Support Groups

Support groups offer a place where we can be ourselves, where we don’t need to censor what we say. We can laugh, cry, mope, celebrate, use black humor, rail about the stupid comments we’ve heard, and find relief in the universality of our experiences. With our burdens lifted, we can go back to our families and friends and work and lives able to handle the difficult reality with equanimity.

Confidentiality

All participants sign a confidentiality agreement and are asked to keep the conversations private. We can talk about ideas outside of the group, but not about people.

Attendance

Before joining a group, each participant needs to talk with the facilitator to discuss whether the group will fit your needs. Then you can come when you want to come or need to come, a couple of weeks, a couple of months, once in awhile, just when you’re receiving chemo or recovering from surgery or radiation or when you’re anxious about an upcoming scan or blood test or doctor’s appointment. Some people wait until after they have completed treatment before joining a group, when they feel vulnerable no longer being under the watchful eye of their doctors. Call 413-586-1642 to confirm time and place of all meetings.

Making Sense of the Unknown:

Information for the Newly Diagnosed

Mondays, 5:30 to 7:30 pm

April 9, May 14, June 11

These sessions, offered once a month, will help demystify the complexities of living with a cancer diagnosis for individuals newly diagnosed with cancer and their loved ones, including how to feel comfortable with the language of medicine, to find support from family, friends and colleagues, to cope with the changes in your life and identity and to minimize stress.

These gatherings will be hosted by Betsy Neisner, Executive Director of Cancer Connection and a nine-year cancer survivor.

Living with Advanced Cancer

Wednesday, March 28, 6:00 to 7:30 pm

This brainstorming gathering will bring together individuals whose treatment options will slow the progress of their disease but neither cure them nor offer them remissions. We will explore what programs we can create that are specifically designed for your needs, such as a support group to share the ups and downs of continuous treatment, informational sessions on hospice, advance directives and financial issues, life legacy letters and audio or video life stories. Learn from others whose focus is on coexisting with cancer and spiritual healing.

Pierre Zimmerman, MS will facilitate this meeting. Pierre is a chaplain at the D’Amour Center for Cancer Care of the Baystate Regional Cancer Program, a facilitator of cancer support groups at Cancer Connection, and a cancer survivor.

All Cancers - Northampton and Amherst groups

Northampton group - Tuesday evening

This group is facilitated by Deborah Burkhalter, LICSW.

Amherst group - Tuesday midday

This group is facilitated by Pierre Zimmerman.

Breast Cancer

Tuesday late afternoon

This support group is facilitated by Katherine Walsh, MSW, PhD.

Caregivers & Families

Thursday evening twice monthly

A support group for families and caregivers of people with cancer, facilitated by Vivien Weiss, LMHC.

Melanoma

Thursday evening monthly - call for dates

Pat Riggs, MSW, LICSW leads this group of men and women who have experienced melanoma.

Ovarian & Gynecological

Wednesday afternoon

This group is led by Vivien Weiss, LMHC.

Lymphedema

Bi-monthly - call for dates

Lymphedema (localized fluid retention and swelling caused by a compromised lymphatic system) is a side effect of some cancer treatments. Join Kathryn McArthur and Kit Langdon,MFT to learn ways to cope.  Please check our workshop listings for two Lymphedema focused workshops being held spring 2012!

Men Living with Cancer

This group is facilitated by Ron Freshley, LICSW.

Bereavement support for spouses and partners

A support group for people who have experienced the loss of a loved one. Vivien Weiss, LMHC is the facilitator. If you would like to be contacted about a future group, please call us at 586-1642. We can also refer you to other community resources for bereavement counseling.

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