Breast Cancer Support Groups

B R E A S T C A N C E R S U P P O R T

From experience, we know that having support when newly diagnosed can be a lifesaver not just physically but emotionally as well. Our group found that it was important to be among women who were actually going through the experience as well as hearing from those who had gone through it and come out on the other side. We encourage those of you who are newly diagnosed to find a support group near you if possible and/or call one of the hotlines below and/or join an online group.

Below are resources from which you can find support. We will do our best to keep this list updated. Facilitators, please email us if you wish to be included on these lists.

• Support Groups
• Telephone Hotlines
• Online Support Resource
• Individual Counseling

Support Groups to Attend

• Find a Support Group In Your Area: Find when and where a local Breast Cancer Survivors Meetup is happening in your area.

Palo Alto, California

• Stanford Hospital, Palo Alto, CA: Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer Group; Ten week sessions, three times a year; Stanford Hospital Patient Resource Center, Room H0103. Contact Social Worker Jan Porter, LCSW: (650) 725-4765

• Community Breast Cancer Group has a variety of support groups for specific groups of women and men who are dealing with breast cancer. The groups are facilitated by licensed therapists and available on a drop-in basis.

• Metastatic Breast Cancer Support Group, Every Monday, 6:30-8:30. Community Breast Health Project, 545 Bryant Street, Palo Alto. For more information call (650) 326-6686

• Couples Support Group, Second and Fourth Tuesday of the month, 6:30-8:30 pm Community Breast Health Project, 545 Bryant Street, Palo Alto. Before attending, please call Debbie Rosenberg, LCSW at (650) 342-3749

Hotlines - Call for Assistance

• American Cancer Society: English or Spanish (800) ACS-2345 Cancer information specialists are available 365 days a year to answer questions about diagnosis, treatment, statistics, financial assistance, and support programs. Spanish services are available.

• 24-Hour Y-ME National Breast Cancer Hotline: The 24-hour Y-ME National Breast Cancer Hotline is a free, confidential resource for information about breast cancer and support.

• Community Breast Health Project: Feeling overwhelmed? Just need to talk to someone who understands? Call the Helpline to reach caring and helpful volunteers and staff. The CBHP Helpline: (650) 326-6686.

• Breast Friends is a one-to-one support network that provides comfort, emotional support, practical assistance and information to breast cancer patients and their families. Staffed by breast cancer survivors, and family members and friends of breast cancer patients, we know first hand the benefits of receiving and giving support. And, we understand the importance of having this support accessible to patients immediately. (404) 843-0677 (support line)
(888) 718-3523 (National toll-free)

• Women's Cancer Resource Center English and Spanish—
Hotline: 510.420.7900, Toll-free: 1.888.421.7900 Volunteers provide information on local support groups and services, treatment options, and information on local health care providers.

Individual Counseling

• St. Mary’s Medical Center WomanKind volunteers are breast cancer survivors who provide emotional support and practical advice to those battling the disease. The service is confidential and free. 450 Stanyan St., San Francisco, CA. Call (877) 966-2654.

• Chronic Illness Coach Tom Robinson provides coaching for people suffering from chronic diseases (metastatic breast cancer). Tom is committed to the chronically ill living extraordinary lives. Living firsthand with a serious chronic illness, Tom understands the standard and alternative medical systems, and knows how to find and get the best possible care and treatments. Call (408) 398-9422.

• Community Breast Health Project Consultation Planning Service helps clients prepare for an upcoming medical appointment. Through a one-to-one meeting with a trained volunteer, a client's questions and concerns are organized and prioritized in the form of a flowchart for the client to use with medical providers. 545 Bryant Street, Palo Alto. For more information call (650) 326-6686.