Support in your local community.

[Denzie]

The day all treatment ended and I was released to begin life without the benefit of seeing my radiation oncologist or the infusion nurse on a weekly basis was a scary day. The idea that it would be three months before I saw anyone again left me overwhelmed. Finding web boards like these and in person support groups helped relieve those fears.

Each of us needs to talk to others that have been in our shoes, to know we are not alone. It may be that you are in the process of getting a diagnosis, you may be in treatment, you may be on a targeted lifetime therapy, you may be finished with chemo and radiation or surgery, you might be the caregiver, we can all benefit from talking to others that have "been there".

The Go2 Foundation that supports this webpage has a program that I mention from time to time called the Phone Buddy program and they will match you up with others who've had similar experiences. Please know that there are also in person support groups across the country

When my mom was diagnosed with her nsclc in 2006, she and I participated in support groups at a Gilda's Club, later when I was diagnosed I found Cancer Support Community near me. I found much strength in the company of others who knew what it was like to hear the words "you have cancer".

The patient support personnel at Go2 have generated a list of support groups and list them by state so you can find if there is something near you.

If you already attend an in person group, please check to see if it is listed here If it's not listed, please send us a link to their information so that they can be added.

go2.org/resources-and-suppo...

cancersupportcommunity.org/...

go2.org/resources-and-suppo...

[dunnellon]

Thanks for posting Denzie. I didn't find any resources near my location but I passed the info on to some friends with lung cancer in Pennsylvania who do live near support resources and social groups.

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer in reply to dunnellon]

Thank you! If you become aware of one near you please let me know so I can have it added. Also, if your hospital or senior center has a special exercise program for survivors, I'd love to hear about it!

[Ncpoet]

Denzie is right about how important support groups are in helping you get through a diagnosis and treatment. This group was especially helpful to me. I learned so much along my journey. In 2013, I was diagnosed with NSCLC stage 4 and yet I am still here going on 11 years later. With an ALK mutation, I did targeted treatment. Chemotherapy wasn’t easy but obviously well worth it for me ( despite one drug causing a prolonged QT wave). Memory has faded from those earlier struggles as I have gotten on with my life. No return of lung cancer. During initial testing, it was discovered I also had borderline Ovarian cancer. Fortunately, surgery took care of that. In 2021, during a scan, a small questionable spot in breast showed up. It would have never been felt- too small and too deep. Surgery showed it was stage 1. Taking Tamoxifen since it was estrogen +. I continue to be cancer free. I even say lung cancer actually saved my life as those scans stopped other developing cancers in their tracks. Never give up hope. You can survive! “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12. Having a positive attitude, finding laughter everyday, and a strong faith got me through. Praying you will make it through as well. Judy

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer in reply to Ncpoet]

We've been through a lot with our cancers, you and I. Its great to see that you are still kicking some cancer patootie. Thank you for checking in, and if you learn of in person meetings close to you, please let me know.