Support Groups

2nd Wednesday of the month, 1-3 p.m.
Zoom video/teleconference

All cancers that originate in the blood or bone marrow—leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and their various types and subtypes—are included in this support group. It is open to adult patients who have or have had acute and chronic leukemia, Hodgkin's disease, Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, multiple myeloma, myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), and myeloproliferative disorders. While these diseases affect the blood cells in different ways, there are similarities in how they cause one to feel and how they are treated. 

The group provides participants with the opportunity to share and compare their experiences. As blood cancers affect a wide range of ages, the group is open to adult survivors of any age and their family members and supporters. There tends to be a family-type camaraderie.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, MA Chapter, helps BMC promote this group, as it is the only blood cancer support group in the immediate Boston area. Those treated at any institution are welcome to attend.
 

2nd Tuesday of the month, 6-7:30 p.m.
Zoom video/teleconference

Open to women who have ever been diagnosed with breast cancer, regardless of when and where they may have been treated. Female family and supporters are welcome. Generally a diverse group of women gather to share their experiences and concerns, ask questions, laugh, support, and encourage one another. Sometimes a doctor or specialist is invited in to present and reply to questions.

1st Friday of the month, 12-2 p.m.
Zoom video/teleconference

A support group for people who have experienced cancer in one of the organs involved in the digestion and elimination of food—the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, large intestine (colon), small intestine, rectum, or anus. Participants share experiences and information and offer hope, encouragement, and support to one another. Family and supporters are welcome. 

On hold

This is a monthly, women-only meeting to discuss issues relating to gynecological (GYN) cancers. It is an opportunity to share experiences, ask questions, and encourage and support one another. Medical personnel and other professionals also visit the group periodically to give presentations and respond to questions.

The main gynecological cancers include cervical, endometrial, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar cancers.

2nd Thursday of the month, 6-8 p.m.
Zoom video/teleconference

Survivors up to 15 years past treatment, as well as those facing or currently in treatment for any type of cancer of the head or neck, attend this very supportive group. A strong core group of attendees continue to exchange information, thoughts, and feelings around the cancer they have experienced and offer counsel and support to those early in their journey. Participants find this meeting the one place others fully understand the long-lasting side effects they must often contend with on a daily basis. Doctors and other specialists periodically give presentations and answer questions. 

Open to those diagnosed or treated at any institution. 

2nd Thursday of the month, 1-3 p.m.
Zoom video/teleconference

Open to people who have been diagnosed with lung cancer and are facing treatment, receiving treatment, or in remission. Family and supporters are welcome. Attendees update one another on their conditions and share information, hope, and encouragement.
 

1st Tuesday of the month, 5-7 p.m.
Zoom video/teleconference

A group for men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, are in or past treatment for it, or just want to learn more about this common cancer. For patients whose prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level is high or rising, or for those who are facing a biopsy or recently had one done, this is a great opportunity to hear survivors speak frankly about their experiences with the various treatment options and the side effects these treatments may cause. Periodically a physician comes to present information and answer questions, but mostly it is men talking candidly to one another. 

Male family and supporters are welcome.

• 3^rd Wednesday of the month, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
• Teleconference
  • Dial: 425.436.6367
  • Access Code: 745311

Help with the daily logistics and lifestyle concerns of dealing with a colostomy, ileostomy, or urostomy. Gain confidence and mutual support as professionals and peers share personal experience and practical information. 

For information or help, please call Jocelyn at 781.228.9509.

Talk Time for Family Members

• First Monday of each month, noon (12 p.m.) to 1 p.m.
  and
  Fourth Thursday of each month, 11 a.m. to noon
• Via Zoom video/teleconference

If you are a family member of someone who has cancer, sickle cell disease, or any serious chronic illness, you may feel worried or stressed. If so, one of the most helpful things you can do for yourself (and for the patient) is to talk with others having a similar experience. The sessions we offer are for family members only (not for patients).

BMC does its best to help sustain the lives of all those who enter its doors afflicted with cancer, sickle cell disease, or other serious illnesses. The battle is often long and hard, sometimes successful and sometimes not.

The BMC cancer care team recognizes the significant burden of grief that family members are left to carry when their loved ones pass. This grief can take twists and turns and affect people in different ways at different times. Everyone copes in their own way, yet it is often helpful to hear and share with others who have also been through this difficult journey. BMC offers a Bereavement Group to provide certain support to those who would like help in coping with their loss.

For more information, contact the office at 617.638.7540 or CancerSupport@bmc.org.