Connect with others facing the challenge of cancer
Cancer patients and their families in the Treasure Valley can find plenty of other people facing the same challenges, either through face-to-face support group meetings or online message boards. Here is a small sample of local offerings
St. Luke's Mountain States Tumor Institute
Living through Cancer Support Group
This is an ongoing support program for people with cancer, their families and friends to talk about the challenges of confronting cancer. The vibe is inspiring and may just boost your health and well-being. The group is free. Schedule:
Boise: Noon to 1p.m. every second and fourth Tuesday. St. Luke's MSTI, 100 E. Idaho St. in the MSTI group room. Call 381-2760 or 1-800-845-4624 for more information.
Meridian: Noon to 1 p.m. every second and fourth Wednesday, St. Luke's Meridian Medical Center, Shoshone room (Lower Level next to MSTI). Call 706-1404 or 1-800-845-4624 for more information.
Nampa: Noon to 1 p.m. every Thursday, MSTI Nampa, 308 E. Hawaii in the MSTI conference room. Call 463-6009 or 1-800-553-6415 for more information.
Fruitland: 1 to 2:15 p.m. first and third Thursday, 1118 N.W. 16th St. Call 452-7677 or 1-800-473-9618for more information.
Register: Boise/Meridian: 381-2760 or 1-800 845-4624. Nampa: 463-6009 or 1-800-553-6415. Fruitland: (208) 452-7677, (800) 473-9618
Call for information on other MSTI support groups, which may include a group for children with ill family members, a Boise group for teen-agers with cancer and a group for patients starting chemotherapy. Go to Saint Luke's Web site.
Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center
Whether you currently are receiving treatment, have completed treatment or are caring for a loved one coping with a cancer diagnosis, attend this program.Each month's class will feature a new topic. Supportive group time after the presentation will give people touched by cancer the opportunity to give and receive support in a caring environment. The purpose is to provide a caring, safe place to share the emotional, mental and spiritual effects of cancer.
For more information, call Cheryl Nelson, LCSW (208) 367-3150 or Lori Watts, LCSW, (208) 367-7785.
For information on other classes, go to the Saint Al's Web site.
American Cancer Society message boards
Message Boards are virtual communities that offer you an opportunity to enjoy an open discussion with cancer patients, their relatives and friends, survivors, volunteers, and information-seekers. You can view what others have posted, or you can post your own questions and share comments. Click a message board title to read discussions on various topics. To post a question or comment of your own, you must sign in first. Go to the boards.