It takes support to get through the big moments in life, whether they’re happy, scary or traumatic. Support is meant to get people through things in life. Everyone deals with a breast cancer diagnoses differently.

The breast cancer support group is a place for women to come together and share their experiences among one another. The group is not limited to those who have breast cancer, however. Members are welcome to invite their friends or loved ones who just want to show their support.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Sampson Regional Medical Center held a breakfast for the the support group at The Gristmill restaurant. It is a gathering that is held once a year. Coffee mugs were given to the participants who showed up and it was a rather large group. At least 20 people attended the gathering, forcing the staff to add an extra table or two.

During breakfast, the members talked about what steps they needed to take to remain healthy. They also talked about their stories with breast cancer.

“We’re here to celebrate the love and the friendship,” Robin Palmer stated. Palmer is the liaison for the group. She took over after Wanda Boyette’s passing. The group has welcomed her as part of their family. Palmer has not personally struggled with cancer, but that hasn’t impacted her relationship with the group.

The group was established 20 years ago by Boyette, who was an administrator at the hospital. She had breast cancer, and now the group honors her memory.

“We thank Wanda for starting this group and keeping it alive,” Palmer noted. “We’ll carry on in honor of her.”

The group meets monthly at the Center for Health and Wellness, where the doors are always open. Sometimes the guests are friends of friends who have cancer and they’re reaching out for a support system. They put together care bags for women when they go through surgery, containing items that one might not think to pack. Several women at the breakfast loved the pillow that came in the care bag and requested another one.

“We have experts come in and discuss specific topics that are relevant to the group,” Palmer explained. “They celebrate love and life that they give each other. “

Sometimes the group just takes time to discuss their stories and talk with one another. Any topic is relevant and they’ll discuss whatever comes to mind.

One woman shared her story and her experiences with treatment to her friend during the breakfast.

“It’s good that they have the 3D mammogram,” survivor Jackie Hobbs stated. A regular mammogram was unable to detect her tumor. “I knew something was wrong. I could feel it, but they couldn’t find it. When they did the ultrasound, they finally saw it.”

Palmer stressed the fact that women need to go get their mammograms because it could lead to early detection, which is key.

“I tell my family, please get a mammogram,” Hobbs pleaded.

The group might have a day where they go through exercises they need to do in order to stay healthy. After hearing Hobbs discuss needing to exercise to remain active, Palmer decided to research the subject for an upcoming meeting.

Hobbs’ cancer came back after only eight months of being cancer free.

“It was devastating to have to go through this again,” Hobbs said. “I just feel like I’m cancer-free now.”

Dinah Monk, another survivor, has had breast cancer twice now. She was cancer free for 16 years before she was told that she had cancer for the second time.

“You are never cancer-free. I’m thankful for every day that I have. I want to share with people who have been diagnosed with cancer,” Monk expressed. Monk first had cancer in her left breast in 1996 and was re-diagnosed in 2009 in her right breast. She came to the breakfast thanks to Hobbs and plans to return to the group monthly.

When asked about how she felt about the breakfast, Monk expressed, “I love it. When I was going through it, I had nothing. If they had anything in Duplin County, I didn’t know about it.”

Attendee Judy Cumbo noted the difference between a survivor who is living cancer-free and a survivor who is still living with cancer. She mentioned how doctors tell their patients after two years that they are cancer-free. In the past, a woman had to wait five years before they were told anything like that. She feels the group is very helpful and welcoming to new members.

“This group is always seeking ways to help each other,” Cumbo stated.

Cumbo doesn’t have cancer herself, but that does not make her any less part of the group.

“I have several friends who are part of this group. I was in the active journey with one of the members. They welcomed me. I treasure this friendship,” Cumbo continued.

Many of the group members are friends. The group encourages each other.

According to Palmer, they meet the third Monday of each moth at 11 a.m., but they take the summers off. She stressed multiple times that anyone is welcome to attend the meetings.

The breast cancer support group all posed for a photo while enjoying their coffee and breakfast.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/web1_IMG_9761.jpgThe breast cancer support group all posed for a photo while enjoying their coffee and breakfast. Brendaly Vega|Sampson Independent

Members of a local breast cancer support support group kept conversation going even after breakfast was over.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/web1_IMG_9762.jpgMembers of a local breast cancer support support group kept conversation going even after breakfast was over. Brendaly Vega|Sampson Independent

https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/web1_pink-ribbon-1.jpgBrendaly Vega|Sampson Independent
Group talks struggles, offers solace

By Brendaly Vega

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Brendaly Vega can be reached at 910-592-8137 ext. 2588