Emotional support may be hard to find. A local support group can be a good way to meet people who understand what you’re going through.
I believe in a support group – it fills the need for meeting other people with a similar diagnosis and the sharing that goes on, the exchange of information. I hear about websites and how different people are coping with medications and it’s very valuable. – Helena
It’s a tough time, but there are people out there for you to talk to. You can’t beat talking to people who have experienced this illness. – Tracey
The women I met were the most important source of information, encouragement, discussion, sharing, crying, laughing. – Nicola
In some parts of Australia, it can be difficult to find a local group that supports women with metastatic breast cancer. Many women find BCNA’s online network a great way to connect with other people, share experiences and seek advice. It includes a private group for people with metastatic breast cancer. This group was set up by, and is run by, people with metastatic breast cancer.
I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in 2005. I found it extremely difficult to locate other women my age who also had secondaries. The breast cancer support groups would either be on days I worked or they felt that they could only cater to my needs for a short time and then they would not be able to go any further for me. I felt so alone and like the only one on the planet who had ever been diagnosed from the start with metastatic breast cancer. Then I discovered BCNA’s Online Network. What a godsend to me! I can chat to other people in my position and my age. I no longer feel alone. I feel so helpful being able to chat to others who have recently been diagnosed and to let them know of my experiences. – Tracey
My greatest inspiration has come from the friendships with other women living with breast cancer, particularly metastatic breast cancer. There are low times, we acknowledge this; we can’t be ‘inspirational’ all the time, and we certainly don’t aspire to martyrdom. Our fears are similar, even though our life circumstances may be different. We learn what treatment side effects we may experience, what has been successful for pain relief, give each other practical advice, emotional counsel, and so often give one another strength of spirit, and courage which leads to empowerment. – Judy