Central Carolina HEALTH - Fall 2012 - (Page 9)

By their Breast cancer doesn’t just affect the person diagnosed with it. Read three stories of local women who faced breast cancer with the support of co-survivors Side C ancer is a journey, both medically and emotionally. You leave the life you know as soon as you hear the words “you have cancer.” There are universal stops and turns for every patient as well as the caregiver, or “co-survivor.” What Is a Co-Survivor? A person is a survivor from the moment a breast cancer diagnosis is confirmed. A co-survivor is a family member, spouse or partner, friend, healthcare provider or colleague. There may be one person who stands firmly by your side through it all, or there may be different co-survivors who support you over time. Breast health navigator Gwyn Sandlin knows how valuable a co-survivor can be to a patient grappling emotionally with the life changes that cancer brings. In 2009, she started a support group at Central Carolina Hospital (CCH). “Co-survivors provide needed support in a loved one’s fight against breast cancer,” says Gwyn. “At CCH, the support group allows each person to share and connect with others. They come to realize they are not alone on the journey.” The group meets on the second Tuesday of every month. It’s a time to hear stories of hope and encouragement, and every story is unique. FA L L 2 0 1 2 | 9 photo by thinkstock

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Central Carolina HEALTH - Fall 2012

Central Carolina HEALTH - Fall 2012
From the CEO
Contents
Health Beat
Julie's Journey
By Their Side
The Right Direction
The Right Tools

Central Carolina HEALTH - Fall 2012