Support Groups Ongoing Support & Social Groups offered by the Dempsey Center There are a number of well-documented studies that show a correlation between support group attendance and improved quality of life. One study of women with metastatic breast cancer showed a significant improvement in survival time in those who attended weekly support groups vs. those who did not.  Despite these encouraging statistics, however, many people hesitate to attend a support group. For some, they wonder if it will be depressing or scary to be with a roomful of cancer patients.  However, at many cancer support groups, there is often much laughter and joking as well as exchange of practical information and genuine support.  In general, people who attend support groups are highly motivated to find healthy ways to cope. The advice and stories exchanged between survivors is not only practical but also often inspirational.  If your life has been touched by cancer, we encourage you to consider attending one of our free, professionally facilitated cancer support groups. Breast Cancer Support Group This weekly group is for breast cancer patients/survivors at any point along their journey from diagnosis to survivorship.  Meets every Tuesday from 6:00-7:30 p.m. in Conference Room D, lower level of the 12 High St. building at CMMC.  Please contact the Patrick Dempsey Center to preregister before initial attendance so that we can plan for space & refreshments accordingly. Cancer Wellness & Support Groups These group for patients, survivors, and caregivers combine support with education designed to teach participants skills to enhance wellness & healing.  Meets every Wednesday from 1:30-3:00 p.m. in Conference Room I at CMMC and every Thursday from 1:30-3:00 p.m. in Room 357 at Rumford Hospital. Caregiver Support Group Offers support & education for adults whose loved one has cancer, facilitated by a licensed clinical oncology social worker.  Meets every Monday from 6:00-7:30 p.m. in the Patrick Dempsey Center. Guidance through Grief Series 1/19/10-3/9/10, 2:00-3:30 p.m.; groups offered both at CMMC & at AHCH Hospice House.  An 8-week structured education & support group designed for grieving adults jointly offered by Central Maine Medical Center & Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice.  For more information or to register, contact Jim Douglas, 777-7740. Look Good, Feel Better This program of the American Cancer Society helps patients cope with changes in appearance (e.g., loss of eyelashes and brows, changes in skin, loss of hair, etc.) related to cancer and treatment.  Participants are provided a free makeup kit and taught how to use the cosmetics to look and feel their best.   Sessions will be offered the third Wednesday of the month from 10 a.m-noon in Sam & Jennie Breast Care Center (please note that sessions, and wigs, are available to ALL cancer patients---not just those with breast cancer.)  Patients must pre-register by calling The Patrick Dempsey Center. Prostate Support Group Education & Support for men and families living with prostate cancer.  Meetings are held the last Wednesday of the month from 6:00-7:30 p.m. in Conference Room C.  Sessions will involve both guest presenters and open forums for discussion.  Group facilitator is: Sarah Lawson-Link, RN, OCN: 795-2440. Cancer Wellness and Support Group at Rumford Hospital This group for patients, survivors, and caregivers combines support with education designed to teach participants skills to enhance wellness & healing.  Meets every Thursday from 1:30-3:00 p.m. in Room 357 at Rumford Hospital.  Contact Emily at The Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing: 795-8250 or 1-877-336-7287. Caring Cards Stamping Sessions Stampers and scrappers of any ability level are invited to join us each month as we work together to create uplifting notecards for cancer patients.  Sessions are FREE and notecards and some stamps and materials will be provided, but attendees are welcome to bring their own supplies as well. Meets the third Thursday of each month from 6:00-7:30 p.m. in the Patrick Dempsey Center.  Space is limited so please contact the Center to preregister by calling 795-8250 or 1-877-336-7287. Expanded! Knitting Circles All knitters - any ability level - are welcome to join either or both of two knitting circles.   You may bring your own projects, and we will also be working on creating hats, lap blankets, bra inserts, etc., that will be donated to benefit cancer patients.  Light refreshments will be provided.  There is no fee to attend.  Meets every Wednesday from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Patrick Dempsey Center and every  Thursday from 1:00-3:00 p.m. (room locations for the afternoon meetings vary, for more information, please call the Center). Psychosocial Oncology Networking Group For clinical & medical social workers, counselors, & chaplains who work with cancer patients.  Meetings provide opportunities to share resources and consultation regarding challenging cases.  Meetings are held the second Monday of every other month from 1:30-2:30 p.m. in Conference Room I.  Contact the Center at 795-8250 for more information or to register. Sewing Circle All sewers - any ability level - are welcome to join this monthly group to make sewn items for cancer patients.  Items include comfort packs, hearts of love, ports of love, sewn hats, and lap quilts.  Light refreshments will be provided.  For more information call 795-8250 or email dempseym@cmhc.org.  Sessions for the remainder of this year are October 19th Room C, November 2nd Room C, and December 14th Room C.  Classes for 2010 will be the second Monday of every month in Room I.