Alone with a cancer diagnosis

Thank you for starting this topic Elizabeth. I hope you don't mind, but I changed the title to "Alone with a cancer diagnosis" because I think that this is a situation that many find themselves, regardless of the type of cancer. I'm bringing @berit into this discussion, as I think she may have something to add to it.

I hope that an online community like Connect can help reduce the isolation. But I know it is not a replacement for human contact. To face this journey alone is lonesome. Elizabeth, have you looked in in-person support groups in your area? I know @hopeful33250 talks about this quite a bit.

Thank you Colleen, I did need assistance with the topic. I have severe dysplasia and my issue is
what to do about it. The surgery to remove stage 1 "C" on the surface was successful but I have
various opinions on what to do with the amount of dysplasia. this set in about 2 or 3 weeks after
surgery. I did not have radiation as the pain never left and I have lichen planus in this area that
is painful also. To control the pain and do some treatment whatever the malady affects one's attitude and brings hope.

I don't think we should loose hope but try different options, md trials, herbs, vitamins, oils, etc.
and look into proton radiation etc. A world of knownlege to share one patient to another, especially
if one is sharing the same diagnosis.

@elizabethbryant I'm glad that you brought up this topic. Feeling isolated is a common feeling when you have a chronic illness. You might contact the local chapter of the American Cancer Society in your area to see if they have any in-person support groups near where you live. Perhaps a Gilda Club or other support group. I just recently started a support group in my church and it has been very well attended. People just need to share their stories with others. Please keep sharing your story with us and others. As I always tell my church support group, "We are stronger together." Best wishes to you and keep in touch! Teresa

Teresa , my church is constantly offering many bible studies and topical discussions. I think starting one in your church was an awesome idea !
Think I will push for one in my church, there are so many times it tests a persons faith and raises many questions, in general and about faith. Joining together and LISTENING to others can give us strength in dealing with the hand we were dealt. Thank You for the idea !!! Have to get going on it while I still have time. It has to help us just in not feeling alone. Thanks again Teresa

@allisonsnow So true! I was told by some folks at my church that this type of group would never be accepted, people just didn't like to talk about their problems, but the result was quite the opposite! Everyone who came to the first meeting all talked about how much they needed it and how glad they were that their church was offering it. Best wishes to you as you attempt to start one at your church. You might look at the website for "Rest Ministries" to get some more ideas. Teresa

Teresa, Thank you again for the tip and your interest as I go on may I bounce ideas off of you? Or if anyone else has had a productive experience they would like to share. Well my meds are kicking in better get off computer before I buy a new wardrobe 🙂 🙂

@allisonsnow Yes, please feel free to bounce ideas as they come to you. A really great book is Doing Well at Being Sick, by Wendy Wallace. If you have not read it, I highly recommend it. It was what challenged me to start the group. Best wishes! Teresa