Support groups
Sometimes in our lives, what we need most is simply to be with other people who understand what we’re going through. BCC offers a variety of support groups for people coping with specific aspects of breast cancer.
Our groups are facilitated by licensed therapists and offered free of charge. Some groups meet at BCC; some are held at other locations. Please see our calendar or call our Helpline for schedules, locations, and other details.
If our locations are not convenient for you, we can refer you to other breast cancer support groups in the Bay Area.
Newly diagnosed / in-treatment support group
Saturdays, 3:00-4:30 p.m.
If you’ve just been diagnosed with breast cancer, you may feel overwhelmed and not know what to do next. If so, this ongoing group was designed just for you, because it lets you talk with others who have also been thrown into this whole new world. With the help of Marcie Pais, MFT, you’ll be able to express yourself in an atmosphere of warmth, sensitivity, and understanding.
We’ll also give you a Comfort Tote bag filled with comforting handmade items, teas, lotions, a Healing & Guided Imagery CD, and lots of useful information.
2011 Comfort Tote donations
Everyday Shea Moisturizing Body Lotion
EO Sanitizing Wipes
Nature’s Gate Velvet Moisture Body Wash & Moisturizing Lotion
Weekly Q&A session
Thursdays, 5:30-7:00 p.m.
A BCC tradition, these Thursday evening sessions are designed for people at all stages of treatment and beyond. Family members and friends are also welcome to attend. Respected local doctors and nurses answer your questions about various aspects of breast cancer. A therapist facilitates the discussion and offers support, while those attending share emotional and practical concerns and coping tips. Please see our calendar for scheduled speakers.
Caregivers & couples support and networking group
Second and fourth Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
This group explores an array of topics particularly relevant to couples and the caregivers to those facing breast cancer. Come together to ask questions, express concerns, and offer support to their partners and peers. Partners are also welcome to come on their own. You’ll receive support and encouragement in dealing with the impact of the disease on your loved one, as well as on your relationship, your daily routines, and your own health and well-being. Deborah Rosenberg, LCSW, facilitates this group.
Young women’s breast cancer networking group
First and third Tuesdays, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Come to connect, network, and share experiences and resources with other young women touched by breast cancer. Topics include coping with aggressive treatments, fertility, dating, sexuality and intimacy, and long-term health concerns. This group is facilitated by Ann Rivello, LCSW.
DCIS support group
Second and fourth Tuesdays, 12:00-1:30 p.m.
Women diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ often have concerns that are similar—but not identical—to those of women with invasive breast cancers. If you’ve been diagnosed with DCIS and want to connect with others who are facing the same situation, this group will help you address your feelings about the disease, share relevant resources, and find information about treatment options. This group is facilitated by Barbara Kirsch, Ph.D. in Los Altos.
Metastatic breast cancer support group
Mondays, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
One of BCC’s first programs, this is a weekly forum for women to share the unique concerns and feelings brought on by metastatic cancer. With help from Deborah Rosenberg, LCSW and Marcie Pais, MFT, we talk about living and dying, fears and hopes, and effects on friends and family members. Most of all, we offer—and accept—information, understanding, and support.
“Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day is October 13, 2011. Breast Cancer Connections honors, supports, and celebrates the incredible women of our Metastatic Breast Cancer Support Group, and all women and men living with metastatic breast cancer every day.”
Recovery & renewal support group
First and third Saturdays of the month, 1:00-2:30 p.m.
Additional time facilitated by Hildy Agustin, Psy.D.: Second Thursdays, 7:30 to 9:00 p.m.
This program is an ongoing support and education group for anyone who has completed treatment for breast cancer and is now focusing on continued physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. Our R&R group meets twice a month and is facilitated by Amanda Withrow, Ph.D. At each group meeting clients discuss issues, concerns, and emotions with peers. Once a month the group invites a guest speaker to discuss a variety of issues related to ongoing wellness, relevant medical topics, and life and relationship transitions.
Triple-negative breast cancer networking group
Third Saturdays, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
For those whose breast cancer cells are tested and found to be estrogen receptor negative (ER-), progesterone receptor negative (PR-) and HER2 negative (HER2-), this group offers support and information. It meets once a month and is open to anyone with triple-negative breast cancer at any stage of their survivorship. This group is facilitated by Amanda Withrow, Ph.D.