This six-week program is designed specifically to support women who are in active treatment (less than one year from date of diagnosis) to cope with the short- and medium-term effects of breast cancer and its treatment. Weekly discussions will focus on the issues ofimportance to thosein the group, and may include making treatment decisions, communication, managing hair loss and fatigue, fears of recurrence, loss of control, self-esteem, body image, loss of independence, employment issues, chemo-brain, post-treatment anxiety, and more.

Facilitator: Elsje Reiss, LCSW

YWCA BCRC Multipurpose Room (5-6:30pm)

Mondays 11/9, 11/16, 11/23, 11/30, 12/7, 12/14

Mondays - Dates to determined for 2010

Registration is required as the group will be closed to new participants after the first meeting. A minimum of 8-12 women are required to register for this six-week program before it can begin. If you would like to register, or ned more information, please call BCRC at 609-497-2100, ext. 346 or 349.

• Beyond Breast Cancer Support Group

An ongoing, open support group for women who have recently completed active treatment (one month-two years). Monthly meetings will help breast cancer survivors cope with the medium- and long-term effects of breast cancer and its treatment, while also focusing on practical ways to move beyond breast cancer and return to wellness. Discussions will focus on the issues of importance to those in the group and may include fear of recurrence, post-treatment anxiety, coping with long-term treatment side-effects, employment issues, genetic testing, communicating wtih family, healthy lifestyle changes, and more.

Facilitator: Elsje Reiss, LCSW

YWCA BCRC Multipurpose Room

3rd Monday (5-6:30pm)

Registration is required, but this group is open to new members at any time.

• Advanced Breast Caner Support Group

Support for women living with state IV breast cancer. Share experiences, solutions, triumphs and concerns. Topics of discussion include coping with treatment side effects, facing fears, pain management, communicating with family, and much more.

Facilitator: Elsje Reiss, LCSW

YWCA Bramwell House Living Room

1st and 3rd Monday (7:30-9pm)

• Woman-to-Woman Network

You don't have to deal with breast cancer alone! BCRC's Woman-to-Woman Network can put you in touch with a breast cancer survivor who has a similar medical history and lifestyle to yours. She will understand what you are going through and can provide information and support to make the journey a little bit easier. If you would like to be matched with a Womena-to-Woman Network volunteer, contact BCRC. If you are a breast cancer survivor, and would like to be a Woman-to-Woman Network volunteer, contact BCRC at 609-497-2100, ext. 346 (training will be provided).

• Private Counseling

For those breast cancer patients/survivors who feel the need for more personalized, professional support, BCRC offers one-hour private counseling sessions on a short-term basis. Sessinos are conducted by Licensed Clinical Social Worker Elsje Reiss, who has many years of experience working with individuals affected by cancer and helping them work through issues that cancer patients commonly struggle with. Sessions are conducted at BCRC. To make an appointment, please contact BCRC.

• Prosthesis and Wig Bank

BCRC offers free breast prostheses, mastectomy bras, wigs, hats, and scarves to those in need. A wide range of sizes and styles is available, and can be tried on in a private fitting room with assistance from a trained staff member. To make an appointment, please contact BCRC.