'Care, Share and Learn' Group is Lifeline for Cancer Patients and Their Families

It only takes a few meetings for patients to discover that the Care, Share and Learn group is "a lifeline," says Nancy H. Deen, MSW, a social worker in the Bodine Center for Cancer Treatment.

Participation in the support group helps dispel any reluctance patients and their family members may feel initially about being around others who are more seriously ill than they are. They learn that talking about cancer does not heighten their distress. And they come to value the peer support and camaraderie the group offers.

For five years, Ms. Deen has been the facilitator of "Care, Share and Learn," a free support group for cancer patients and their families. Each week, an average of 10 to 20 men and women gather for an hour to share their experiences with cancer and exchange information about coping strategies and medical resources. It is the only support group of its kind for cancer patients and their families in Center City, according to Ms. Deen, and is open to Jefferson and non-Jefferson patients alike.

"Cancer patients are living longer,"she says. "We have 10 million cancer survivors in this country today ­p; the population of California. When they are diagnosed, many of these people have no idea what cancer is or where to go for the right information about insurance coverage or resources such as home care or physical therapy." Even after recovery, she says, patients benefit from continuing group support to allay fears that "the cancer might come back."

The topics addressed vary from week to week. Sometimes, the focus is on clinical decisions and practical problems. Group members may offer advice to a newly diagnosed patient ("Bring a pad and take notes during your doctor appointments!") or help someone deal with making a decision about whether to have a colostomy or mastectomy.

Another week, the emphasis may be on family dynamics ­p; issues surrounding spouses and children. Stress management, including relaxation techniques, is another focus. In the past, there have been guest speakers on nutrition, humor therapy and community resources as well.

The group is diverse in terms of age (from 18 to 89) and situation. While most participants are currently undergoing treatment for cancer, some are in remission. Others are family members. One wife of a deceased cancer patient continues to come to the group and is a great help to other members, Ms. Deen notes.

"We share the good and the bad news. We cheer when someone's test comes back negative, and we share sorrow and grieving as well," the social worker says. "The group helps patients see that they're not in this alone ­p; that it's not just 'me' when they're diagnosed; it's 'us.' "

"Care, Share and Learn" meets every Friday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the Simon Kramer Conference Room, G312, at the Bodine Center for Cancer Treatment, 111 S. 11th Street. Call 5-8370 for more information.