Angie's Stem Cell Transplant 2006

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Location: Nova Scotia, Canada

In Sept./05 I was diagnosed with Primary Mediastinal Large Diffuse B Cell Non Hodgkins Lymphoma. The tumour in my chest measured 10cm x 10.6cm x5cm. After I completed 6 rounds of CHOP-R chemotherapy, a CT Scan in Jan.06 showed that my tumour had decreased by well over half the original size. A Gallium Scan showed negative for cancer cells in my mass. We decided to do 2 more treatments to be sure we killed any remaining cancer. We now had to decide if I should proceed with radiation. Did the risks of radiation outweigh the benefits? My hematologist and radiation oncologist had excellent arguments for both sides of the coin. The decision was to be mine. They set up appointments for me to see doctors in Toronto and Vancouver for 2nd opinions. In Vancouver I had a PET/CT Scan (a superior machine to a Gallium Scan) to see if my tumour was active. On March 17th this scan revealed that my tumour WAS still active and had INCREASED in size from an early scan. This meant that I had Relapsed or Refractory NHL....my best chance for cure was a Stem Cell Transplant. In my blog, I will describe what I am going through before, during and after my transplant.

Wednesday, September 07, 2011

Benefits of Cancer Support Groups

Benefits of Cancer Support Groups

The diagnosis of any cancer including common cancers such as breast cancer and even rare diseases like mesothelioma can result in feelings of fear, anxiety, depression and numerous other negative associations. For many patients, it might be a devastating diagnosis because it means scary changes. This is where cancer support networks contribute to the health of any patient.

What are Support Groups?

A support group, whether it is an online network or a group meeting in a physical setting, is any gathering where cancer survivors, current cancer patients and patients who have cancer that is currently in remission can go for support, advice and understanding.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the support group is not the same as a group therapy because the focus of the group is not treating mental health in a formal setting. Instead, a member of the group might lead the sessions or might invite a medical professional such as a doctor, a nurse or an oncologist to discuss various aspects of the cancer. Other groups might focus on emotional support rather than cancer education, resulting in groups that fit almost any personal need while you go through cancer and cancer survival.

Benefits of Support Groups:

The benefits of support groups will obviously differ depending on the goal of the group, but a few common benefits are seen with most support groups. One main benefit is the ability to discuss your problems openly with others who are going through the same situation. You will not feel as isolated or lonely when you have others offering similar stories and understanding your story.

Another potential benefit that you might have with a support group is better coping skills. As others share the ways that they cope with the problems and stress of cancer, your coping skills improve. You’ll learn new ways to limiting stress and getting back in control.

Any group that invites doctors or medical professionals can provide the latest information in cancer treatment options or advice on options that you might discuss with your doctor. Furthermore, doctors have access to the latest research, so they can provide you with details about new research.

Anyone who is just starting cancer treatment can find out from survivors what they can expect from the treatment, making the situation less intimidating.

Conclusion:

Support groups and online support networks benefit any cancer patient or survivor because it shows that you are not alone and that you have options. Getting advice, learning more about treatments and talking to others about your situation can improve your outlook on your situation.

By: David Haas