SUPPORT


Support can come in many forms. Face to face, by telephone, in online chat rooms, through teleconferencing - there's a medium for everyone. Here are some suggestions.

General Information

Canadian Cancer Society Support Groups and Programs

"CanSurmount" is a one-to-one visiting program by trained volunteers who have experienced cancer. Women who have had breast cancer surgery are offered emotional support by others who have had similar experiences.

"CancerConnection" is a program offering one-to-one support over the telephone with a matched cancer survivor or caregiver. Contact the CancerConnection Coordinator at (toll-free) 1-888-753-6520. The volunteer will contact you within 48 hours of the request.

"Roots of Support Groups" provide face-to-face group support in many communities across the province. Meetings are open to people who have been touched by all types of cancer. Some of the communities with groups are:

Baie Verte, Botwood, Buchans, Burgeo, Burin
Carbonear, Change Islands, Clarenville, Corner Brook
Fogo Island, Gander, Grand Bank, Grand Falls-Windsor
Hawkes Bay, Port-Aux-Basques, Springdale, St. John's, Stephenville, Twillingate

For further information about meetings, check our Calendar page or contact the Canadian Cancer Society in your area.

Independent Face-to-Face Support Groups

Placentia

"The Gathering of Friends" meets at the Area Development Association Board Room in Placentia every third Monday of the month. Open to people whose lives have been touched with all types of cancer. For more information, call Theresa Collins at (709) 227-2432.

St. John's

"Exceptional Patients Against Cancer" is an independent group for people with all types of cancer to share support with each other. The group meets every third Monday of the month in a member's home. There are no meetings in July, August and December. For more information, call Monica Bridger at (709) 722-9166.

St. John's

"Sharing Our Strength" is an independent support group  in St. John's - "women talking, laughing, crying and supporting each other in their fight against breast cancer." Meetings are held once a month at members' homes. For more information, call Peggy at (709) 437-1549.

Lymphedema Support Group

St. John's

When: 7 pm (first Thursday of every month)
Where: Daffodil Place, 70 Ropewalk Lane, St. John's
Information: (709) 777-8713

What is lymphedema? Do you have or are you at risk for lymphedema? Have you had treatment for breast cancer? Come and share your experiences with others, learn ways to improve your quality of life and listen to guest speakers.

And just a note - this group is open to anyone living with lymphedema, not just those whose condition is related to cancer treatment.

Other Telephone Support

The Mental Health Hotline (toll-free) 1-888-737-4668 across Newfoundland and Labrador is available for confidential support and information.

Willow Breast Cancer Support and Resource Services in Ontario offers telephone support at (toll-free) 1-888-778-3100.

Internet Support

Breast Cancer Discussion Group:
website: www.bclist.org
e-mail: listserv@mun.ca

This is an e-mail mailing list with over 500 subscribers worldwide.
To subscribe, send the following e-mail message to the above address:
subscribe breast-cancer Jane Doe (your first name and last name)

The Y-Me National Breast Cancer Organization (USA) has a number of online support resources: networkofstrength.org

There is a weekly chat room for young women with breast cancer every Tuesday 10:00 am to 12:00 pm PST on Dr. Susan Love's web site: dslrf.org