Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Denton invites community members affected by cancer to a monthly support group meeting from 1 to 2 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month. The Living With Cancer Support group meets in the Rio Grande conference room, located inside the hospital at 3000 N. I-35 in Denton.

The group is co-facilitated by Becky O’Shea, APRN, OCN, AOCNS, oncology clinical nurse specialist, navigator and cancer program coordinator, and Chaplain Trish Matthews. O’Shea, who has worked as an oncology nurse for almost 40 years, encourages everyone to attend and knows the power of hearing from your peers can help people dealing with a difficult diagnosis.

“All cancer patients, caregivers and loved ones are encouraged to attend our meetings,” said O’Shea. “As a facilitator, my main goal is to answer clinical questions and help patients navigate through their treatment and recovery, but the real power comes from sharing the personal experiences of our group members. Cancer can be very isolating, especially when patients feel that the world is moving on without them while they are focused mainly on fighting the cancer. Sharing personal stories, both triumphs and defeats, helps provide reassurance and fosters a spirit of solidarity.”

Chaplain Matthews also believes that the true value of the group is in the relationships built and the caring that is evident between participants.

“We laugh and we cry.” Matthews said. “We talk about ordinary, daily things and things that are extraordinary. Everyone is welcome and has a place, whether you are newly diagnosed, in the midst of treatment or nearing the end.” 

For more information about the support group, please call Becky O’Shea at 940-898-7002 or visit www.TexasHealth.org/DentonSupportGroups.