We interviewed three of SHARE's support group participants to share their stories and spread awareness of our free resources, which are open to anyone and everyone affected by a cancer diagnosis.
Interested in joining a support group? Find one that works for you here.
When were you diagnosed with cancer and what were you diagnosed with?
MURIEL: In August of 2021, after I noticed I was spotting and had a biopsy done, I was diagnosed with uterine cancer.
LIHUI: I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in October 2020 after what I thought would be a routine checkup.
CASSANDRA: I learned I had ovarian cancer in November of 2016. After I went through treatment I thought I was in the clear, but then it recurred three years later in 2019.
How were you feeling after your diagnosis?
M: Because they found my cancer so early, I felt fortunate, but it was tough. I was scared. I’m a widow and a caregiver to my youngest son, who has autism. I was so worried because I’m all he has, so my first thought was, “If I’m sick, who is going to look after him?”
L: Shock, devastation, fear – that’s what came to mind immediately. All the emotions you can imagine, they just hit you one after another.
C: I had no one to talk to about the issues that I was facing. I have three children and they’re all boys – they don’t want to hear about this, about what’s happening to their Mom. It was isolating.
How would you describe your experience with SHARE's support group(s)?
M: After my surgery, I realized I didn’t have anyone in my life who could understand what I was struggling with. I Googled “uterine cancer support group” and that’s how I found SHARE. I tried out all the uterine support groups and really enjoyed them. It’s nice to know that there’s other people who really understand, and you make friends from all over the country.
L: I can’t stress how life saving it is to hear a cancer survivor on the other side, just saying “I dealt with this, I’m here, take a deep breath and we’ll figure this out.” I didn’t feel like I was doing it alone, I knew I had a group of people behind me who understood me and supported me.
C: When I was diagnosed, I knew immediately that I needed to reach out to someone. I needed a shoulder to lean on, someone who knew what I was going through and what I was feeling. That’s exactly what I got from SHARE.
What would you say to someone who might be interested in joining a support group?
M: Nefa-Tari (SHARE Support Group Facilitator and Uterine Cancer Program Coordinator) is phenomenal. These support groups really work – you feel heard because they listen to you, and they care.
L: These support groups have become a lifeline for me – I tell that to everyone I know, so I want them to know that. You’re not alone.
C: All I can say is, these groups have been a huge part of my journey. I’m glad they can be a resource for other people who were just like me.
