Life changes when a patient receives a cancer diagnosis and becomes a survivor. During active treatment, there are appointments, lab tests, surgery, chemo, radiation and more. When a patient completes treatment, a new set of challenges arise as a patient adapts to a ‘new normal.’ Regardless of what stage of survivorship a patient is in, having a community of people who have shared similar experiences is a great asset. At the Nassif Community Cancer Center, one group of women have formed a strong bond and now support each other through survivorship and through life.
“We were always working on our muscles in the exercise classes. I wanted to work on the brains too,” said Sharon. “I asked Matt (Schmitz, manager) if we could play games about three years ago. He said, ‘When do you want it?’ and I said ‘Thursdays from 1-3 p.m.’”
‘Game Time’ was added as an official activity at the Community Cancer Center and the group recruited a few additional members to become what it is today. They were all diagnosed at different times, ranging from 2008 to 2021. Most had breast cancer, but there is also lung, ovarian and kidney cancer survivors among them. A few have been diagnosed more than once. While they’ve had different journeys, their shared experience with cancer has brought them together, though it doesn’t define them.
Thursdays are their day together at the cancer center for tai chi, lunch and games, but it doesn’t end there. Whether it’s supporting someone through the death of a loved one, or cooking a meal after one of them had surgery, offering life advice or just checking in after a doctor’s appointment, they have each other’s backs.
“We don’t talk about cancer every time we get together,” said Sharon. “It’s become a life support group.”
“And it extends from here into our homes,” added Jayne. “We’re always emailing and texting.”
The Nassif Community Cancer Center and all its services are open to all cancer patients and survivors, regardless of when or where they were treated, giving survivors the opportunity to try new things while connecting with people who’ve gone through similar situations. This group takes full advantage of these offerings.
“Most of us do the Gems of Hope workshops once a month,” shared Jan. “We’ll go out to lunch and then do volunteer work for them.”
“You can choose what you want to participate in,” added Susan. “Some people only come for the cooking demonstrations or the horticulture classes. You can really build your own schedule.”
The group also appreciates having the expert team at the Community Cancer Center available to answer questions and provide support.
“The other thing that’s nice is a lot of times the team will kind of wander through just to check in,” continued Susan. “So, if you need a social worker or a dietitian, you can talk to them.”
Overall, the group encourages other survivors to just take that first step through the doors of the cancer center and see what it has to offer.
“It can be hard to get started with something, especially if you’re on the shy side, so taking that first step is a big thing,” said Donna.
Face Survivorship with Confidence
If you’re finishing treatment at the Nassif Community Cancer Center, your team will discuss your survivorship care plan with you and get you connected with available services if you are not already involved. Survivors, regardless of when or where they were treated, are also welcome to call the Nassif Community Cancer Center at (319) 558-4876 or fill out the Survivorship appointment request form on our website.
