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. Typically 6 to 12 participate in any given meeting, and 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, 5-7 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 10 to 16 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. Generally 6 to 12 people attend the meeting.

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. Group size is usually 6 to 12.

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. 

Generally 10 to 15 attend the meeting. Male family and supporters are welcome.

4th Thursday of the month, 5-7 p.m.
ZOOM video/teleconference

Open to Haitian men and women who have experienced any type of cancer and their family members and supporters. It's an opportunity to meet, discuss common issues around cancer and its effects, and gain strength from one another as survivors living in the Boston area. Generally 10 to 16 attend the meeting. 

Last Tuesday of the month, 7-9 p.m.
ZOOM video/teleconference

Open to Latino men and women who have experienced any type of cancer and their family members and supporters. It's an opportunity to meet, discuss common issues around cancer and its effects, and gain strength from one another as survivors living in the Boston area. Generally 6 to 12 attend the meeting.

Last Monday of the month, 12-2 p.m.
ZOOM video/teleconference

Open to men who have experienced any type of cancer and their male family members and supporters. The group provides an opportunity to discuss cancer diagnoses, treatment, post-treatment, and lifestyle concerns. There is always an adjustment to this new terrain, and it's good to talk about it. Participants learn from one another and help one another in the process. Generally 6 to 10 attend the meeting.

Last Monday of the month, 2:30-4 p.m.
ZOOM video/teleconference

A group for women who have experienced any type of cancer. Female family members and supporters are welcome. The group provides an opportunity to check in with one another and discuss cancer diagnoses, treatment, post-treatment, and lifestyle concerns. Participants learn from, support, and encourage each other. Generally 6 to 12 attend the meeting.

For information on a peer mentoring program for young adults (ages 18-39), contact the office at 617-638-7540 or cancersupport@bmc.org.

1st Thursday of the month, 6-8 p.m.
ZOOM video/teleconference
 

1st Thursday of the month, 1-3 p.m.
ZOOM video/teleconference

Amyloidosis is a protein disease similar in effect and treatment to cancer. This group provides a forum for discussion and information-sharing on the challenges that accompany amyloidosis diagnosis and treatment. It is an opportunity for patients and family members to share experiences, hear from other amyloidosis patients, ask questions, and gain some insight and help on navigating the logistics and the physical and emotional effects of the disease and its treatment.

On hold

For information and/or support, please call Melissa at 617.834.4123 or Sharon at 857.492.7616.

The New England Sarcoidosis Support Group provides a safe and supportive environment for those suffering from sarcoidosis as well as for family members and close friends impacted by the disease. The goals of the group are to offer support, education, and encouragement to all in a relaxed atmosphere. 

Light refreshments and snacks are provided along with literature from the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research.

3rd Wednesday of the month, 6:30-8 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.

4th Thursday of the month, 10-11:30 a.m.
ZOOM video/teleconference

The role of caregiver to a cancer or sickle cell patient can be very challenging. The group provides an opportunity for participants to talk with others experiencing the same thing. Only caregivers are allowed to participate in this group.

BMC does its best to help sustain the lives of all those who enter its doors afflicted with cancer. 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 his or her 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.