How Can I Share My Wisdom

http://shareyourwisdom.cancer.im 

There are many ways you can go about sharing your experiences.  One is to stay active in any support group you were a part of when your treatment started.  You have likely already fit attendance with this group into your schedule, and keeping up the discipline of going should take no great effort.  The tendency might be to stop attending, now that you are a “post-treatment” cancer survivor.  But by continuing to attend you can provide not only a sensitive listening ear to those beginning treatment, but also offer your own experiences and answer questions that may be worrying others.  In so doing you will be helping yourself, as well, because you will be working through your own feelings now that your treatment is complete.

Keep in touch with and educate your support group.  Many of them will have a temptation to hang up a “mission accomplished” banner and move on.  While you certainly do not want to completely disregard your victory, you can also help educate your support network about the aftermath of treatment and transitioning to the status of cancer “survivor.”  Update them regularly about your status, thanking them for their help in the past and encouraging them to continue to remember you. 

Join a cancer support organization as a volunteer.  The major cancer organizations can always use those who have “walked the walk” to offer support to those beginning their journey through cancer treatment.  Call them up, and ask what help you can offer. 

Speak with your pastor or spiritual leader and offer to talk with anyone who needs a listening ear.  People don’t normally call on their clergyperson except when they are sick and need visitation.  Most clergy can offer spiritual help and support, but would welcome someone who can speak out of knowledge of the experience their charge is going through.  The idea is not to become a full-time counselor, but simply to offer to come in and talk with someone struggling with their cancer treatment when the spiritual advisor believes it would be helpful and appropriate.

Organize group activities for those dealing with cancer.  Many people going through treatment forget to simply get out and enjoy life.  Others are afraid to be seen, especially if they are suffering the physiological effects of chemotherapy.  Organize a get-together for others you know are going through cancer treatment.  You’ll all have something in common to share with each other, and can give encouragement and support outside of a medical environment or “talk therapy” group. 

Be creative.  There are a great many ways you can share your wisdom, just waiting to be discovered by you.