Support group needed for cancer survivors

May 2014, as I sat there with my daughter, I hard my doctor say those dreaded words, “I am sorry to have to tell you that you have breast cancer.”
After giving me time to gather my thoughts, I asked “What are going to need to do?”
I was unable to concentrate on how the doctor replied because I was too busy trying to comprehend the diagnosis I’d just received. My daughter, who is an RN, listened to the doctor describe the journey I was about to undertake.
With so many visits to my surgeon, radiologist, oncologist and pharmacist, the information was so overwhelming. My husband and daughter were always there by my side, to listen and help make sense of what we would need to know about the upcoming treatments.
My support group through my journey was my family, friends and my work family. I work at Emmerson Packaging and they gathered around with love, prayers and support. It helped me through the roughest part of my journey.
My doctor, Dean Harrison, was always ready and able to hear my concerns and help guide me to what it was I needed to do. It was amazing and overwhelming to have his support and a thank you will never be enough.
One year and nine months later, this is all history and I started back to work to try to get some normalcy back in my life. I then started to face my next problem – you may beat the physical cancer but you must deal with the mental aspect of it as well.
At first, every ache or pain automatically brings fear. I knew I needed help so I contacted local health care people and was told there were no support groups in the area. I could go to Moncton, but that was not an option with working full-time.
I believe support groups for cancer survivors are essential. Friends and family are good listeners, however you need to talk to others who get it, who understand the mind games cancer plays. I do not believe you need to medicate to get through the mental battle. I believe if you have the right support you can get through anything.
The Amherst area is in desperate need of this service.
Sarah MacKenzie,
Amherst