To all of our new "members" and maybe some of our veterans

missrenee
missrenee Member Posts: 2,136 Member
in Breast Cancer #1
With all the new members, and so many of us struggling right now on this board, may I offer a recommendation that has certainly changed my life and helped me so much through this struggle.

As some of you know, I attend a 2-hour group therapy session every week at a wonderful place called "The Wellness Community" here in Phoenix, AZ. They are a nation-wide organization, but not in every state yet. Their sole purpose is to help cancer patients deal with their situations. They are totally funded by private donations and all of their programs and support groups are completely free of charge.

They offer such classes as knitting, journaling, yoga, Tai Chi, healthy cooking, meditation and relaxation classes and support group sessions led by licensed therapists. They also have frequent lectures on various topics related to cancer from physicians, therapists, etc.

I have attended many classes, lectures and attend a weekly 2-hour support session led by a wonderful therapist. There are between 10-15 people in each group, each battling some type of cancer. Sometimes (with treatments, surgeries, vacations, etc.) there are less. We lead the discussions and topics. The therapist is really just a moderator to suggest and advise. These 2 hours are 2 of the most important hours in my week. It is a positive, encouraging session and we always try to see the good and positive in everything. There is no judgment--if you're struggling and crying, that's okay. But, I do have to say, usually we do much more laughing than crying.

Anyway, it's made a huge difference in my life and I just wanted to share it with you. If you are interested, I hope your community has this wonderful place.

Hugs, Renee

Comments

  • ksf56
    ksf56 Member Posts: 202
    #2
    Oh Renee!
    This sounds like you have such a wonderful situation in Phoenix! I only wish! We have cancer centers and the programs are free but there are no support groups or therapy sessions available. They have yoga etc. but the facility is very small and doesn't fit many people. Luckily, they are building a new facility and hopefully, I'll get to use some of the programs. I've asked about support groups and was told that they had tried them in the past but poor attendance made them stop. I hope you really take advantage of what you have there. I'm envious!

    Hugs back at you!
    Karen
  • New Flower
    New Flower Member Posts: 4,294
    #3
    ksf56 said:

    Oh Renee!
    This sounds like you have such a wonderful situation in Phoenix! I only wish! We have cancer centers and the programs are free but there are no support groups or therapy sessions available. They have yoga etc. but the facility is very small and doesn't fit many people. Luckily, they are building a new facility and hopefully, I'll get to use some of the programs. I've asked about support groups and was told that they had tried them in the past but poor attendance made them stop. I hope you really take advantage of what you have there. I'm envious!

    Hugs back at you!
    Karen

    Wellness community
    Wellness Community is an organization with local chapters across the country.
    Please find your local one
    Thank you Renee
  • ksf56
    ksf56 Member Posts: 202
    #4
    New Flower said:

    Wellness community
    Wellness Community is an organization with local chapters across the country.
    Please find your local one
    Thank you Renee

    Thanks
    My hope was rising there for a minute. I logged off and went right to a search for The Wellness Community. Alas and alack, it seems like they have them in many places but the closest one to me is 79 miles away - darn it! That's Iowa for you - they can't seem to even get a Dunkin Donuts here so it shouldn't be a big surprise. Now I'm in a funk and feel deprived again.

    Thanks anyway - good luck everyone!
    Karen
  • rallendorfer
    rallendorfer Member Posts: 244
    #5
    I have to ask something...
    I am just too tired to go. Is this not the norm? I know that maybe its because I work part time through this, but there is no energy left to try to fit anything in. I found our local center has great programs but they are during the day mostly, and its impossible for me to drag my sorry carcass out of here after work. My center even offered me a 3 day spa-get-a-way completely paid for, but I was so sick and so fatigued there was no way I could take them up on it. And I wondered because aren't we all feeling like that? Am I just a little off? well don't ask my husband that question. ;-)

    Still, I am very happy for you. I would join you if I could too! Are you able to do it with fatigue?

    Love you so much,
    Rebecca
  • camul
    camul Member Posts: 2,537
    #6
    We have this also
    I have never been to the support groups but I was going to gentle yoga and meditation until I was no longer able to get back up once I got on the floor. We also have theraputic massage which I have utilized. They are one hour sessions and are also free. There are many massage theraposts lisenced in theraputic that offer their time. I agree they have wonderful programs. I too, am usually to worn out at night to go 7-9p to the support group and it is downtown and I dont drive much at night anymore and it is about 25 miles round trip.

    I agree though The Wellness groups are wonderful.
  • Pershephone
    Pershephone Member Posts: 8
    #7
    Thanks, Renee for this info.
    Thanks, Renee for this info. I will look for a Wellness Community in my area. Sounds like something that would work well for me. I work part time but so far have lots of energy. I'm almost finished with 33 radiation treatments and will have some free time.

    Jeanne
  • debsweb18
    debsweb18 Member Posts: 191 Member
    #8
    Thanks Renee,
    I wish I could find something closer to home. Most activities are during the week when I'm working or too far away. I'll keep looking. I'm at that point where I need to have contact with other breast cancer "members". Only we know what we're going through. I had wonderful support through Facebook while going through treatments. I was planning my 40 year reunion and I had such a cheering squad. But sometimes I get tired of being "strong, positive" you know the drill. I HAVE no CHOICE but to get through this.I want to complain if I want to. I want information I need. I want to provide information to others.I want friendships with other people that have gone through what I have.

    Deb

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