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User: CancerNews
I am looking for face to face support groups in the South Jersey/ Philadelphia area. Anyone know where I can find this info? Having a hard time locating them.
Hi Tamara,
If you click on "Resources" in the blue bar above, you should be taken to a page that provides you with a list of both local and national resources, including support groups. Additionally, you can contact the American Cancer Society (phone number is at the bottom of this page) and they can point you in the right direction. One more option is to contact the social worker at your cancer center and they should be able to help you out.
I hope this helps!
Karen
Hi Tamara,
I am also in South Jersey, but did not go to a support group (yes, it was hard to find one so I just relied upon my friends). A very good friend recommended this organization which is formerly The Wellness Community, which meets in the Germantown section of Philadelphia.
Hi Tamara, I just saw your post about face-to-face support groups in NJ. I'd like to mention that I have a radio show (based in Bala Cynwyd, PA) together with a friend of mine called Let's Talk Cancer. Although we are not a face-to-face forum, I like to think of our show as an on-air support group. You and your mom are welcome to call into our show any time, or just listen if you'd like. It's a very uplifting show. I always try to turn a negative into a positive. You can find us on Facebook at Let's Talk Cancer or go to our station's website WWDBAM.com and look under Thursday's listings for our show name. I also live near Woodbury and have been living with cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer) for 2 yrs now. This type of cancer is very similar to pancreatic cancer. If there is anything I can do for you, or help you find resources available, please don't hesitate to call upon me. If you or your mom would ever like to talk, I'm always available, and we live so close by. Keeping you & your family in my prayers. I'll be following your journey.
Kim
Side Effects (Depression/Anxiety): My mom has been very depressed lately, which in turn, makes me very depressed. I feel like she has accepted her fate and that is a hard pill to swallow. I don't know how we are going to get through this.
My husband of 36 years was diagnosed about the same time as your mom. He also had a Whipple and has started chemo. When I first got the news, I didn't think I could get through this. Somehow, you will find the strength. You will find people who really support you and your mother. I am so sorry you are dealing with this at a time that should only be joyful for you--when you are planning your wedding.
Oh No (Diagnosed): My mom was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer October 21, 2011. This was the day my life completley turned upside down. I had just gotten engaged two weeks before and thought it was the happiest time in my life. Little did I know, in two weeks my life would change forever. October 19, my mom had told me she stayed from work because her stomach hurt. When I went to bring her ginger ale for her stomach, I noticed immediatley the jaundice in her eyes and skin. I had just seen her a few days before and could not believe the rapid change. We took her to the hospital, and it was confirmed. November 2nd, she went in for her whipple procedure, which did not go well, as the tumor is wrapped around her blood vessel. She is now in her 3rd week of a combo of chemo and radiation. I am not optimistic and feel myself drowning. I am an only child and do not speak with my dad and am going absolutley crazy. All I want to do is cry, drink, and sleep.
When my husband was 1st diagnosed I couldn't quit crying. I knew I needed help but couldn't even call my doctor. I finally texted my son and asked him to come be with me and with him there I was able to call the doctor, who prescribed Ativan, which is an anti-anxiety. I can identify with your desire to only cry, drink and sleep. If it lasts more than a week or so, you should probably talk to your doctor and see if there is an anti-depressant or anti-anxiety that would help. It might help your mom, too.
Hi Tamara,
My name is Greg and I am very sorry to hear about your mom. Unfortunately, I am on this message board for the same reason as you and I understand exactly what you are feeling. My mom is 64 and she was diagnosed with Stage III pancreatic cancer one day before my birthday on July 18, 2011. Our surgery did not go very well either, but she has been responding very well to chemotherapy, so I am extremely hopeful that things can turn around for her.
I just wanted to let you know that I was touched by your post and I am praying for your mother. Try to stay positive around her and make her laugh as much as you can. And remember that just because the surgery was not successful doesn't mean that your fight is over. I read all the time about long-term survivors who were unable to remove the cancer with surgery. Let me know if you have any questions for me.
