Support group for whole family?
Meet the Experts
Patricia A. Ganz, M.D. is a medical oncologist and a professor in the schools of medicine and public health at UCLA, and is director of the division of cancer prevention and control research at the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center there.
Marisa Weiss, M.D. is a radiation oncologist specializing in breast cancer and the founder, president, and guiding force behind Breastcancer.org.
Question from H Judd: Do you think that I should get my whole family into a support group? I find it invaluable, but my husband thinks he doesn't need any help.
- Answer —Patricia Ganz, M.D.: Many women after breast cancer find they want to continue having an opportunity to share their feelings and emotions about their experience. Often, family does not want to continue talking about this. It is not because they are not interested, but that they no longer want this to be the focal issue in their life. This is why support groups are so helpful for women, because they can share their feelings with other women who have had the same experience. No matter how close and supportive your family is, they haven't had your experience, and they may have trouble with the ongoing dialogue.
On Wednesday, October 17, 2001, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Quality of Life. Patricia A. Ganz, M.D.,Marisa Weiss, M.D., answered your questions about how breast cancer can affect physical, emotional, social, and sexual aspects of your life.
The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.
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