support Groups

Here’s just a partial list of support groups and services for those living with cancer, undergoing treatment for the disease, or who have survived.

Northern Michigan Cancer Crusaders: (Lois Cook) 231-838-0724

Munson Women’s Cancer Fund: munsonhealthcare.org/

Munson Cancer Support Groups: munsonhealthcare.org/cancersupport-mmc

Trailing for Triumph: trailingfortriumph.org (resources for breast cancer survivors)

Look Good, Feel Better: www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org (skin and hair care for women in treatment)

Road to Recovery (transportation resources for survivors to/from cancer treatment) - contact the American Cancer Society

Circle of Strength Cancer Support: cah.org/che/communityed. html#CircleofStrength

West Shore Medical Group (general cancer): (231) 935-6571

McLaren Northern Michigan (general cancer): (800) 248-6777

Northport Area Cancer Support Group (general cancer): 231-386-7715

Mercy Hospital Cadillac (general cancer): 231-876-6504

Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Cadillac (general cancer): (231) 775-3261

Northern Michigan Hospital Just for Us (breast cancer): (231) 487-4900

Grand Traverse Breast Cancer Support Group: (231) 941-8771

Grand Traverse Cancer Support Group: (231) 935-6578

Grand Traverse Yoga for Cancer Patients: (231) 935-6578

Regional Leukemia Society (leukemia and related cancers): (231) 456-5413

Man-To-Man Support Network (prostate cancer) (989) 732-8337

Cadillac Cancer Support Group: (231) 876-7297

Wexford US Too Prostate Cancer Support Group: (231) 829-3214