Data support the

convictions of many local cancer survivors - a good

support system is key to surviving cancer and maintaining

a positive outlook.

In addition to providing

encouragement and answering questions, having someone to

push a vacuum cleaner, dress bandages, run errands and

cook an occasional meal during recovery are invaluable to

most. Also, physical therapy and nutritional counseling

are sometimes needed.

A number of Fayette cancer

survivors say that post-surgery recovery was the worst

part of the entire situation. Healing from the cancer,

chemotherapy and other drug treatments can make it

impossible for someone to do even the easiest tasks.

However, the emotional turmoil and depression are often

more debilitating. Becoming part of a cancer support

group can do more for the recovery process than physical

support, according to many local survivors.

"I've found that many

of my questions have been answered by those in the

support groups I attend," said Robyn Smith, breast

cancer survivor. "They've also offered me

encouragement.

"The first few months

after surgery were the scariest," Smith said.

"It happened all of a sudden. It was all new to me

and my family; we didn't know what to expect."

She found the support of

her friends, husband and family extremely helpful.

Janet Beebe has been a

"Reach to Recovery" volunteer for over 14 years

and is the facilitator for the monthly Bosom Buddies

support group in Peachtree City. The group, under the

auspices of the American Cancer Society, is for those who

have experienced breast cancer.

Seventeen years ago when

Beebe had a breast lumpectomy, it was a very uncommon

surgery. With a lumpectomy, the immediate cancer and a

section around the cancer are removed rather than the

entire breast. While there were volunteers to help those

undergoing treatment for every other type of cancer,

there were none for those opting for a lumpectomy. Within

six months, Beebe was helping others.

Beebe credits her volunteer

activities with helping her get through a subsequent bout

with cancer and her long-term survival. Four years after

the lumpectomy, she had a recurrence of cancer that

resulted in a mastectomy and reconstruction surgery.

Asden Johnson found her

breast cancer during a self-exam a couple of years ago.

She had been having regular

yearly mammograms, but the cancer she discovered was in a

lymph node, under her arm.

She has since started a

support group that meets at her church, Fayetteville

First Methodist. The group is open to those who have had

any type of cancer.

Here's a roundup of local

support groups:

Man-to-Man Prostate Cancer

Support Group; Call Jim O'Hara, 770-632-2898 for info.

Bosom Buddies (Breast

Cancer Support Group); meets second Tuesday, 7:30 p.m.,

the Gathering Place in Peachtree City; Janet Beebe,

770-487-6388.

Cancer Support;

Fayetteville First United Methodist Church - all

types of cancer; 6:45 p.m. third Wednesday; Asden Johnson

770-461-2388.

Phone the American Cancer

Society for other local support and volunteer

opportunities, 770-460-8920.

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