Finding a mentor during treatment, or becoming one into survivorship can prove to be very helpful.
PUBLISHED October 09, 2018
Tamera Anderson-Hanna is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Certified Addiction Professional, Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and became a Registered Yoga Teacher while coping with breast cancer in 2015. She owns Wellness, Therapy, & Yoga in Florida where she provides personal wellness services and coaching and she is a public speaker on wellness-related topics. You can connect with her at www.wellnesstherapyyoga.com.
Mentor, accountability partner and peer are all names we can give to individuals who support us and after our cancer journey. At a location I have worked at for several years, I have the words "Mentors & Sponsors" written above my door. It is a reminder that we benefit from the support and relationships with others when facing our journeys in life – including cancer. Having a peer who has been through the process can be a huge help after you hear the words, "you have cancer."
I was surprised to learn that some buddies or peers might meet you at your first appointment with an oncologist, sit with you during a treatment and may even offer to drive you to and from appointments if you suspect you will be feeling ill, tired or emotional. Other peers can help by offering emotional support by reaching out by telephone, email or online chat. The support can vary depending on availably of peers and how active former survivors are in the area you live, but they can be a powerful resource if you reach out.
I was surprised to learn that some buddies or peers might meet you at your first appointment with an oncologist, sit with you during a treatment and may even offer to drive you to and from appointments if you suspect you will be feeling ill, tired or emotional. Other peers can help by offering emotional support by reaching out by telephone, email or online chat. The support can vary depending on availably of peers and how active former survivors are in the area you live, but they can be a powerful resource if you reach out.
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