(SHREVEPORT, Louisiana) – October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and CHRISTUS Health is promoting the importance of support groups, which play a key role in both physical and mental recovery after a cancer diagnosis.

“The physical, mental, and even spiritual healing cannot be separated. They are all part of the journey,” said Brittany Whittington, a licensed social worker with CHRISTUS Shreveport- Bossier Health System.

Support groups give patients the opportunity to talk about their journey, help deal with practical problems like work or school, help the patient feel less alone and can help with ideas on dealing with side effects of treatment.

“It is very difficult to go through a cancer diagnosis and treatment without some advanced level of support,” Whittington said. “There are resources available for patients, both inside and outside the hospital, that can really make a difference.”

A supporter can accompany patients to appointments and meetings to help digest and reinforce
information.

Lorraine Krajewski knows firsthand the benefits of breast cancer support groups. The retired university professor has been diagnosed with breast cancer twice.

She attends the support group at CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier Health System. Although she was skeptical at first, Krajewski said she eventually realized the importance of not just receiving support, but also providing support to others in the group.

“It’s called a support group, and it doesn’t just mean we get support from others, but we give it to other women,” she said. “If you’re not sure if it’s for you, do give it a try, and if you feel comfortable, that’s great. But you don’t know if you’ll feel comfortable with it until you do it.”

CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier Health System offers support groups for both adults and children.

Whittington said young children may not fully comprehend what is happening to their loved one or to themselves, and support systems for them can be incredibly helpful.

“We don’t often think about the mental toll that this can take on children,” Whittington said. “So, you really want to be aware and look for changes in their attitude, in their schoolwork, their activities or friendships.”

Before joining a support group, you may want to ask yourself if you’re comfortable talking about
personal issues with others. You can also think about what you hope to gain by joining one.

“The key is to find what you are comfortable with,” Whittington said. “Every support group is different, but every one of them serves a purpose.”

The CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier “Kids Connection Support Group” meets the first and third Tuesday of every month from 5:30 – 7 p.m. at the CHRISTUS Healthplex in Shreveport.

Adult breast support groups meet on the second Thursday of every month at CHRISTUS Bossier Outpatient Therapy building in Bossier City, and every fourth Thursday at the CHRISTUS Breast Center in Shreveport. Both meetings begin at 5:30 p.m.

Interested patients or caregivers can call (318) 681-4613 for information about adult support groups or (318) 681-6231 for the children’s support group.