by Jane Lorimer

Having breast cancer is not an easy diagnosis to hear. The “C” word alone is a daunting hurdle to overcome under any terms.

Breast cancer comes in many forms—from stages to types of cancer and related types of treatments.   It assaults our physical health, our self image and our mental well-being.  When treatment requires more invasive treatments such as breast removal and /or chemotherapy – it takes yet another toll.

During these times especially, it is helpful to have a support network to help you through the treatments and keep you going.  I have no family to support me, so I turned to a local area breast cancer support group made up of women who were in various stages of diagnoses and treatments. These women come from diverse backgrounds and in all shapes and sizes. The common threads were we all have breast cancer and to me, they are all beautiful people.

My support group became my security blanket—a place to share my fears, tears and celebrations.  They helped me through chemo and radiation and the sheer emotional drain.  I could be myself and not feel I had to put on a happy face all the time.  Friends are great to have and believe me, they helped me through some tough times, but my support sisters were my greatest support – still are.

The bottom line is that family and friends can only listen to so many words – they need a break from the drama and the worry.  In support groups, we can laugh, talk and cry together about the same things over and over, and we understand why we need to do that.

Most oncology clinics can route you to a support group.   My regular group is at RMCC Aurora.  The biggest support group of all is through the Susan G. Komen Denver Affiliate.  They bring us education, financial aid to underserved women, opportunities for health fair access and research to help us survive this insidious disease.  It is an international bond of women fighting together for a common cause.