“I was so depressed and alone.  CSC gave me perspective, humor, power, acceptance, hope, and community.  I will drive hours here for checkups so I can attend one support group every three months – you’re that vital and special to me.”

Here is what group has meant to me. The Monday women's only group has provided me a good place to be around others who are also living with or recovering from cancer.  I am able to gain strength listening to others share their efforts and their concerns.  Group has also given me a place to talk about my quite serious fears and the day to day managing of the disease.  It is nice to have someone other than my husband to talk with on this level.  I greatly appreciate the professional group facilitation.  Charli is able to ask questions to take a concern or comment to a deeper level, allowing each person to a chance to learn a bit more.  Charli makes an effort to be sure everyone has had a chance to speak.  Her kind but assertive manner enables the group to function.  Sometimes even a practical matter can be resolved in group.  I took the bull by the horns and arranged a house cleaning service after group one day.  I am so glad I started to come to group.  I always leave feeling stronger. 

In a time of cancer crisis we need so many things --- support for getting thru treatments, support for family members not understanding, support for drug interactions, support for after affect from treatments, support for proper eating and vitamins, support for our emotions, support for re=entering life now that cancer is in remission....etc, etc.  CSC group has held my hand allowing me to understand with support from others, anything is impossible.  I’ve found all the support I need to continue on with life right here at CSC. Jan

We have a unique group.  We are all at different stages which allows us to share so much more.  We help each other realize that others are experiencing many of the same feelings and pains.  This is a place where we can trust each other with our most intimate feelings and no one thinks any less of us.  Being diagnosed with Cancer and going through the surgeries, chemo and/or radiation are just the being of a life transforming experience.  There is so much more to deal with once the cancer has been treated.  Your life will never be the same.  People do not understand the after effects.  We all want to be the way we were before cancer.  Unfortunately, that  seldom happens.  It is difficult to cope with this ourselves but harder to explain to our loved ones.  In group this is probably the biggest help for everyone.  We are a little crazy as well.  We laugh and cry, eat chocolate, hug and sometimes have a little stress reliever session with our Super Hero punching bag.  It really works. You can say what you want and give it a push and of course it bounces right back at you.

Tell someone you know who may be struggling to come join a group or at least visit our loving family.    Jackie

 

"I was fortunate enough to hear about CSC soon after my diagnosis of breast cancer.  The support group has been like an oasis in the desert of my fear, anguish, and confusion in dealing with the acceptance of my diagnosis and in making decisions about treatment.  CSC has made the difference for me between “surviving” cancer and truly living each day as a whole person. "

"Having the weekly support group available has been a most positive experience for me—the friendship, the caring, the ability to share experiences and feelings."

"I experienced the first three months of cancer with only my girlfriend.  Attending my first meeting gave me a great sense of relief and strength as I met other people—some more ill than I, some much more healthy—who had been through what I was facing.  Not only did the group give me information, they gave me hope and renewed determination to fight and win.  With these people who have now become the most special friends, we now speak of staying in remission and of being there for those in the middle of their fight."

 

"I am so thankful for CSC.  I felt so alone and lost. Having cancer has been a nightmare.  The facilitators have been very caring and helpful.  It also helps to talk with others who have cancer.  They understand how I feel.  I wouldn’t change anything."

 

"My weekly support group has helped me cope during this difficult time."

 

"I found the support group to be very helpful."

"When my wife was diagnosed with breast cancer, I was distraught, overwhelmed, and desperate.  My participation in the caregiver support group at CSC gives me a place where I can share my feelings, cease to be alone, and find the understanding and release that enables me to persevere in caring for the one I love."

"My husband (now deceased) and I had cancer at different times and benefited greatly from participating in turn in both the patient and caregiver support groups.  I looked forward to each session and felt tremendously comforted and supported by the “give and take” of the shared experiences of others dealing with cancer.  I also gained a lot of helpful and useful information from these groups. Equally as important are the friendships still going strong from way back in 1997.  I am grateful to CSC for the help and support they’ve provided my husband and me, and for the “safe” environment and great facilitators.  I now participate in the bereavement group and couldn’t recommend CSC more highly. "

"My weekly caregivers group made all the difference in how I got through my beloved husband’s illness.  We both loved the brain tumor group, too.  I’m now in the bereavement group and it has helped me immeasurably.  I have made lasting friendships from these groups."

"I have had nothing but good experiences at CSC.  CSC helped me greatly when my husband had cancer and I needed to talk with other people going through the same crisis, as it is helping me as well with the grieving process.  All of the facilitators that I have had for various support groups or special programs are excellent.  Thank you!!"

 

“I was emotionally and physically a wreck.  I needed healing of my mind, body and soul.  You saved my life.” 

 

"The safe, supportive atmosphere set by CSC staff has given me a place to express feelings, to share thoughts, and to benefit from the latest information on cancer treatment, including diet, exercise, finances, and more.  I remain deeply grateful for the ongoing education, encouragement, care, and support I receive at  CSC."

 

"I have nothing but positive things to say about CSC.  There should be one in every city."

 

"My experience has been a savings of my mental state after cancer.  Thank you for having such a wonderful place for people like me to get our lives back together."

 

"You have helped me so much through this ordeal that I can never thank you enough.  I love the atmosphere of your facility and I hope to attend more of your functions. "

 

"This has been a saving help for me!"

 

"Thank you for the important work you do—it has really been a help for my family and me."

 

"I feel this is a fabulous program."

Wise Women’s Writers Workshop:

                This quote summarizes how the “Wise Women’s Writing Class” has been a blessing to me.  It has been another tool used in helping me through my cancer journey.

                                “Every word is part of a picture.

                                  Every sentence a picture.

                                  All you do is let your imagination

                                  Connect them together.”

                Writing allows me the freedom to express myself without any limitations, restrictions or borders.  It’s my moment to be totally me.”

 

Cancer Transitions Program:

“This program is marvelous!  The best part was being with other survivors.  However, I really enjoyed the speakers and all the information I learned.  It was invaluable in helping me cope with everything I’ve gone through.  It gave me hope and encouragement.”

 

Nutrition Classes:

                “Even just a simple cooking lesson got the sense of not being alone in this.  The sense of support and encouragement, being ‘given permission’ to take back control of my life and health.  This was wonderful.”

Art for Recovery:

                “As I leave St. Louis, I wanted to send a parting gift and parting ‘Thank you’ in appreciation for the incredible resource Cancer Support Community has been in my cancer journey – from diagnosis – treatment and on to wellness.

One of the greatest gifts is the opportunity to connect with other amazing people at different stages of the process that never failed to inspire and support me.  Specifically, I benefited from a range of programs and opportunities, including cooking classes; Coping by Faith; Return to Wellness, Yoga, NIA, and the Writers Workshop.  I especially want to highlight how therapeutic Art for Recovery has been for me.  The creative process in the context of a safe environment of peer support helped me heal in a deeper way than talk therapy. The instructor (Suzi) is a phenomenal resource and sets a wonderful tone for sharing and personal growth….I am headed to Colorado – a move in part made possible by the healing work that Cancer Support Community has helped facilitate.  I’m excited about the next stage of life…but will truly miss the supportive community here.  St. Louis is most fortunate to have this unique resource.  May God bless you all in the good work you do.”

"My wife is now in Hospice care and the presentation we had attended was a great help in knowing what to expect."        

"I have attended a workshop with Dr. Powell that included relaxation and visualization.  It was informational and enjoyable."