[lys2012]

Re: Weekly Poll - Do You Attend Myeloma Support Group Meetin

by lys2012 on Mon Feb 10, 2014 12:49 pm

I put "no" but the answer is not entirely corretct.

In Myeloma community I feel like an odd ball because I am so much younger then most other patients. Different stage of life, different issues etc. So I don't go to any Myeloma related support groups.

But, I am involved in a young adult cancer community (YACC - in Canada) and I attended comferences and events through them. Having a group of people who understand some of the stuff you are going through is really helpful, and supportive. No one understands the issues having cancer cause, like some one else who has been there.

i.e. for me cancer has pretty much ruined my career prospects. I am working, ok money etc. but I was diagnosed shortly after gaduating university, a few months after getting a "dream job" which I lost when I was sick an unable to work, and now my degree is "old" as it is from 2009 and I've not been able to get another job in my field and have to go back to admin support / secretarial work.

[ClaireK]

Re: Weekly Poll - Do You Attend Myeloma Support Group Meetin

by ClaireK on Mon Feb 10, 2014 6:22 pm

I live in Perth, Australia and the Leukaemia foundation here runs support groups for each of the different blood cancers. They are held once a month and the myeloma support group is great. Most it is a positive group and I look forward to going and I know how lucky I am to have the group. For those who don't have any support groups I would like to throw an idea out there - what about setting up an online support group? You all have the internet why not look at skype or FaceTime to see if you can do group chats? Just a thought
Take care and wishing you all good health
Claire

[Beacon Staff]

Re: Weekly Poll - Do You Attend Myeloma Support Group Meetin

by Beacon Staff on Mon Feb 10, 2014 6:46 pm

Gardengirl, there's a myeloma support group that meets the second Tuesday of every month from 1:30 pm - 3 pm at John Hopkins Campus (401 North Broadway, Weinberg Bldg., Auditorium) in Baltimore. Contact information for the group is Adrianne Scally, LCSW-C at 410.502.1096 or ascally1@jhmi.edu

There's also a Baltimore Area Multiple Myeloma Social/Support Meetup. Based on the website, we're not sure how often they meet:
http://www.meetup.com/Baltimore-Area-Multiple-Myeloma-Social-Support-Meetup/

[gardengirl]

Re: Weekly Poll - Do You Attend Myeloma Support Group Meetin

by gardengirl on Tue Feb 11, 2014 10:30 am

Thank you, Beacon Staff!!! I will hopefully be headed to JHU for another opinion within the month.

[Lev]

Re: Weekly Poll - Do You Attend Myeloma Support Group Meetin

by Lev on Fri Sep 26, 2014 2:04 pm

I would love to be involved in a support group but there are none in my area. Not realistic for me to drive miles and miles to get to one.

As in many places in the US, in the larger Scandinavian thinly populated countries like Sweden and Norway, this is probably the case: no local myeloma group.

On the other hand, where I live, I found the nearest person also with myeloma within 2000 meter, and there are probably more.

But does anyone consider setting up Skype or other community video conference support groups? Most can accommodate 15 or more participants.

Just a thought.