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Support Group When a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, she finds that she experiences many emotional trials. Fear, resentment, anger, grief, embarrassment, shame, and disbelief can overwhelm her mind. These are normal and expected emotions, but that doesn't make them easy to overcome. Some women have spouses, children, parents, or friends to provide them with some stability during this time of uncertainty, but some women find themselves alone. In January of 1999, we started our own support group at the Breast Center at SIU. We meet at different times than the other local groups in an effort to complement what they have to offer. I have discovered over the past few years that, for women with breast cancer, knowledge is power. The more they know about what is happening to their bodies and how what they do has an effect on that, the more they feel in control. We now offer monthly support group meetings featuring special guest speakers discussing breast cancer-related topics. In the past, we have talked about breast cancer and nutrition with our own registered dietician, offering food samples and recipes. Other topics include Dealing with the Emotional Roller Coaster that is Breast Cancer featuring our own psychologist, What's New in Breast Cancer Research and What Will This Mean for Myself and my Children featuring the chairman of the research department at SIU, and several other treatment topics from surgery and reconstruction to chemotherapy and hormone replacement. I am not in any way suggesting that this support group is the best or the only one needed to survive the trauma of this diagnosis. But I honestly believe that women who invest in an attitude of health rather than illness, and give themselves the gift of knowledge to achieve that health, will become stronger people from the experience of breast cancer rather than a victim of the disease. Without surprise, social groups have grown from these meetings, resulting in coffee, dinner, and group outings among the participants. These women bond in a very special way, and find lifetime friends full of mutual support, hope and love. Resource Center The diagnosis of breast cancer can come as a complete shock to women. Although women know that, as women, they are at risk, they never expect to be told that THEY are a statistic. The Breast Center at SIU is focused on more than just the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Women who present here are give a binder full of information specific to their case, and a video about the Breast Center at SIU. Along with the information that is given to the patient to keep, a library resource center is also provided. It is vital that women be educated about breast cancer prevention and treat. Knowledge is power and women are the best advocates for themselves, and their daughters.
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I began looking at local breast cancer support groups in an effort to understand what it is women need to help them get through this difficult time. I found that some support groups offer a very emotional experience, asking women to tell their stories about diagnosis, treatment, and current status. Other support groups offered stress relief exercises, social time, and an occasional guest speaker. Both of these types of groups were beneficial for the women who require this kind of support, but I felt like there was more we could do. 
I have discovered that some women are afraid to ask questions because they feel like they should already know the answer and do not want to appear ignorant. It seems to be easier to ask questions in an environment where a lot of women have the same concerns. Women suddenly discover that they all have similar fears and doubts, and the walls come down allowing the information to give them knowledge.....and power. 