Support Groups
Our goal is to provide psychosocial support services for patients across the survivorship spectrum - from newly diagnosed to ongoing support for the long-term breast cancer survivor. Many of our breast cancer patient/survivorship programs are held virtually online with a few programs or events being held live in person. To join in a session or use a call-in line to listen to the session, register by emailing us at CHEsharingandcaring@corewellhealth.org and we will email you a confirmation and a link and call-in line to attend the programs of your choice. See our quarterly newsletter for support groups, programs and workshops.
Breast Cancer Newly Diagnosed/Support Group
Finding Support in the early steps of your cancer journey
Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis, going through testing or surgery, obtaining a treatment plan of care, or already starting chemo or radiation, can be a complete disruption of life. This can be very stressful and overwhelming. This support group, led by Oncology Social Worker Mirissa Gagnier, MSW, (or an arranged one-on-one consultation appointment) provides an opportunity to discuss community resources, seeking and finding support within yourself and family, connecting with your medical providers, and learning about financial and/or medical resources.
Peer to Peer Breast Cancer Survivor Support Group
Never Alone
Peer to peer support gives you the opportunity to talk to others who may be dealing with similar issues such as fatigue, fear of recurrence, body image concerns, managing anxiety and finding a renewed sense of purpose. Led by Sharing & Caring staff, the virtual group sessions are held monthly.
Metastatic Breast Cancer Support Group
Stage IV
This group provides an opportunity for women to discuss the unique challenges and issues they face. Resources, experiences and practical tips on managing side effects and tough conversations that may come up with family members or friends, are shared. Facilitated by a Sharing & Caring staff member and psychologist, Dr. Sally Smolen (of Mercy Works in Farmington Hills), the virtual group sessions are held on the third Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. Monthly live gatherings are announced in the Sharing & Caring newsletters.
Genetics
The Nancy & James Grosfeld Cancer Genetics Center is happy to announce a bimonthly support group for patients and families with a hereditary risk for breast cancer. We invite those who have a hereditary risk of breast cancer and their families to join us for meetings that include guest speakers covering the latest developments in this field, meet & greets, discussion of research updates, and more. All are welcome who are interested in participating. Please contact the cancer genetics team either by phone 248-551-9994 or email sydney.rudowski@corewellhealth.org.
Educational Programs
Throughout the year we offer a variety of programs in addition to support groups. These programs are educational, with guest speakers who are specialists in their field, but we also like to have fun events, building camaraderie within the group.
Breast Cancer Workshop Series
This group of programs are focused on issues that women face after their treatment is complete. Workshops feature speakers who are specialists in breast cancer related areas. These virtual sessions provide women the opportunity to ask questions prior to the end of each session.
Several of these programs may be coming live in the 2025 year. Note that all programs we offer are complimentary as are our publications. To receive information on all Sharing & Caring programs including support groups, published in our quarterly newsletter, email us with your mailing address to be added to our newsletter mailing list at CHEsharingandcaring@corewellhealth.org.