I often see patients that are here every day for treatment striking up support and friendships from patients in similar situations and just to have a listening ear and understanding of what one is going through is often the most substantial thing you can give anyone including my daughter and listening about her car problems. I discuss with those same patients as they count down their treatments that as much as you can't wait for it to be over, you will find that when the time comes that you are finished that there is a void that appears and you never anticipated. The loss of someone listening and understanding and coming from a point of recognition is something of tremendous value. It just puts you back into a void that you didn't anticipate. You counted down the days and couldn't wait till it was over and now you are back to your normal life, whatever that is! The new normal, without daily appointments and back to fixing meals,catching up on your cleaning, and back to cooking as the casseroles disappear. You are not alone though, there are support groups out there and it does help to vent some of your issues and concerns. Most people state that a support group is not for them but if they come once or twice and start to see the connections that we share in common. Please don't forget that we are here to help. The STAYING TOGETHER for past and present patients meet on the third Wednesday of every month at 12n in the Library at Yolanda G. Barco Oncology Institute and bring a brown bag lunch as we sit and chat for an hour. Then on the third Wednesday of every month at 7PM in the Library at Yolanda G. Barco Oncology Institute, is a support group for caregivers. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call me at (814) 373-3381. Hope to see you soon!
Make it a great day....s