Pancreatic cancer
survivors and caregivers gathered at Cancer Services on January 28 for the 2nd
Annual Pancreatic Cancer Survivorship Luncheon and were treated with some
exciting news. Beginning on March 2, a new Pancreatic Cancer Support Group will
be held at noon at Cancer Services on the first Monday of every month, joining
the 16 other groups the agency already hosts.
Joe Balfour,
a 13 year pancreatic cancer survivor, has undoubtedly been through many
difficult treatments and surgeries but claims that, “The hardest part about
this disease is finding someone to talk to.” Cancer Services now provides Joe
and all those diagnosed with pancreatic cancer a way to find each other.
According
to the National Cancer Institute, pancreatic cancer is usually diagnosed at an
advanced stage, resulting in a lower survival rate compared with those for
other cancer types. These
pessimistic statistics can leave many of the diagnosed feeling hopeless and
isolated, even within the cancer community. Their unique situation makes the
need for a support group all the more meaningful and important. Esther Sachses,
LCSW, Director of Support Programs at Cancer Services, explains “Those
diagnosed with pancreatic cancer have lots of questions and not many answers. Sometimes
the best answers come from fellow survivors who can truly empathize with their
situation. We’re happy to provide the opportunity to bring these people
together to help ease their cancer journey.”
For information about this group or any of Cancer Services’ programs,
contact 225-927-2273.
