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Orange County, CA – Support Groups?
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Orange County, CA – Support Groups?

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Orange County, CA – Support Groups?

  • Post
    • September 22, 2014 at 5:54 pm
    holy moly melanomy
    Participant

      Hello lovelys!

      I've been able to hold most of myself together during these last 19 months A.D. (After Diagnosis).  It took me a bit to get back to stable ground and I've been doing just fine for about the last year or so.  However a recent "bump" in the road….or I should say "lump" on my back…threw me back into darkness of Mela-Land.  My husband found a mass on back about an inch or so between my spine and my WE scar the first of this month.  I'm fairly certain it's just a lipoma, but of course there is that evil voice in my head that is telling me the beast is back.

       

      Curious if anyone in Southern CA has a support group that they go to?  I went to one about a year ago after I had an enlarged lymph node pop up on my neck/base of skull.   Although the ladies were super nice – I just didn't fit.  They had all been together for like 10-15+ years and about 95% of them were Breast Cancer survivors as well as they were all 65+ years old.  I'm not discriminating on age or cancer, I'd just personnally rather attend a meeting for Melanoma, or at least a group with a few Melahomies.

      I'm open to all suggestions 🙂  Thank you!

       

      ~Amber~

      holymolymelanomy.blogspot.com

    Viewing 8 reply threads
    • Replies
        • September 22, 2014 at 6:10 pm
        JC
        Participant

          There should be general cancer support groups in your area.  Check with the American Cancer Society in your area.  There might be melanoma specific support groups as well.  There are a few organizations that can link you up with someone else who has a similar cancer diagnosis.  The organization I connected with is Immerman Angels.  http://www.imermanangels.org/

            • September 22, 2014 at 6:22 pm
            holy moly melanomy
            Participant

              Thank you!!  The hospital that I had my surgery at had a therapist available, but I am not longer a patient there as I am now with Kaiser.  It's funny because in my last derm appointment – there was a 'skin cancer' poster and it says on there that if diagnosed that you should start seeing a Melanoma Specialist.  Kaiser doesn't really have that – only one in Riverside and you have to be stage 3+ in order to see them…  So silly. 

               

              But thank you, I really appreciate it 🙂

              • September 22, 2014 at 6:22 pm
              holy moly melanomy
              Participant

                Thank you!!  The hospital that I had my surgery at had a therapist available, but I am not longer a patient there as I am now with Kaiser.  It's funny because in my last derm appointment – there was a 'skin cancer' poster and it says on there that if diagnosed that you should start seeing a Melanoma Specialist.  Kaiser doesn't really have that – only one in Riverside and you have to be stage 3+ in order to see them…  So silly. 

                 

                But thank you, I really appreciate it 🙂

                • September 22, 2014 at 6:22 pm
                holy moly melanomy
                Participant

                  Thank you!!  The hospital that I had my surgery at had a therapist available, but I am not longer a patient there as I am now with Kaiser.  It's funny because in my last derm appointment – there was a 'skin cancer' poster and it says on there that if diagnosed that you should start seeing a Melanoma Specialist.  Kaiser doesn't really have that – only one in Riverside and you have to be stage 3+ in order to see them…  So silly. 

                   

                  But thank you, I really appreciate it 🙂

                • September 22, 2014 at 6:10 pm
                JC
                Participant

                  There should be general cancer support groups in your area.  Check with the American Cancer Society in your area.  There might be melanoma specific support groups as well.  There are a few organizations that can link you up with someone else who has a similar cancer diagnosis.  The organization I connected with is Immerman Angels.  http://www.imermanangels.org/

                  • September 22, 2014 at 6:10 pm
                  JC
                  Participant

                    There should be general cancer support groups in your area.  Check with the American Cancer Society in your area.  There might be melanoma specific support groups as well.  There are a few organizations that can link you up with someone else who has a similar cancer diagnosis.  The organization I connected with is Immerman Angels.  http://www.imermanangels.org/

                    • September 22, 2014 at 7:12 pm
                    Julie in SoCal
                    Participant

                      Hi Amber,

                      After my initial diagnosis, I also was looking for a support group, where I would find folk who were dealing with the big fat harry deal of stage 3 cancer treatment. I wanted to talk, listen, cry and laugh with new friends. 

                      In looking around in OC,  I did not find a support group specifically for melanoma.  I checked all the local hospitals (Hoag, Memorial…) and did not find a one. When I went to the general "Cancer" support groups at the hospitals, I found that they tended to be education oriented.  That was fine, just not what I was looking for. 

                      Eventually I went up to the Cancer Support Center in Pasadena http://www.cscpasadena.org/ (there's also one in Santa Monica).  Yes, it's a long trip (I live in HB) but they were wonderful and I never regretted the trip.  I cannot more highly recommend the folks there.

                      Sorry I'm not more help,

                      Julie

                      Stage 3c, WLE, + SNB + LDN + HD-INF + GM-CSF= NED. Recurrance + IPI = NERD

                       

                       

                        • September 22, 2014 at 7:48 pm
                        holy moly melanomy
                        Participant

                          Thank you!  I appreciate any information.  The one I went to was also at a hospital and I picked it because it was meant for early diagnosed people and how to move on from it…..and then as I mentioned, these women had been in the same group for seriously like 10-15+ years.  I just found it odd.  I couldn't wrap my head around it and I ended up just crying my eyes out during the whole damn hour. 

                          It just sucks when Melanoma creeps back up and takes up all of my mental time.  It's definitely hard on my husband and he tries to give advice – to which I blow up and tell him that he couldn't possibly understand.  It's not fair to anyone around me and I just wish I knew how to get a handle on this crap! 🙂 

                          Thank you for the input, it's really REALLY appreciated 🙂

                           

                           

                          • September 22, 2014 at 9:34 pm
                          JC
                          Participant

                            Sometimes there are tools and techniques to learn as well.  Such as (just examples). . sometimes you can find classes/sessions through support networks that can help. . .

                            CHANGING PATTERNS OF NEGATIVE THINKING AND WORRY WITH HYPNOSIS
                            This program will focus on how the mind creates negative thinking/self-talk that creates stress and worry. Participants will learn how they can use hypnosis to interrupt those thought patterns, and will be given an opportunity to practice this technique during the class.

                            Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a new approach to handling stressful thoughts and feelings. Research shows that ACT is effective for helping people impacted by cancer overcome obstacles and live a fulfilling life.

                            • September 22, 2014 at 10:15 pm
                            holy moly melanomy
                            Participant

                              I would totally be into the hypnosis deal….  Although, I am completely imagining myself being hypnotized into clucking like a chicken – or acting like a prom queen on a parade float everytime my mind wanders to the dark side.  I'd still take that over crippling fear 🙂

                              • September 22, 2014 at 10:51 pm
                              JC
                              Participant

                                not quite the kind of hypnosis they portray in the movies. 

                                http://connectionscounselinginc.com/hypnosis/

                                 

                                 

                                • September 22, 2014 at 10:51 pm
                                JC
                                Participant

                                  not quite the kind of hypnosis they portray in the movies. 

                                  http://connectionscounselinginc.com/hypnosis/

                                   

                                   

                                  • September 22, 2014 at 10:51 pm
                                  JC
                                  Participant

                                    not quite the kind of hypnosis they portray in the movies. 

                                    http://connectionscounselinginc.com/hypnosis/

                                     

                                     

                                    • September 22, 2014 at 10:15 pm
                                    holy moly melanomy
                                    Participant

                                      I would totally be into the hypnosis deal….  Although, I am completely imagining myself being hypnotized into clucking like a chicken – or acting like a prom queen on a parade float everytime my mind wanders to the dark side.  I'd still take that over crippling fear 🙂

                                      • September 22, 2014 at 10:15 pm
                                      holy moly melanomy
                                      Participant

                                        I would totally be into the hypnosis deal….  Although, I am completely imagining myself being hypnotized into clucking like a chicken – or acting like a prom queen on a parade float everytime my mind wanders to the dark side.  I'd still take that over crippling fear 🙂

                                        • September 22, 2014 at 9:34 pm
                                        JC
                                        Participant

                                          Sometimes there are tools and techniques to learn as well.  Such as (just examples). . sometimes you can find classes/sessions through support networks that can help. . .

                                          CHANGING PATTERNS OF NEGATIVE THINKING AND WORRY WITH HYPNOSIS
                                          This program will focus on how the mind creates negative thinking/self-talk that creates stress and worry. Participants will learn how they can use hypnosis to interrupt those thought patterns, and will be given an opportunity to practice this technique during the class.

                                          Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a new approach to handling stressful thoughts and feelings. Research shows that ACT is effective for helping people impacted by cancer overcome obstacles and live a fulfilling life.

                                          • September 22, 2014 at 9:34 pm
                                          JC
                                          Participant

                                            Sometimes there are tools and techniques to learn as well.  Such as (just examples). . sometimes you can find classes/sessions through support networks that can help. . .

                                            CHANGING PATTERNS OF NEGATIVE THINKING AND WORRY WITH HYPNOSIS
                                            This program will focus on how the mind creates negative thinking/self-talk that creates stress and worry. Participants will learn how they can use hypnosis to interrupt those thought patterns, and will be given an opportunity to practice this technique during the class.

                                            Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a new approach to handling stressful thoughts and feelings. Research shows that ACT is effective for helping people impacted by cancer overcome obstacles and live a fulfilling life.

                                            • September 22, 2014 at 7:48 pm
                                            holy moly melanomy
                                            Participant

                                              Thank you!  I appreciate any information.  The one I went to was also at a hospital and I picked it because it was meant for early diagnosed people and how to move on from it…..and then as I mentioned, these women had been in the same group for seriously like 10-15+ years.  I just found it odd.  I couldn't wrap my head around it and I ended up just crying my eyes out during the whole damn hour. 

                                              It just sucks when Melanoma creeps back up and takes up all of my mental time.  It's definitely hard on my husband and he tries to give advice – to which I blow up and tell him that he couldn't possibly understand.  It's not fair to anyone around me and I just wish I knew how to get a handle on this crap! 🙂 

                                              Thank you for the input, it's really REALLY appreciated 🙂

                                               

                                               

                                              • September 22, 2014 at 7:48 pm
                                              holy moly melanomy
                                              Participant

                                                Thank you!  I appreciate any information.  The one I went to was also at a hospital and I picked it because it was meant for early diagnosed people and how to move on from it…..and then as I mentioned, these women had been in the same group for seriously like 10-15+ years.  I just found it odd.  I couldn't wrap my head around it and I ended up just crying my eyes out during the whole damn hour. 

                                                It just sucks when Melanoma creeps back up and takes up all of my mental time.  It's definitely hard on my husband and he tries to give advice – to which I blow up and tell him that he couldn't possibly understand.  It's not fair to anyone around me and I just wish I knew how to get a handle on this crap! 🙂 

                                                Thank you for the input, it's really REALLY appreciated 🙂

                                                 

                                                 

                                              • September 22, 2014 at 7:12 pm
                                              Julie in SoCal
                                              Participant

                                                Hi Amber,

                                                After my initial diagnosis, I also was looking for a support group, where I would find folk who were dealing with the big fat harry deal of stage 3 cancer treatment. I wanted to talk, listen, cry and laugh with new friends. 

                                                In looking around in OC,  I did not find a support group specifically for melanoma.  I checked all the local hospitals (Hoag, Memorial…) and did not find a one. When I went to the general "Cancer" support groups at the hospitals, I found that they tended to be education oriented.  That was fine, just not what I was looking for. 

                                                Eventually I went up to the Cancer Support Center in Pasadena http://www.cscpasadena.org/ (there's also one in Santa Monica).  Yes, it's a long trip (I live in HB) but they were wonderful and I never regretted the trip.  I cannot more highly recommend the folks there.

                                                Sorry I'm not more help,

                                                Julie

                                                Stage 3c, WLE, + SNB + LDN + HD-INF + GM-CSF= NED. Recurrance + IPI = NERD

                                                 

                                                 

                                                • September 22, 2014 at 7:12 pm
                                                Julie in SoCal
                                                Participant

                                                  Hi Amber,

                                                  After my initial diagnosis, I also was looking for a support group, where I would find folk who were dealing with the big fat harry deal of stage 3 cancer treatment. I wanted to talk, listen, cry and laugh with new friends. 

                                                  In looking around in OC,  I did not find a support group specifically for melanoma.  I checked all the local hospitals (Hoag, Memorial…) and did not find a one. When I went to the general "Cancer" support groups at the hospitals, I found that they tended to be education oriented.  That was fine, just not what I was looking for. 

                                                  Eventually I went up to the Cancer Support Center in Pasadena http://www.cscpasadena.org/ (there's also one in Santa Monica).  Yes, it's a long trip (I live in HB) but they were wonderful and I never regretted the trip.  I cannot more highly recommend the folks there.

                                                  Sorry I'm not more help,

                                                  Julie

                                                  Stage 3c, WLE, + SNB + LDN + HD-INF + GM-CSF= NED. Recurrance + IPI = NERD

                                                   

                                                   

                                                  • September 23, 2014 at 1:00 am
                                                  DZnDef
                                                  Participant

                                                    Hey Amber, I don't know of any myself but if you hear of one or if you want to start one, let me know.  I live in Orange County and am Stage IV.  Was only correctly diagnosed in March of this year but I've been stage IV since at least July of 2012.

                                                    Cheers – Maggie

                                                    • September 23, 2014 at 1:00 am
                                                    DZnDef
                                                    Participant

                                                      Hey Amber, I don't know of any myself but if you hear of one or if you want to start one, let me know.  I live in Orange County and am Stage IV.  Was only correctly diagnosed in March of this year but I've been stage IV since at least July of 2012.

                                                      Cheers – Maggie

                                                        • September 23, 2014 at 5:24 am
                                                        [email protected]
                                                        Participant

                                                          I live in San Diego County and looked for support groups in Southern Cal after I was diagnosed in 2012, but couldn't find any for melanoma. I would be interested in participating if you find a group or want to start one. There are a number of patients in the San Diego/Orange County area and some good "halfway meeting points." With so much happening in the field, sharing information would be a great. idea…

                                                          • September 23, 2014 at 5:24 am
                                                          [email protected]
                                                          Participant

                                                            I live in San Diego County and looked for support groups in Southern Cal after I was diagnosed in 2012, but couldn't find any for melanoma. I would be interested in participating if you find a group or want to start one. There are a number of patients in the San Diego/Orange County area and some good "halfway meeting points." With so much happening in the field, sharing information would be a great. idea…

                                                            • September 23, 2014 at 5:24 am
                                                            [email protected]
                                                            Participant

                                                              I live in San Diego County and looked for support groups in Southern Cal after I was diagnosed in 2012, but couldn't find any for melanoma. I would be interested in participating if you find a group or want to start one. There are a number of patients in the San Diego/Orange County area and some good "halfway meeting points." With so much happening in the field, sharing information would be a great. idea…

                                                            • September 23, 2014 at 1:00 am
                                                            DZnDef
                                                            Participant

                                                              Hey Amber, I don't know of any myself but if you hear of one or if you want to start one, let me know.  I live in Orange County and am Stage IV.  Was only correctly diagnosed in March of this year but I've been stage IV since at least July of 2012.

                                                              Cheers – Maggie

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