Two individual Cancer Support Groups are available for current and/or recovering cancer patients, family members and caregivers. The Cancer Support Group is a free service of PCRMC and is open to all community members.

“Cancer is an anxious time for a patient and his or her family,” says Mary Graham, M.D., medical director of Radiation Oncology. “Questions abound the patient with thoughts such as ‘why me,’ ‘what should I have done to prevent this,’ and ‘what is my best treatment?’” Graham continued. “We are providing cancer patients and their caregivers with a strong support system to provide tools and support with which to cope with this disease.”

“Sometimes a cancer patient’s caregiver is overlooked during the process, which is unfortunate” says Jason Sharp, B.S., R.T., director of Radiation Oncology. “During this time many people are concerned about the physical and emotional condition of the patient, but don’t realize that the caregiver may be facing emotional challenges, too. That’s why we have a separate support group specifically tailored for caregivers,” Sharp said.

Randee Jo Feco, Psy.D., psychologist at PCRMC, says the Cancer Support Group will help cancer patients and their loved ones by encouraging a positive attitude and developing a network of friends who are facing a similar situation.

“The Cancer Support Group is formatted to encourage both groups (cancer patients and caregivers) to really talk about the situation. My hope is that when they go home they have open communication, which is so important during a health complication,” Dr. Feco continued. “We want both parties to acknowledge their own feelings and be able to cope with the condition. Both parties have the power to take control their situation, instead of allowing their illness to control them,” Dr. Feco said.   

CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
The Cancer Support Group provides an opportunity to discuss the disease with other cancer patients, family members and caregivers in a friendly, inviting atmosphere. Cancer Support Group facilitators consist of health experts in the field of radiation oncology, medical oncology and professional counselors.

DISCUSSION TOPICS
Throughout the Cancer Support Group, a variety of topics will be covered. Discussion topics include:

• self-image
• physical change
• social roles
• dependency
• stigmas
• abandonment
• anger
• isolation

“Within each of the discussion topics we have small breakout sessions to discuss specific topics,” Dr. Feco said. “For example, during the Physical Change discussion topic we talk about the possibility of patients loosing their hair, a loss in weight and the difficulty of performing activities of daily living, which in the past may have seemed trivial,” she said.

Beverly Ricker, R.N., B.S.N., O.C.N., director of medical oncology says all people affected by cancer should attend. “I think this is a wonderful opportunity for patients, their family members and caregivers because professional guidance will be offered during each session,” Ricker said. “Guidance and support is so important when dealing with cancer and this is something that will be offered throughout their entire cancer care continuum,” she said.

Please call (573) 458-7500 for the next Cancer Support Group meeting. It is free of charge and individuals affected by cancer are encouraged to attend.

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