betty's Story

My husband was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in April 2003. We went through 5 weeks of chemo, radiation and then underwent surgery. They removed 3/4 of his esophagus and 1/4 of his stomach and we received a clean bill of health. We were cancer free. Within 6 mos. cancer returned with a vengeance. It was at this point I went to our hospital inquiring about a support group for caregivers by themselves. Our hospital did not offer such a vehicle but did have a support group for caregivers AND patients which would not work for me. I did not want my husband to know how much I was suffering along with him.

I went to the hospital in July 2004 with topics in hand asking to start such a group for caregivers by themselves because I needed help and I needed help NOW. We started the support group in Oct. 2004 and we meet twice a month to share our challenges and victories. The mission is to support the caregiver in whatever capacity we can so they do not have to recreate the wheel. It is a sharing time to discuss our challenges and victories; it is not a hen party nor is it a vehicle to whine but to learn from each other as to what worked for one might work for someone else. It is my mission to help you during these challenging times. YOU are not alone; there are others wanting the same thing and that is hope and support. So with the body of knowledge I gained with my husband, it is my hope that I can help someone else who is experiencing this roller coaster. I created a web site to help those in need and you can assess it by checking out www.caregivers4cancer.com.