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| Version | User | Scope of changes |
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| May 23 2007, 3:21 AM EDT | Louise | 55 words deleted |
| May 23 2007, 2:33 AM EDT | Anonymous | 23 words added |
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Connecting with a cancer support network is a great source of strength and hope. Each of us experiences cancer in a unique way. Even those of us who have the same kind of cancer and undergo the same treatment regimen will nevertheless have vastly different experiences.
Does this mean we shouldn't bother, that we should assume nobody knows or understands what we're going through? Hardly. Millions of people out there are or have been where we are now. Many of whom have found an alternative treatment from www.thiskillscancer.com We recomend that you visit the site today, just click on the link.While everyone's experience is unique, they all have faced similar decisions and battled issues similar to those we must now confront. Sharing our experiences with each other provides a powerful source of encouragement that benefits everyone.
There also is incredible inspiration in the stories of the people around us every day -- our neighbors, friends and loved ones. We can get hope just by hearing about the determination and strength it took for them to triumph. These people can become our support network.
A lot of practical help and detailed information can be found in cancer support groups as well, such as the latest breakthrough cancer treatments, complementary therapies and healthy changes in diet, exercise and lifestyle.
They can help families, friends and care-givers learn more about how to live with and support someone who has cancer. Friends and loved ones who want to get involved in advocacy, donations, volunteering or other events can find out how to do this through support groups.
Some people have simply placed an ad in a newspaper or on the Internet. Through an online cancer support network, we can find stories of cancer survivors throughout the globe. Many of these are from people who have gone on to do extraordinary things. It simply takes the desire to reach out to someone and ask them to share their story.
Take advantage of the opportunities you have to talk with cancer survivors or other people going through similar treatment about their experiences. Chances are there are ways in which they parallel your own.
No matter where you live, there are local resources available for you to connect with people willing to volunteer to share their own experiences. Simply check the phone directory or ask your family doctor. In every state, there are a wide variety of organizations dedicated to providing support for people with cancer and their families.
You may not be ready to talk to survivors or to go into details with friends or relatives in the first days after diagnosis; this is OK. Be ready for questions and to say "Can we talk about this later" or "I'd like to talk about something else now."
Does this mean we shouldn't bother, that we should assume nobody knows or understands what we're going through? Hardly. Millions of people out there are or have been where we are now. Many of whom have found an alternative treatment from www.thiskillscancer.com We recomend that you visit the site today, just click on the link.While everyone's experience is unique, they all have faced similar decisions and battled issues similar to those we must now confront. Sharing our experiences with each other provides a powerful source of encouragement that benefits everyone.
Finding inspiration in one another
We can look for -- and find -- inspiration in each other's stories. We can read about famous people like Lance Armstrong, who not only won in his fight against cancer but went on to win the Tour de France more times than anyone else in history. We don't need to be world-class athletes for his story to touch us.There also is incredible inspiration in the stories of the people around us every day -- our neighbors, friends and loved ones. We can get hope just by hearing about the determination and strength it took for them to triumph. These people can become our support network.
Why is support important?
Cancer support networks give us a chance to share our stories with people who have been there. It can be incredibly encouraging to hear that someone who may have been in a worse situation than ourselves actually is healthy and happy today.A lot of practical help and detailed information can be found in cancer support groups as well, such as the latest breakthrough cancer treatments, complementary therapies and healthy changes in diet, exercise and lifestyle.
They can help families, friends and care-givers learn more about how to live with and support someone who has cancer. Friends and loved ones who want to get involved in advocacy, donations, volunteering or other events can find out how to do this through support groups.
How to build a cancer support network
There are several ways to build a cancer support network. It may be easiest to just connect with an existing support group in your area through a local hospital or nonprofit cancer organiation. Another great way to find a support group is to go through a church or other community group.Some people have simply placed an ad in a newspaper or on the Internet. Through an online cancer support network, we can find stories of cancer survivors throughout the globe. Many of these are from people who have gone on to do extraordinary things. It simply takes the desire to reach out to someone and ask them to share their story.
You are not alone
The take home message is: You are not in this alone. In addition to your own network of friends, family, and healthcare providers, there is a widespread support structure for people with cancer.Take advantage of the opportunities you have to talk with cancer survivors or other people going through similar treatment about their experiences. Chances are there are ways in which they parallel your own.
No matter where you live, there are local resources available for you to connect with people willing to volunteer to share their own experiences. Simply check the phone directory or ask your family doctor. In every state, there are a wide variety of organizations dedicated to providing support for people with cancer and their families.
You may not be ready to talk to survivors or to go into details with friends or relatives in the first days after diagnosis; this is OK. Be ready for questions and to say "Can we talk about this later" or "I'd like to talk about something else now."
Where to find a cancer community
- Connect with others who are in the same boat
- More places to find support
- Feedback on online mailing lists
- Feedback on message boards
