I'm new here....looking for support

[panther56]

I was diagnosed in Dec. 2020 after losing my dad in Jan. then my mom in July. I feel like there is minimal support in my area, I cannot find a lung cancer support group. My family is not understanding and unfortunately I feel like I have no one to talk to about what I am going through. Loneliness is definitely an issue. Any tips or advice would be wonderful. Thank you!

[Jenniferroseolson]

Oh, friend. This is heartbreaking. Your grief at the loss of your parents on top of your diagnosis is unimaginably difficult. I’m glad you reached out to us. We can help you by offering our own experiences when you have questions. I also might suggest you reach out to GO2 Foundation and ask to be matched with a phone buddy if that interests you. They may also be able to help you find a support group or perhaps there are some that do it by zoom? Is there a Gilda’s Club near you? Their organization provides support for all cancer types (support groups or art or cooking classes or other programming is not divided by cancer type). There is one in Kansas City where I live that does terrific work. I am so sorry you feel alone with your cancer. The truth, I believe, is that we cancer patients do seem to now have a different language of emotions and experiences that healthy people don’t always/sometimes/often want to get too close to. Hang in there. You are NOT alone in this.Jennifer

[panther56 in reply to Jenniferroseolson]

Hello Jennifer,Thank you for the kind words. I will look into Go2foundation. I have never heard of Gilda's Club but I can look into that too. It has been a struggle trying to find assistance with this. Never mind the paperwork, but it gets done. I completely agree with the different language...it can be a hard one to grasp, one of the reasons I am looking for assistance. Thank you so much. Amanda <3

[Jenniferroseolson in reply to panther56]

Www.GO2foundation.org. HelpLine at 1-800-298-2436 or email [e-mail]. For general questions, call 202-463-2080. All services are free.

[panther56 in reply to Jenniferroseolson]

Thank you!

[Feelingblessed2013]

Hi panther56, please know that you are not alone. Check out Go2 foundation, or visit impermanangels.org. they provide guidance and resources for cancer fighters. They put an emphasis on one on one support. They can set you up with a mentor, someone who's been through what you are going through, if you choose to do that. Once connected to a mentor, you can communicate by phone, email, text messages, whatever works best for you.In the meantime, come here as often as you want.

I am very sorry that you are going through all of this. Just know that you don't have to do it alone.

[panther56 in reply to Feelingblessed2013]

Thank you Feelingblessed2013, I appreciate your guidance and support. Take care! <3

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer]

Very sorry you’ve not found the support you need. I, too, lost both my parents to lung cancer. It’s devastating. Others here mentioned the Phone Buddy Program the Go2 Foundation sponsors.

To learn more or to request a phone Buddy: go2foundation.org/resources...

Next week the Foundation has a meeting called Gatherly on the web. It’s a social hour for lung cancer patients.

gatheringhope04-2022.event....

For help finding your local Gilda’s Club or their partner Cancer Support Community visit:

cancersupportcommunity.org/...

Additionally, the Go2 website has a list of resources and support groups around the country here:

go2foundation.org/resources...

You don’t have to face this alone. Perhaps we’ll get a chance to chat at the Gatherly!

[panther56 in reply to Denzie]

Hello, I will keep an eye on these suggestions. My treatments fall on Tuesdays and i have to travel for them. So I will be unable to attend unfortunately. I checked for support groups in my area and there are none for Western Mass. I appreciate all of the suggestions. I will continue to browse Go2 for help. There are no Gilda clubs in this area either. Thank you so much! Maybe one day I will see you in a living room. Take care