I truly love and appreciate my family but I can also say, I wish in some ways that I had had the motivation to continue with a support group because as much love and care that my family gave, they were not experiencing what I was and even to today, there are moments when things pop up and it is quickly silenced or swept under the carpet as all the treatment is over and the scars are healed. Breast cancer is considered a chronic disease which means it has come so far and advanced so amazingly as it used to be considered a terminal illness. With it being a chronic disease, it means that you continue follow up forever and testing and appointments albeit not as often but you still have all those concerns, fears, issues, flooding back into view when it is time to review again and heaven forbid if something pops up as everyone is in full alert when and if you experience a pain, a bump, and anything else related to your previous experience.
I would suggest and encourage you to attend a support group and find one that you are comfortable with but also I recommend those of you that are seasoned members to remember that new face that comes in the door with fear and trepidation that you were there once too and to reach out with all the love and compassion you have a keep in touch, promise to call that week after their first visit and follow up. Offer to pick them up for the next meeting and get past the surface and find the person underneath that face. They may seem all together or possibly falling apart in front of you but they are there as we all have a need and as with any chronic process, hold my hand as I face the next bump that may or may not appear on that road. Reach out and give them a hand up and don't let go. The friendships and bonds that you make, may last a lifetime.
Make it a fabulous day! S