Support

scorpiox55
scorpiox55 Member Posts: 18 Member
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I would like to know how many of you go to support groups or have a one on one with a counselor? My onco would like for me to have a one on one with their in house counselor once or twice since I am out of treatment now. She said it would be better than the group thing. She also said that this is the time most people have a hard time dealing with. I am doing better with my attitude but if this lady can help me be more positive, I'll go. Thanks, JoAnne

Comments

  • jake10
    jake10 Member Posts: 202
    #2
    He's right about the timing. When treatment stops and the running to appointments and such come to an end, our minds get very active. Before this you were fighting, getting surgery, chemo, radiation ect..... Now you're at the mercy of the sucess of those treatments. In the middle of the night that little itch that says "you may be growing more cancer as we speak", "you didn't know about the 1st one, what makes you think you'll know if it comes back?" and on and on.
    I felt the most confused and emotional when the running stopped. I don't think I have heard of an oncologist that has a counselor on staff. Cancer centers yes individual MD's offices no. Good Luck! Try it, it can't really hurt, unless you have this huge unresolved issue from childhood or ......LOL, Beth
  • scorpiox55
    scorpiox55 Member Posts: 18 Member
    #3
    Thanks, Beth. I believe I will go. It's free and there for me so why not? It can't hurt. One or two sessions with her might be the best thing I could do right now. JoAnne
  • DJC
    DJC Member Posts: 52
    #4
    Hi JoAnne - not unlike Beth, my depression and anxiety came on when I finished chemo treatments this past December. I'm seeing a therapist that specializes in treating cancer survivors for the second time tonight. My oncoligist referred me and I am fortunate in that my group insurance plan pays for this type of one-on-one professional attention. This therapist's plan is to teach me some coping skills to help me better handle my fears of reoccurance, etc. I'm a strong believer in taking advantage of every support avenue extended us. I hope you are able to take advantage of any and all counseling offered to you. We have our bodies treated for this disease - I think to become whole again, we should also have our physches and emotional selves treated. My best to you! Donna
  • Sandis
    Sandis Member Posts: 85
    #5
    I agree that you should take any support you can get. I have been going to a support group in Fairfax, VA for about a year and it has really helped me. Not only do we discuss ways to deal with stress, we also laugh about how each time we have an ache, we're sure its cancer. We also have group members who have recurrences and we listen to them talk about their experiences. I've found it very helpful. We have an oncology social worker that facilitates the group. I highly recommend it. Sandi
  • Trese
    Trese Member Posts: 8
    #6
    I have a close friend who just finished her chemo, and it seems that she is also experiencing more emotional trauma now than she did during treatment. Seems that it is unanimous. We all agree that it is best for you to take full advantage of any and all support, for as long as you feel it is helpful. Hope it goes well. Keep us updated.
  • lynne40
    lynne40 Member Posts: 87
    #7
    Hi JoAnne, It can't hurt. I went to a support group once , I wasn't going to talk even but I ended up talking alot. It helped and it was free. This center also gives free massage, reflexology and healing touch to cancer patients for 6 months. It has he3lped maybe your area has something like it too? Good Luck,
    Lynne

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