By Janet McGregor
Contributing Writer

Data support the convictions of many local cancer survivors — a good support system is key to surviving cancer and maintaining a positive outlook.

In addition to providing encouragement and answering questions, having someone to push a vacuum cleaner, dress bandages, run errands and cook an occasional meal during recovery are invaluable to most. Also, physical therapy and nutritional counseling are sometimes needed.

A number of Fayette cancer survivors say that post-surgery recovery was the worst part of the entire situation. Healing from the cancer, chemotherapy and other drug treatments can make it impossible for someone to do even the easiest tasks. However, the emotional turmoil and depression are often more debilitating. Becoming part of a cancer support group can do more for the recovery process than physical support, according to many local survivors.

“I've found that many of my questions have been answered by those in the support groups I attend,” said Robyn Smith, breast cancer survivor. “They've also offered me encouragement.

“The first few months after surgery were the scariest,” Smith said. “It happened all of a sudden. It was all new to me and my family; we didn't know what to expect.”

She found the support of her friends, husband and family extremely helpful.

Janet Beebe has been a “Reach to Recovery” volunteer for over 14 years and is the facilitator for the monthly Bosom Buddies support group in Peachtree City. The group, under the auspices of the American Cancer Society, is for those who have experienced breast cancer.

Seventeen years ago when Beebe had a breast lumpectomy, it was a very uncommon surgery. With a lumpectomy, the immediate cancer and a section around the cancer are removed rather than the entire breast. While there were volunteers to help those undergoing treatment for every other type of cancer, there were none for those opting for a lumpectomy. Within six months, Beebe was helping others.

Beebe credits her volunteer activities with helping her get through a subsequent bout with cancer and her long-term survival. Four years after the lumpectomy, she had a recurrence of cancer that resulted in a mastectomy and reconstruction surgery.

Asden Johnson found her breast cancer during a self-exam a couple of years ago.

She had been having regular yearly mammograms, but the cancer she discovered was in a lymph node, under her arm.

She has since started a support group that meets at her church, Fayetteville First Methodist. The group is open to those who have had any type of cancer.

Here's a roundup of local support groups:

Man-to-Man Prostate Cancer Support Group; Call Jim O'Hara, 770-632-2898 for info.

Bosom Buddies (Breast Cancer Support Group); meets second Tuesday, 7:30 p.m., the Gathering Place in Peachtree City; Janet Beebe, 770-487-6388.

Cancer Support; Fayetteville First United Methodist Church — all types of cancer; 6:45 p.m. third Wednesday; Asden Johnson 770-461-2388.

Phone the American Cancer Society for other local support and volunteer opportunities, 770-460-8920.

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