When your wife is back on her feet and regaining her strength, you might want to raise the subject of networking through a group support system with other breast cancer patients/survivors. This can be a sensitive subject. Some women prefer to keep their private lives private, while others are energized and benefit from being able to share a coffee and their own experiences with other women who have jumped through the same hoops. For them, it is a therapeutic exercise to exchange information, to know that they are “not alone” as they fight their way back to good health and their “new normal.” In the end, however, the decision to join with others or not, is your wife’s to make. Much of it depends on timing; how well she feels both mentally and physically. Today might be the wrong day, tomorrow might be right. If you are not personally aware of any such groups, a list of helpful organizations and resources available can be found below. Many women feel that they learn more incidental and relevant information about treatment, the side effects, the pluses and minuses and other practical tips from “soulmates” than they do from the professionals who treated them. Even if your wife is reluctant at first, don’t surrender. You might consider enlisting the assistance of other women who have participated in group support practice. You can also contact experienced social workers at cancer treatment centres servicing your region.

Additional Resources:

UHN - resources on breast cancer or caring for loved ones with breast cancer
Y-Me: Partners of Breast Cancer Patients
BreastCancer.org – You and Your Partner