How to Find the Perfect Breast Cancer Support Group

 

Breast cancer support is a crucial element of the healing process. There are so many factors to think about with physical recuperation that people often forget that the emotional element is huge.

A breast cancer survivor’s body needs to heal, but so must her heart. For this reason, the surgeons and staff at the Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction recommend attending local breast cancer support groups.

While our surgeons and staff are here to lend an ear, answer questions, and alleviate concerns, a breast cancer support group provides you with an extra morale boost.

No matter what stage you’re in—whether you’ve recently received the news or you’ve beaten cancer all together—the cancer journey can be a lifelong experience.

And the Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction is prepared to stand by your side and help you emerge victorious.

We’ve listed a few Charleston-area breast cancer support groups below, but it’s important to first think about your unique needs. Some factors to consider are whether or not…

  • You’ve had surgery already.
  • You’ve not made all the health care decisions you need to.
  • You need spiritual or religious guidance.
  • You have beaten breast cancer or you’re still fighting.

All of these factors have a bearing on the breast cancer support system you choose. Our main criterion at the Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction is that support groups cater to your emotional needs as well as your education.

If you have any questions about breast cancer support, please don’t hesitate to call our office at 1-866-374-2627 or ask our surgeons your questions here.

See below for a few breast cancer support groups located in Charleston.

S.A.S.S.Y. Breast Cancer Support Group

Located at the John Wesley United Methodist Church, the S.A.S.S.Y. breast cancer support group caters especially to young women under the age of 45. In addition to the support group itself, S.A.S.S.Y. also promotes Charleston events year round.

Find out more.

Reach to Recovery

Reach To Recovery volunteers give support for people recently diagnosed with breast cancer, people facing a possible diagnosis, those interested in or who have undergone a lumpectomy or mastectomy, and those considering breast reconstruction.

Expressions of Healing

Though not unique to breast cancer, this Roper St. Francis Health Services program is a wonderful group for survivors of all cancer types. We like this support group, as it provides a creative outlet for patients, survivors, and the people who love them.

Using visual art and literature as a form of therapy, Expressions of Healing offers six weekly sessions that are held twice a year.

Click here for more information

Share your favorite Charleston-area breast cancer support groups in the comments below!

Your DIEP Reconstruction Recovery Process Question Answered

diep questionsThe below question is answered by Charleston breast surgeon, Dr. James E. Craigie. of The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction:

I still feel tightness in my chest and stomach after DIEP reconstruction, when can I expect that to improve?

Tightness in the donor site area or tummy depends on how much tissue was taken to rebuild the breast and how much loose tissue was there to begin with.  The scar that results after the healing process can take approximately 6 months to relax and mature.  Therefore, during recovery, the tissues will be stiff for approximately 3 months and as you begin to do more and exercise more, the areas should slowly become less tight, less swollen, and more natural.  Regarding tightness in your chest, it would be unusual for tightness to exist for very long after having reconstruction with your own tissue.  Usually a new healthy breast made from your own tissue will improve tightness or scarring particularly if someone has had reconstruction with implants prior to using their own tissue.  However, if you have had radiation, those changes can be permanent and there may be residual stiffness, but it is very unusual for people in our practice to complain of tightness in the chest area once everything has healed approximately 3 to 6 months after surgery.

-Dr. James E. Craigie

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