Local cancer support groups bring hope for the newly diagnosed

The word cancer pronounced slowly produces a distinct hiss, portending a sense of darkness and despair. To a person newly diagnosed with this dreaded disease such emotions can be overwhelming. After the initial shock starts to subside, an arduous journey through a learning process begins. Often there is a feeling of urgency to find out about treatments and chances of recovery. The learning commences with information given by medical professionals. Beyond this are various resources including organized support groups. Cancer support groups offer opportunities to meet and talk with others who have also been touched by the disease. Discussing the illness with those similarly affected provides assurance that no one needs to fight the battle for survival alone. Some groups invite a different speaker for each meeting. Many in the medical field, as well as clergy and lay-persons, freely give their time to share knowledge and experiences because they understand the benefits provided by support groups. There are numerous cancer support groups in this area. Among them are meetings held in some hospitals, in a few churches and at the office of the American Cancer Society. In cooperation with the ACS, groups for every need are established at many locations. Of note, available to Seymour residents, are meetings at Blount Memorial Hospital, University of Tennessee Medical Center, Thompson Cancer Survival Center, Wellness Community Center, and First Presbyterian Church, Sevierville. New groups are formed as the need arises. Randy Carr, Radiation Oncology Coordinator for Blount, saw such a need. With the help of ACS, he started Man to Man Cancer Support Group for prostate cancer survivors. From the first meeting in September 2001, the endeavor has been a success. Up to 50 people have been in attendance at monthly meetings. In addition, the hospital sponsors several other programs for cancer survivors and their families. At Blount during an interview with Carr and Albert Petty, M.D., Radiation Oncologist, each stated his commitment to the success of the programs . Carr said, “No one can honestly say ‘I know what you must be going through’ or ‘I know how you feel’ unless you have had a diagnosis of cancer yourself. That is why the American Cancer Society’s Man to Man, I can Cope, Look Good...Feel Better, and Reach to Recovery programs are so beneficial to cancer patients here at Blount Memorial Hospital.” Dr. Petty commented, “The Man to Man Program at Blount Memorial was established to meet the needs of our prostate cancer patients who wanted the opportunity to learn more about their disease and its treatment as well as a chance to interact with other patients about their experience with prostate cancer. The program has been very well received and continues to be well attended.” The University of Tennessee Cancer Institute recently announced the formation of two new groups, Man to Man and I Can Cope. As at other facilities, professional medical personnel donate their time to speak and answer questions. The talks are presented in a casual setting which prompts participation by those attending. Another service is C.A.R.E., an acronym for Calming Anxiety with Reassurance and Encouragement,  where newly diagnosed breast cancer patients are introduced to volunteers who have experienced the same illness. In Sevierville, the Smoky Mountain Cancer Support Group, headed by Alice Grady, meets monthly at First Presbyterian Church. Grady, a cancer survivor herself, stated the group was started about 18 years ago and it is believed to be the only one in Sevier County. Several members have attended regularly for over 15 years. This ACS affiliate raised over $10,000 during last year’s Relay for Life. For information call 428-5834 evenings. The Wellness Community offers a variety of programs for cancer survivors. The phone number is 546-4661. Additional information about any group can be obtained by contacting the sponsoring facility. Web site addresses are: The American Cancer Society - www.cancer.org, Blount Memorial Hospital -  www.blountmemorial.org, University of Tennessee Medical Center -  www.utmedicalcenter.org, and Wellness Community Center- www.wellnesscommunitycenter.org. ACS has an extensive selection of literature which is available at most meetings. Emphasis is placed upon the survivor’s frame of mind with a reminder that he or she is not alone. Believing that the disease can be cured or put into remission gives a person a much better chance of having that happen. There is no reason to deal with the dreaded disease alone. Support groups take some of the hiss out of cancer. Lynn H. Davis, a Seymour native, founded Heart of the Valley Writers Guild. As a thirteen year prostate cancer survivor, he has attended meetings of several groups mentioned in this article. Currently, he is participating in activities at Blount Memorial Hospital and UT Medical Center. He knows first-hand the value of support groups.