I just returned from speaking to a blood cancer support group in Atlanta. The patients, survivors, and caregivers in attendance were amazing--kind, caring, and self aware. Why were they there? The food? The companionship? To learn more about their cancer and hear me speak? Yes! They came for all those reasons and more.

The bottom line: Everyone felt better after they left (including me) than they did before the meeting started. I left tonight's meeting with a bounce in my step.

It had been a long day of cleaning the house and car; taking care of the yard, our dog, and cats; a one hour drive to the Tampa airport; boarding a large, packed air bus; and then flying to Atlanta. I unpacked, wrote a post for one of my blogs, then rushed to freshen up in time to make the late afternoon support group meeting.

As soon as the support group members started filing in, none of that mattered. We laughed, shared experiences, and became friends. Cancer patients share a common bond--especially those with the same cancer you have. It's a feeling every cancer patient should experience and cultivate. You learn you aren't alone. You learn how to better deal with treatment side effects. If you are newly diagnosed, you may even learn how to smile again!

So why is it so hard to get patients to attend support group meetings? The patients I met tonight were already converted--it was like singing to the choir. They didn't really need to hear my message of hope. No, the hundreds of other patients who are treated at Georgia Cancer Specialists each week needed that. But they weren't there.

Saturday, when I flew to speak to a group in Jackson, Mississippi, it was the same thing--the people who were there had a great afternoon. I did too. But what about the other patients and caregivers?

I understand we all have busy lives--families, friends, kids, and jobs. Add cancer to the mix and it's a wonder any busy cancer patient can function at all. But the sharing among friends at these meetings is so powerful, I could argue attending a support group at least once each month can be just as important as any medical test or treatment.

Since I moved to Florida in December, I miss attending monthly support group meetings back in Minneapolis and Stillwater, Minnesota. I miss my friends and multiple myeloma family. Our meetings weren't all about emotions. I learned more about treatment options in those meetings than I ever have at any conference or seminar.

Invite someone in need to your next meeting. Offer to pick them up and drive them if that's what it takes. Joining a support group saved my life. Doesn't each and every multiple myeloma patient or caregiver deserve the same?

Feel good and keep smiling! Pat