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Marie Mason is a veteran of wars. Not those who need tactical equipment and camouflage, but who fight anyway.
"It's the second time I've had breast cancer – I'm a survivor of metastatic breast cancer," said Starkville's 67-year-old athlete. years old, Thursday afternoon of October. She had just returned from a doctor's appointment, a little tired, but she was eager to have supper after having had to fast since the night before.
"I was diagnosed for the first time 23 years ago and I had surgeries and treatments.Then, I did not have any cancer and I continued my activity, "she said.
It's early March that she has discovered unusual swelling.
"I knew something was wrong, so I called the doctor," Mason said. "The cancer had come back, I had nine chemotherapy treatments and 36 radiation treatments, and the doctors examined me and my scanners, and today, he said that they looked good! "
After sharing his good news, Mason made it clear that she would not go through this ordeal. His army includes doctors, nurses, technicians and family members. But Mason also relies on a monthly support group called SLCE – Sharing Life-Changing Experiences. She joined the group seven years ago, when she was founded.
"It's my anchor," she said. "In our group, you can let off steam, you can laugh, you can cry – we enjoy mental, physical and emotional support."
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October is breast cancer awareness month, but the fact is that any form of cancer is an upheaval for a patient and for those who love her. It's one of the most stressful experiences that a person can live. This usually triggers strong emotions – shock, anger, disbelief, intense fear and sadness. Sometimes even the closest members of the family can not understand. Support groups allow you to connect with people with cancer, learn how to better manage challenges, and share information and advice that can reduce stress and provide a sense of control.
That's why cancer support groups meet monthly at the Baptist Memorial Hospital – Golden Triangle in Columbus and the OCH Regional Medical Center in Starkville.
Each group brings together speakers on topics ranging from side-effect management and nutrition to emotional impact, any topic that can help patients and caregivers cope.
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Since January, Columbus's Max Cullum has been on treatment for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. He had not had cancer since his first fight in 2013 at the Baptist Cancer Center – Golden Triangle in Columbus, for which he had praised many praises.
"They do not just treat you, they treat your mind," he said.
Max and his wife, Shirley, were involved in the support group throughout this period, even in the years when he did not have cancer.
Cullum said, "We continue because you can support others who are on treatment, tell them what to expect."
His wife added, "We are back in chemotherapy, but we continue to be part of the support group because we gain a lot of strength from those who make the trip."
Luke Johnson coordinates the group that meets on the third Friday of each month from noon to 1 pm, usually in the Baptist Hospital Patient Tower. He is a registered social assistant with oncology patients at the Baptist Cancer Center – Golden Triangle.
"I tell patients that I have two main jobs." My primary goal is counseling, especially for people who may be a little depressed, stressed out by life outside of treatment, "Johnson said. "Apart from that, it's about gathering resources, if people need educational materials, help getting medicines, help with transportation, we try to help them with those things. . "
The Golden Triangle Baptist Cancer Foundation is fully funded by donations and exists to help patients in need. This is a way to help community members. Other donate wigs or scarves, or small gift bags containing candies, snacks, pens, pamphlets, crossword puzzles and small bottles of water for patients infusion can spend three to eight hours treatment on a given day.
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Ada Williams of Starkville felt the need to do something, anything to help others with cancer. She is a survivor of ovarian cancer. She was diagnosed in March 2008, one month after her mother's diagnosis. Williams' mother passed away in November 2009. She had her last treatment in September 2008 and does not suffer from cancer today. She is always moved to talk about it.
"I really wanted to give back, so I collected wigs for women with cancer who had lost their hair," she said.
But Williams felt compelled to do more and organized the SLCE support group. The first meeting took place in September 2011, with seven people. Today, 27 are on the list. They meet every first Thursday (except January and July) at 18h. at the LCO Regional Medical Center.
"People need to talk to someone and not feel lonely to get through cancer," Williams said. "This group has been an outlet for me, much like my family, it reassures me to know that I do not suffer in silence all by myself.There are other people who are suffering but who do not know where to find help where to start. "
In addition to speakers, bringing people together provides a safe environment for questions. Williams recounted that a recent participant had a girl in her twenties suffering from breast cancer.
"She shared her feelings of frustration and the fact that her daughter was depressed and how do you handle that."
Mason said, "This group is more like a sorority, that's what I feel.One of the main things is that we have a beautiful woman, full of compassion and compassion to Ada Williams. spirit affects all other members. "
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Bob Nolan, of Columbus and Nashville, Tenn., Received his last prescribed radiation treatment on Friday. Earlier this year, he was suffering from shortness of breath and an irregular pulse, which led doctors to discover a heart problem. But while being treated for this, an MRI revealed a lung tumor, which required surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
"But I do not have cancer anymore and I praise God for it," Nolan said.
The Baptist support group helped him throughout the treatment.
"Luke put me up with the support group, where he invited different people to speak, all of them were so informative, very kind, generous and encouraging.You knew that they were there to help and that They were special.
"So many people prayed for me, and I could really feel the presence of God, but at the same time, all those people who helped me in the hospital, they were so kind to me and I want to thank them all. "
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A supportive group dynamic often creates a sense of belonging that can help people with cancer to feel better understood and less lonely.
"For me, it also helps me focus," said Williams, "to question what's expected the next day or two weeks to come, or when my cancer might re-emerge."
Johnson said that his work and the coordination of a support group presented many rewards. One is to help patients cultivate and develop a sense of accomplishment throughout the treatment.
"I remind them of what they are fighting for," he said.
For more information on the Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle Monthly Cancer Support Group, contact Luke Johnson at [email protected]or 662-244-2923. For more information on SLCE, meeting at the LCO Regional Medical Center, contact Ada Williams at 601-527-1553 or Janice McGee at 662-242-8070.
Free mammograms in october
Thanks to a grant from the Susan G. Komen Foundation, the Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle offers free mammograms in October to eligible women.
Applicants must be 35 years of age or over, reside in Lowndes, Oktibbeha, Clay, Monroe or Chickasaw Counties and not benefit from insurance or insurance not covering mammograms. For more information, call 662-244-2979 or 800-544-8762, ext. 2979.
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