Colorectal Cancer Support Group Forms
Herkimer, NY – A cancer diagnosis is frightening. Patients and their loved ones may find themselves overwhelmed as they try to navigate the issues that come up relating to treatment, the emotional aspects of battling cancer and financial issues. In order to support cancer patients and their families, the Bassett Cancer Institute offers cancer support groups and is now adding another in Herkimer. This new group, the Colorectal Cancer Support Group, is for people that have or had colorectal (colon) cancer. Information will be offered on the disease, finances, insurance, coping mechanisms, how to handle the side effects of chemotherapy, life after treatment has ended, and how the disease process affects family and close friends.
The newly formed Colorectal Cancer Support Group’s first meeting will take place Thursday, July 14 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Bassett Healthcare Network-Herkimer Cancer Center, 321 East Albany Street, Herkimer. The information that is shared in these discussions stays within the group. The importance of confidentiality is stressed in the beginning. The format of these meetings is informal so that there is a mixture of educational items as well as time for the participants to share their own personal stories with one another. If you know of anyone dealing with colorectal cancer, please invite him or her along. Questions about the support group may be directed to Kathy Smith at 315-867-2787.
In addition to the newly formed Colorectal Cancer Support Group, the Bassett Cancer Institute also offers other cancer support groups, including:
Cancer Support Group, FoxCare Center, One FoxCare Drive, Oneonta - This group is open to patients with any type of cancer diagnosis. There will be pre-arranged discussion topics, including the effects of treatment, emotional aspects of treatments, financial issues and more during each session. There will also be sessions with entirely open discussion. The group meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month at FoxCare Center in Classroom C from 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. For more information, call 607-433-6470.
Cancer Support Group for Caregivers, FoxCare Center, One FoxCare Drive, Oneonta - Topics will include effects of treatment, emotional aspects of treatments, financial issues and more during each session. There will also be open forums to assist caregivers in coping with a loved one who is diagnosed with cancer. The group meets the first and third Thursday of every month at FoxCare Center in Classroom C from 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. These sessions will run through the end of November. For more information, call 607-433-6470.
Man to Man, prostate cancer group, Hannah Lee House, corner of Fernleigh and Mill Streets, Cooperstown. Meets the third Tuesday of each month from 1:30-3:30. Spouses welcome. Call Bob Parmerter for more information at 607-638-9343.
Breast Cancer Support Group – New groups are being formed. Anyone interested is asked to call Laurie Conover, LMSW, at 607-547-4963.
The Bassett Cancer Institute offers a nationally accredited, multidisciplinary team approach to cancer care. Since nearly all forms of cancer call for more than one type of therapy, Bassett’s medical, radiation and surgical oncologists work together as an even larger team focused on the needs of individual patients. Some of the services provided by the Cancer Institute include radiology, laboratory, nutritional counseling, social work and other support services. Cancer services are provided in Cooperstown, Oneonta and Herkimer making it possible for patients to receive care close to their homes. To learn more, visit www.bassett.org
