support groups

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MarkWalz
MarkWalz Member Posts: 58
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
I have been looking for a support group in Eastern Kentucky, and it seems the closest one is 2-3 hours away. Does anyone have any advice for a support group? If I can't find one how do I start one? Who do I contact? any info will help.
thanks,
Mark

Comments

  • Penrose
    Penrose Member Posts: 2
    #2
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    I know this isn't face to face but.....can I be of any help even though I'm in California?
    Please check web page - Rectal Cancer - Still Hopeful - or under Penrose in the user directory.
  • spongebob
    spongebob Member Posts: 2,565 Member
    #3
    Options
    Ahoy, Mark -

    I checked the CSN Resources page and looked for colon cancer and just cancer support groups in KY and didn't find anything, either.

    What I would do is this:

    1. Contact the local office of the American Cancer Society - they should be in the phonebook, or you can probably Google them here on line. They should have a list of support groups.

    2. If that doesn't work, go to the largest local hospital - especially one with a "cancer center" (where did you get treatments?) Check with their public outreach staff or with the oncology or psychology departments, they should be able to suggest a support group for you.

    3. Check with some of the other possible resources in your area - churches, retirement centers, etc.

    A couple thoughts on a support group:

    1. You may not find a support group dedicated to just colon cancer. That's usually OK, the benefit is finding social support, not necessarily finding people to compare colonoscopy stories with (by the way, that's what WE'RE for!)

    2. If you want to start your own group, I would recommend finding a certified counselor to moderate the group - it's easy for one or two people to take control of the group and run away with it. It's always better to have a LCSW or other mental health professional around to keep things on track and to recognize when/if someone needs more or less help from the group or from health care providers.

    3. If all else fails, we're a good support group right here. True, we can't physically hug you and you can't hear the tune when we sing Kum Ba Ya, but the anonymity of the internet and a "virtual support group" is sometimes even more conducive to frank, no-holds-barred discussion/exchange.

    Lastly, I suspect Greta from CSN might have some more gems of knowledge for you - hit her up. Since she and her amazing staff surf our posts daily, you can probably just post a note to her right here.

    I hope this helps. Be well

    - SpongeBob
  • JoyceCanada
    JoyceCanada Member Posts: 134
    #4
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    Mark: I find that this group has helped me the most. I'm not the type of person who can "bare my soul to a group of people" - but here on the internet I can express all my fears without embarrassment.
    I'm the type of person who always tries to put on the brave face...."nothing gets me down" !!
    When the truth is that I'm terrified!
    The people here are warm and loving and I can feel them holding my hand through this rough road to recovery.

    I can be myself here!!!
  • spongebob
    spongebob Member Posts: 2,565 Member
    #5
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    JoyceCanada said:

    Mark: I find that this group has helped me the most. I'm not the type of person who can "bare my soul to a group of people" - but here on the internet I can express all my fears without embarrassment.
    I'm the type of person who always tries to put on the brave face...."nothing gets me down" !!
    When the truth is that I'm terrified!
    The people here are warm and loving and I can feel them holding my hand through this rough road to recovery.

    I can be myself here!!!

    By the way, Joyce...

    Speaking of holding your hand... can you put on some lotion? They're feeling rather rough lately...

    ;-)
  • JADot
    JADot Member Posts: 709 Member
    #6
    Options
    Hi Mark:

    I am with SpongeBob and Joyce - this is a great group right here! And you know what, you'll never have a bad hair day with this group :)

    Best of luck in your fight!
    JADot
  • Betsydoglover
    Betsydoglover Member Posts: 1,248 Member
    #7
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    Hi Mark -

    I can't help you with a support group in Kentucky, but I sure can tell you that this board is the only support group I feel I need. I'm not really ready to confess or anything to some group that meets on alternate Tuesdays, but I am very content, and helped, by being able to "talk" on this discussion board.

    Good luck in your search, but don't discount us as "support" either.

    Take care,
    Betsy
  • kerry
    kerry Member Posts: 1,313 Member
    #8
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    I can only add to all those who use this site as their support group! I also thought of creating a support group locally and then found my dear semi-colons. It may not work for everyone, but it has sure given me much needed support, information, cyber hugs and close friendships.

    If you think it will work for you, please join us.

    Kerry
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    #9
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    Mark,
    This is the reason I have chosen this as my support group! And yet, when you think there is nothing but tragedy, SpongeBob posts a joke...or there is word about the next ColonPalooza....or someone else just found out they were NED (No Evidence of Disease).
    This is a great support group....and the breast board, too.....you see, I got the 2-fer....colorectal and breast cancer...
    Hugs, Kathi
  • MarkWalz
    MarkWalz Member Posts: 58
    #10
    Options
    Penrose said:

    I know this isn't face to face but.....can I be of any help even though I'm in California?
    Please check web page - Rectal Cancer - Still Hopeful - or under Penrose in the user directory.

    I do want to talk to you. How? Is it through this reply message board?
    Mark
  • MarkWalz
    MarkWalz Member Posts: 58
    #11
    Options
    Betsydoglover said:

    Hi Mark -

    I can't help you with a support group in Kentucky, but I sure can tell you that this board is the only support group I feel I need. I'm not really ready to confess or anything to some group that meets on alternate Tuesdays, but I am very content, and helped, by being able to "talk" on this discussion board.

    Good luck in your search, but don't discount us as "support" either.

    Take care,
    Betsy

    I am not counting you out. I think of all the people so far I have contacted or met, you are the person most like me. Please let's talk. Just tell me how.
  • lfondots63
    lfondots63 Member Posts: 818 Member
    #12
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    Hi Mark,

    I want to agree to a few posts here. I love this group. They are fun, informational, and make me feel lots better. I would probably just cry the whole time in a support group face to face with people. I even get weepy here but nobody sees. LOL. You can e-mail any of us on the site by using our screen names. Whomever you feel comfortable with. HUGS to you and Take care.

    Lisa
  • Betsydoglover
    Betsydoglover Member Posts: 1,248 Member
    #13
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    MarkWalz said:

    I am not counting you out. I think of all the people so far I have contacted or met, you are the person most like me. Please let's talk. Just tell me how.

    Hi Mark - assuming this is intended for me, just check your CSN email - I sent you my email address.

    Betsy
  • nana98
    nana98 Member Posts: 31
    #14
    Options
    Hi Mark...
    Just finished reading all the replies you received. I agree with everyone. In March 2006 I was diagnosed with Stage III rectal cancer at age 47..I am semi-new to the area in which I now live. (Orginally from upstate NY) I don't know many people and just thinking about a support group makes me a nervous wreck...I am sort of shy and speaking in groups causes me anxiety. This site has been soooo very helpful, with all the sound advise, the caring and concern that everyone shows each other and the humor... I think the humor is wonderful... Every day I come to this site and smile... And on Fridays, well I laugh my butt off..Great way to start the weekend...
    Karen
  • MarkWalz
    MarkWalz Member Posts: 58
    #15
    Options
    Betsydoglover said:

    Hi Mark - assuming this is intended for me, just check your CSN email - I sent you my email address.

    Betsy

    I checked and I sent you an email at your address. thanks.
    mark
  • MarkWalz
    MarkWalz Member Posts: 58
    #16
    Options
    spongebob said:

    Ahoy, Mark -

    I checked the CSN Resources page and looked for colon cancer and just cancer support groups in KY and didn't find anything, either.

    What I would do is this:

    1. Contact the local office of the American Cancer Society - they should be in the phonebook, or you can probably Google them here on line. They should have a list of support groups.

    2. If that doesn't work, go to the largest local hospital - especially one with a "cancer center" (where did you get treatments?) Check with their public outreach staff or with the oncology or psychology departments, they should be able to suggest a support group for you.

    3. Check with some of the other possible resources in your area - churches, retirement centers, etc.

    A couple thoughts on a support group:

    1. You may not find a support group dedicated to just colon cancer. That's usually OK, the benefit is finding social support, not necessarily finding people to compare colonoscopy stories with (by the way, that's what WE'RE for!)

    2. If you want to start your own group, I would recommend finding a certified counselor to moderate the group - it's easy for one or two people to take control of the group and run away with it. It's always better to have a LCSW or other mental health professional around to keep things on track and to recognize when/if someone needs more or less help from the group or from health care providers.

    3. If all else fails, we're a good support group right here. True, we can't physically hug you and you can't hear the tune when we sing Kum Ba Ya, but the anonymity of the internet and a "virtual support group" is sometimes even more conducive to frank, no-holds-barred discussion/exchange.

    Lastly, I suspect Greta from CSN might have some more gems of knowledge for you - hit her up. Since she and her amazing staff surf our posts daily, you can probably just post a note to her right here.

    I hope this helps. Be well

    - SpongeBob

    Thanks for the information. I have checked many of hospitals here in the area. I went to a cancer center two hours away. You have been a great help and I have added you to my list. I would love to talk to you more.
    thanks
    mark
  • pink05
    pink05 Member Posts: 550
    #17
    Options
    Mark,

    Depending on where you go for cancer treatments, I would assume that you can possibly find a support group there. Maybe you can ask a nurse, your doctor, or other patients that you know.

    God bless,

    -Lee-
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #18
    Options
    spongebob said:

    Ahoy, Mark -

    I checked the CSN Resources page and looked for colon cancer and just cancer support groups in KY and didn't find anything, either.

    What I would do is this:

    1. Contact the local office of the American Cancer Society - they should be in the phonebook, or you can probably Google them here on line. They should have a list of support groups.

    2. If that doesn't work, go to the largest local hospital - especially one with a "cancer center" (where did you get treatments?) Check with their public outreach staff or with the oncology or psychology departments, they should be able to suggest a support group for you.

    3. Check with some of the other possible resources in your area - churches, retirement centers, etc.

    A couple thoughts on a support group:

    1. You may not find a support group dedicated to just colon cancer. That's usually OK, the benefit is finding social support, not necessarily finding people to compare colonoscopy stories with (by the way, that's what WE'RE for!)

    2. If you want to start your own group, I would recommend finding a certified counselor to moderate the group - it's easy for one or two people to take control of the group and run away with it. It's always better to have a LCSW or other mental health professional around to keep things on track and to recognize when/if someone needs more or less help from the group or from health care providers.

    3. If all else fails, we're a good support group right here. True, we can't physically hug you and you can't hear the tune when we sing Kum Ba Ya, but the anonymity of the internet and a "virtual support group" is sometimes even more conducive to frank, no-holds-barred discussion/exchange.

    Lastly, I suspect Greta from CSN might have some more gems of knowledge for you - hit her up. Since she and her amazing staff surf our posts daily, you can probably just post a note to her right here.

    I hope this helps. Be well

    - SpongeBob

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