macarena1

Good morning
At my cancer clinic, support groups are advertised on a bulletin board. There's one for people in the 20s, 30s, and 40s. After attending a support group at which I was the youngest by around 20 years, I very quickly realized that my needs, hopes, fears, etc... might not be a good fit for that group. The people there were mostly wonderful, but the facilitator definitely had a perspective that did not match where I am in my life. When I shared my fear of not being able to return to a high level of fitness, her response was that I simply needed to grieve for my fitness and move on. I'm sorry, but I'm going to fight like XXX to get that back!!!! I'm not writing it off! Anyway, there's a monthly support group here in the twin cities (MN) that meets on Thursday nights... in about two weeks, I'll be trying that one out. I saw the flier on the bulletin board by the coffee makers in my clinic.
So, I hope this helps.... And I am so sorry we share this diagnosis.
Lee

You might try the American Cancer Society as they maintain lists of support groups in many communities. This is how I found Man-to-Man (prostate cancer support) in my area. The local ACS chapter may be of help, too. I'd also suggest talking to the local cancer treatment centers and hospitals as they frequently are aware of the support groups.

I live in Chicago area. I found two breast support groups through American Cancer Society.

Another source might be checking with hospitals. Some hospitals offer a support group and some do not offer any support group.

Good luck.

Cancer is a very emotional illness, I strongly suggest you tell your oncologist that you are having a difficult time coping with your current situation he can give you meds to help you cope and get you through treatment. Things will even out with time, but I will be honest with you and tell you that to some degree once we know we have had cancer we tend to always be a bit more emotional in regards to our health. Please speak to your doctor as soon as possible and let me know how you are doing.

hi there - what's your regimen like? i'm nine cycles into my 12 weekly cycles of taxol, with carboplatin on every third... i'm also on an experimental drug that seems to be mucking with my blood counts in a big way... that will be followed by 4 cycles of AC every other week.

i find that exercise helps a TON!!!! i don't know what you like to do in terms of being active, but whatever it is, DO IT DO IT DO IT!!!! my mental state always improves after motion. for me, that is riding my bicycle. i'm no where near as fast as i was pre-chemo... but i still ride quite a lot. sometimes, the rides are short... sometimes, they are longer. i still ride to work and home each day, even if it takes a while!

i also agree with re16 - talk to your medical team. your oncologist might have good advice - suggestions - maybe a perscription... your nurses may also have some excellent insights. and above, i see you are looking for a support group. we are similar in age... i don't know if we are similar in other aspects of our lives.

i'm a chemistry professor, a mom, and a bike racer. i've the fantastic good fortune of being with the love of my life.... what else... i'm politically pretty left... i'm a dork... a nerdy sort of a dork (chem prof- duh, right?)... so, if that sounds like a person you might wanna e-support with, please email me. maybe we can help each other through this totally unfair and unfun journey... although, there are some fun aspects... like how awesome many of my friends have been... and how awesome those chemo-chair naps are (adavan and benadryl will do that).

hugs.

I agree with everything that RE16 and leepenn said. I was an emotional wreck until my doctor put me on Prozac. That made it SOOO much easier to deal with everything that was going on in my life. By all means, look into that possibility.

I have also found that there are small things I can for myself to help relax. I don't know if you're a reader, but I love to read, and reading really gives me an escape for as long as my nose is in a book. I also love bubble baths, and I relax all the way down to my toes when I'm soaking in that hot, soapy water. If there are things that you particularly enjoy, indulge yourself...you deserve it.

me too!!!!! hate it!

did you have to have a second surgery, then?