Patient Support

Support Groups

Studies show a correlation between support group attendance and improved quality of life. A 1989 study of women with metastatic breast cancer showed a significant increase of survival time in those who attended weekly support groups compared to those who did not.

Despite these encouraging statistics, many people hesitate to attend a support group. Some wonder it is will be depressing or frightening to be with a roomful of cancer patients. However, at many cancer support groups, there is often much laughter as well as an exchange of practical information and genuine support. Those who attend are seeking healthy ways to cope — and the advice and stories exchanged between survivors is not only practical but also inspirational.

CMMC's Comprehensive Cancer Program places such importance on support groups that the program's doctors sometimes write 'prescriptions' directing their patients to attend one on at least a trail basis! Each of the support groups offered at CMMC is free and open to patients, their family members and friends. Those living in outlying areas who would like information about cancer support groups closer to home are urged to contact their oncology social worker for assistance.

Support groups offered at CMMC include:

Cancer Wellness & Support Group:  Group is open to patients and family members/caregivers.  Group combines support with education designed to teach participants skills to enhance wellness & healing.  Meets every Wednesday from 1:30-3:00 p.m. in Conference Room I (located in underground level floor of the 12 High St. Building, in the old High St.Café area).  Facilitators are Kerry Irish, 795-7118 and Trisha Warren-Van Horn, 795-2692.

I CAN COPE:  4 week education and support group developed by the American Cancer Society to help people with cancer better understand and cope with the illness.  Also open to family members/friends.  Offered annually.  Contact person is Kerry Irish, 795-7118.

Look Good, Feel Better:  This program of the American Cancer Society helps patients cope with changes in appearance (e.g., loss of eyelashes and brows, changes in skin, loss of hair, etc.) related to cancer and treatment.  Participants are provided a free makeup kit (with very nice, high-end cosmetics) and taught how to use the cosmetics to look and feel their best.   Sessions will be offered the THIRD Wednesday of the month from 10 a.m-noon in the “Wig & Prosthetic Resource Room” in the Sam & Jennie Breast Care Center (please note that sessions, and wigs, are available to ALL cancer patients---not just those with breast cancer.)  Patients must pre-register by calling Trisha Warren-Van Horn at 795-2692.  For free individual wig/turban consultations with a trained Look Good, Feel Better cosmetologist, please call: Sandi Piper, W. Minot: 345-9048 or Linda Spugnardi, Bernard’s School of Hair Fashion: 783-7765. 

Prostate Support Group:  Education & Support for men and families living with prostate cancer.  Meetings are held the last Wednesday of the month from 6:00-7:30 p.m. in Conference Room C.  Sessions will involve both guest presenters and open forums for discussion.  Group facilitators are: Sarah Lawson-Link, RN, OCN: 795-2440 & Kerry Irish, LCSW, OSW-C: 795-7118.

Young Adult Survivor Services:  Monthly educational forums that address a variety of issues specific to young adults (ages 18-40) whose lives are impacted by cancer.  Topics will include: intimacy & dating issues; fighting fatigue during the busiest years of your life; genetics; parenting with cancer; etc.  This series is funded by the Maine Cancer Foundation and will run the first Tues/month from 6:00-7:30 p.m. in the Medical Oncology Waiting room, beginning 6/6/06.   Coordinator is Kerry Irish, LCSW, OSW-C: 795-7118.