Talking with someone else who has had similar experiences can be very helpful for many patients and their family members. Whether in dealing with the diagnosis of cancer, discussing treatment issues or sharing tips and resources, participation in a support group can be invaluable.
The Parkview Comprehensive Cancer Center offers five free support groups that meet regularly. Friends and family members are welcome, and free parking is available. Information on these groups is also available via the Wellness Activities Calendar updated monthly. Cancer center staff members can also direct patients and families to other groups in the area.
Groups that meet at the cancer center
The groups listed below meet at the Parkview Comprehensive Cancer Center, 11141-11143 Parkview Plaza Drive (Entrance 4), on the Parkview North Campus in Fort Wayne.
Conquering Breast Cancer
This group, sponsored by Parkview and Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana, is for anyone who has – or has ever had – breast cancer. Presentations by guest speakers cover a variety of inspirational and health- and lifestyle-related topics.
Meeting time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday of the month
View upcoming dates and scheduled presentations or activities.
Ribbon Chicks Support Group
This group is a gathering of women under 40 who share and support one another through the unique challenges young women face with a breast cancer diagnosis or treatment. ANY woman diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 40 is encouraged to attend, regardless of treatment stage.
Meeting time: 10 – 11:30 a.m., one Saturday a month
A full calendar of dates is not yet established. For information, contact:
Jen Will at Jennifer-will2011@hotmail.com
Megan Lee at gunnermilo@comcast.net
Leukemia, Lymphoma & Myeloma Group
This group is sponsored by Parkview, Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. It’s open to patients and their families who are living with any of these blood- and bone-marrow-related cancers.
Meeting time: 10 – 11:30 a.m. on the second Wednesday of the month.
Look Good…Feel Better
This group is sponsored by Parkview and the American Cancer Society. To obtain more information, or to register, call the local office of the American Cancer Society at (260) 471-3911.
Prostate Cancer Support Group
This group is led by Marvin Eastlund, MD, in collaboration with Fort Wayne Urology. Spouses and family members of men in this group are welcome.
Meeting time: Noon – 1 p.m. on the fourth Monday of the month.
Groups that meet at other locations
Lymphedema Support Group
This group is open to all people who are living with lymphedema.
Meeting time: 6:30 – 8 p.m. on the second Thursday of every other month (odd months)
Location: John Young Center, 2109 East State Blvd. (across from Parkview Hospital; parking is accessed from the street behind the center).
View a schedule of 2011 meetings.
For more information, call (260) 373-3936 or 266-9163.