Best Buds been there, beaten breast cancer

It's been a year now since four enthusiastic breast cancer survivors realized their dream of starting a breast cancer support group in Kings County.

The women - Linda Barkhouse, Dorothy Miller, Lisa Salley and Dorothy Rand - from various locations and walks of life, had been part of support groups in other places and appreciated the comeraderie, information and support they received following their surgeries. Each saw the need for a similar group in this area, especially with the local hospital, specialists and so many breast cancer surgeries preformed weekly.

The ladies sought out information on starting a group and attended a facilitator training workshop in Waverly hosted by The Willow Breast Cancer Support & Resource Services, Toronto. These workshops are held all over Canada. In 2006, these women went to their second workshop, joined by three more women; later in the year, two of the group attended the first ever workshop held specifically for younger women, who often face greater and different challenges associated with the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

Many patients following surgery find themselves with questions, floundering alone and wondering about follow-up treatments, medications and the emotional side-effects of this devastating disease.

In January 2006, the Kings County Breast Cancer Support Group was started. After considerable input and deliberation from the group, it was officially named "Best Buds," which stands for “breast education support therapy.” The group provides a confidential, informal setting for women to voice their concerns, share feelings, information and ideas, treatment options, side effects - and just plain funny anecdotes. Giving medical advice is not the mandate.

Many have said breast cancer survivors are a most upbeat caring group, and the comeraderie is the biggest drawing card. Just knowing others have "been there” helps a lot.

Attendance fluctuates at meetings as the concerns and interest in various programs warrant. Guest speakers have included Kelly Hayes, lymphodema; Melissa Mitchell, reflexology and nutrition, belly dancing and exercise; with upcoming programs on prosthesis, mental health, naturopathy and other topics of interest to the group.

The group is grateful to the United Church of St. Paul and St. Stephen, Kentville Save Easy and the Kentville Rotary Club for continuing support.

Best Buds meets the third Thursday of each month, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the the United Church of St. Paul and St. Stephen, Kentville; for a time of sharing, programs and refreshments. All breast cancer survivors are invited. For information, contact Dorothy Rand, 582-7043.

The March 15 meeting guest speaker will be Dr. Norma Kennedy, a physiologist with Kentville Mental Health, on coping with breast cancer.