When a person is told they have cancer, feelings of fear, shock, disbelief, anger depression, and frustration predominate all other emotions. Suddenly the world seems to have fallen apart and balance and control seem impossible to attain. The question "Why me?" is the most commonly asked, if only of oneself. During this time of extreme stress, it is often helpful to know that there are others out there that want to help. People who have experienced similar trauma and who may share some of the same feelings, have found ways to cope and adjust to the changes that can occur in the lives of cancer patients. There is something very comforting about sharing concerns with someone who can understand what you are feeling from first-hand experience.

A diagnosis may lead to an answer. With family, spiritual, social and financial support these trying times can be overcome.

Other Support Services
(call numbers listed below)

Advanced Cancer Psychotherapy Group
Southwest Regional Cancer Center
For fees and information 512-421-4167
Ninety minute group for stages three and four cancer. All Diagnoses. Facilitated by a Psychiatrist and Social Worker.

Austin Center for Attitudinal Healing
512-327-1961
3201 Manchaca Road
Austin, TX 78704
Web address: www.citysearch.com/aus/attitudinal
Support for children, teens, adults and their families who are experiencing serious illness, grief or loss. Help to experience and create those attitudes that foster a sense of inner peace and well being in the midst of outward challenges. Some services offered. Bereavement support group, Health Mate Program - one-to-one support to homebound cancer patients (children or adults).

Bone Marrow / Stem Cell Transplant Support Group
512-928-1144
Co-sponsored: American Cancer Society and Southwest Regional Cancer Center. A group for current patients or survivors. Meets monthly - call.

Bosom Buddies
A Christ-centered breast cancer support group. No fee. Westlake Methodist Church (Merry Nell Drummond 512-327-3363)

Brain Tumor Support Group
512-474-5700
Health South Rehabilitation Hospital
1215 Red River
Austin, TX
Meets the second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Sponsor - Health South Rehabilitation Hospital. No Fee.

Cancer Care
1-800-813-4673
Web address: http://www.cancercare.org
Provides assistance to people with any type of cancer, at any stage of illness. All of Cancer Care's services are free of charge. Cancer Care has more than 45 professional oncology social workers on staff, who can speak to you in a private consultation, work with you in a support group, or talk with you over the phone. They can provide emotional support, assist you in coping with treatment and treatment side effects, help you understand talk to your doctor, nurse or other health care provider, and guide you to resources that can make you better able to focus on your health. Click here for a listing of Cancer Care support groups

Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation
Austin Area 512-457-4618
2026 Guadalupe Street
Austin, TX 78705
Web address: www.candlelightersaustin.org
Program provides counseling and support groups for children ages 0 - 21 years that have been diagnosed with cancer and their family members.

Capital Area Mental Health Center
1106 Clayton Lane, Suite 105W
Austin, TX 78723-1033
(512) 302-1000
Agency provides low-cost, long-term counseling to individuals and couples who have no other means of obtaining this service. Counseling is provided by supervised therapists-in-training and by licensed mental health professionals who volunteer.
Hours: By appointment; 24-hour voice mail; leave message
Languages: Spanish
Fees: Billing: Sliding scale
Eligibility Requirements: Persons over 16, with low/limited income who are in need of psychological services and have no mental health insurance.
Intake Procedure: Call to schedule an interview; leave name and telephone number on answering machine.

Care Calls
512-476-6325
Meals on Wheels and More
2222 Rosewood Avenue Austin, TX 78702
Web address: www.mealsonwheels-austx.org
Volunteers call clients on a regular basis and establish a friendly relationship by phone. Hours: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday - Friday There are no eligibility or income requirements. Service areas include: Travis, Williamson, Bastrop, Burnet and Fayette counties. Spanish speaking volunteers are available.

Dialogue Support Group
512-421-4167
Southwest Regional Cancer Center
711 W. 38th Street B-1
Austin, TX
First and Third Tuesdays 5:30 - 7:00 pm
A group to help you and your caregivers deal with the challenges of cancer.

First Call For Help
512-324-1899
Web address: www.uway-austin.org
Information and referrals for services in Travis County.

For The Love of Christy
512-467-2600
Web address: www.austin360.com/community/groups/christi/index.shtml
Counseling and support programs for people who have lost a loved one. Weekly meetings and monthly youth meetings.

Hospice Austin
512-342-4700
4107 Spicewood Springs Road, Suite 100
Austin, Texas 78759
Web address: www.hospiceaustin.org
Offers bereavement groups and seeks to meet the needs of both patient and family by providing physical, emotional and spiritual comfort.

Mental Health Association - Austin Area
512-454-3706
8401 Shoal Creek Blvd.
Austin, Texas 78757-7597
www.mhatexas.org
One of the services offered is a clearinghouse listing of Austin and Travis County.

Brain Tumor Support Group
(Ann Harris)
512-469-7378
Meets at the U.T. School of Nursing, call for more information.

United Ostomy Association 512-339-6388 - Austin Chapter

Us Too
(Prostate Cancer Support Group)
512-794-3859
A support group for prostate cancer survivors and for those diagnosed with prostate cancer and their family members. There is no charge and everyone who is interested in prostate cancer is welcome.

Widowed Persons Services Groups
(Barbara Pearoy-Norris)
512-327-6917
A support group for widowed persons. First and third Tuesday 7-9 PM