Cultivating a Strong Support System

It is important to find at least 1-2 people that you can use as a sounding board apart from your spouse, children, and immediate family.  Talking about treatment with friends and coworkers can be difficult, but having that outside support can be very powerful and actually help cultivate positive therapy outcomes. 

Going through treatments simply is overwhelming.  It is very helpful if you have someone who can help you stay accountable for attending appointments, wearing your garments, and doing your home exercise program.  We ask that you bring someone with you to your first therapy appointment so that they may help you process all the information being presented.  

Many patients say that they feel the most supported by peers that have gone through cancer themselves.  It may be worth seeking out a cancer support group either online or in-person. 

North Florida Regional Medical Center, together with The Cancer Center, hosts these support groups at no cost. 

These groups include:

• Yoga for cancer patients:  This group is offered on Mondays at 6pm.  For more information please email erin@whereintheworldyoga.com
• Breast cancer support group:  This group is offered the second Tuesday of each month at 6pm.  This group takes place in the Health and Healing Place at The Cancer Center.  For more information, please email gnvbreastcancer@gmail.com

Please remember – you are not alone in this process.  We are here for you every step of the way.   

This blog is written by Samantha Ream, M.Ed., Ed.S., LMT.