In Sandra's Shoes

I just finished eight weeks of a hospital-sponsored support group for managing breast cancer and stress.

I started out thinking I would join the study group because the findings will eventually help other women suffering from breast cancer.

I found that I helped myself.

Our group had four women with the conversation guided by a social worker for two-and-a-half hours once a week. We all had breast cancer within the last two years.

Our conversations were very frank and intimate and helped me see different view points. We had speakers who discussed meditation, nutrition, excercise, fatigue and hereditary issues with us.

Our group has bonded so well, we've decided to do dinner at least once a month and to support each other as we continue to recover.

If you have a chance to join a support group, I think it's worth it. It does help handling the everyday stresses of life.