Hi DDWeb - Thanks for sharing your story with us at such a deep level. As a two-time cancer survivor I've found one of the most difficult aspects is that friends often simply don't know what to do to help, and there aren't a lot of resources they can go to for that information. So they do things like cook for you, as you well know, because it helps them feel they've done something.
One of the things I've learned is that sometimes I have to take the lead when I sense people are uncomfortable and give them some guidance on how to talk with me about my life with cancer. That's kind of odd, just as you said - the patient helping the other person feel okay. You also said life is all about the people you spend it with, and helping put others at ease has led to deeper conversations and discussions that have been more focused on what I REALLY need.
A colleague from Chicago recently told me about Immerman's Angels, and I have just started researching them for a possible article for EmpowHER. I'm glad to know your experience with them has been so positive. One of the organizations that I've personally found very helpful is the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/hm_lls
Also, The Wellness Community, a national non-profit with sites throughout the US, has a lot of services focused on living with cancer that I just haven't seen other organizations provide.
http://www.thewellnesscommunity.org/
It's good to have you in the EmpowHER community. You have a lot of insight that can help others, and I hope you'll stay in touch and continue to contribute.
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Hi DDWeb - Thanks for sharing your story with us at such a deep level. As a two-time cancer survivor I've found one of the most difficult aspects is that friends often simply don't know what to do to help, and there aren't a lot of resources they can go to for that information. So they do things like cook for you, as you well know, because it helps them feel they've done something.
One of the things I've learned is that sometimes I have to take the lead when I sense people are uncomfortable and give them some guidance on how to talk with me about my life with cancer. That's kind of odd, just as you said - the patient helping the other person feel okay. You also said life is all about the people you spend it with, and helping put others at ease has led to deeper conversations and discussions that have been more focused on what I REALLY need.
A colleague from Chicago recently told me about Immerman's Angels, and I have just started researching them for a possible article for EmpowHER. I'm glad to know your experience with them has been so positive. One of the organizations that I've personally found very helpful is the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/hm_lls
Also, The Wellness Community, a national non-profit with sites throughout the US, has a lot of services focused on living with cancer that I just haven't seen other organizations provide.
http://www.thewellnesscommunity.org/
It's good to have you in the EmpowHER community. You have a lot of insight that can help others, and I hope you'll stay in touch and continue to contribute.
Take good care,
December 18, 2009 - 6:54pmPat
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