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Finding Strength in Others

Cancer may cause you to feel isolated and disconnected from even your closest loved ones. Many people with cancer - as well as their caregivers - find it helpful to talk with other people who have similar experiences. We can help you connect with other people with cancer as well as volunteer cancer survivors who can offer special insights to those who are beginning the cancer journey.

 

Support Groups

Cancer patients and their families can gain both insight and strength to better cope with their disease through interaction with others undertaking the same journey. The U-M Cancer Center offers a wide variety of support groups organized by cancer type. To learn more, contact the Cancer AnswerLine at 800-865-1125; or visit the Support Group web page.

Download the flyer containing information about all the support groups at the U-M Cancer Center (this is a .pdf document)

 

Peer Counseling

Peer counselors are cancer survivors and family members who have experienced cancer and its treatment firsthand. They believe a cancer survivor has a unique understanding of the cancer experience, and have volunteered to provide their special insights to those just beginning the cancer journey. Peer counselors provide insight and feedback on countless topics, including:

• Insight on making treatment decisions and the impact these choices made on the peer counselor's life
• Suggestions to make cancer treatment easier
• Resources for support and coping
• Ideas for dealing with treatment side effects such as hair loss and body image

Your social worker or medical team can arrange contact with a peer counselor. To learn more about Peer Counseling or to request a peer counselor, call the Guest Assistance Program at 800-888-9825.

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Spiritual Counseling

Pastoral and spiritual ministries for all denominations are available through U-M Hospital's Patient and Family Services. Two chapels are open 24 hours a day. University Hospital Chapel is located on the second floor of the Main Hospital. The Mott Childrens Hospital Prayer Chapel is located on the eighth floor of Mott Hospital. Regular services are held Sundays at 9:30 a.m. (Catholic) and 11 a.m. (Protestant) in the University Hospital Chapel. The Pastoral Care office can be reached at 734-936-4041. Learn more from their web page.

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Download the flyer containing information about all the support groups at the U-M Cancer Center (this is a .pdf document)

See Also:

• Amenities from the U-M Health System web site
• Volunteering and Community Resources

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University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center
1500 East Medical Center Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48109

This site is part of the U-M Health System. The information presented is not a tool for self diagnosis or a substitute for professional care. © 2008 U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center