DALLAS July 28, 2011 When a loved one has cancer, it affects the entire family. For men, many of whom are less likely to take advantage of a support group, this can leave a void with devastating emotional consequences.
A UT Southwestern Medical Center men's support group is intent on filling that gap through its recently published book, Stages, which shares stories of members whose wives battled cancer.
"It's very difficult to put on paper. I just kept telling myself the benefit this will give others outweighs that," said Mark Mester, who tells his story in one chapter, along with chapters by co-authors Art Bourgeault, Bob Graham, Ralph Long and Scott Baker.
Open to any man whose wife or partner has cancer, the group meets twice a month at UT Southwestern's Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center. The purpose is to provide education and support, said Jack Hamilton, group facilitator.
"There's a wealth of knowledge of men in the group who have been traveling this journey for a while," Mr. Hamilton said. "It really is the model of what a support group looks like."
Five longtime group members decided to write the book as a resource for male caregivers and also to spread word about the group. Free copies are handed out to cancer center patients or family members. A gift from the Alan and Nancy Baer Foundation funded publication of 2,500 copies.
In the foreword, Dr. James K.V. Willson, director of the Simmons Cancer Center, notes that for every one of the 6 million women now battling cancer in the U.S., there are just as many or more family members affected.
"They are helping ill loved ones get through the practical challenges of day-to-day life as well as cope with the emotional hurdles of living, and sometimes dying, with cancer," wrote Dr. Willson. "In this book, you'll find the stories of five men who know firsthand what it's like to love and care for a cancer patient."
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| Contact: Debbie Bolles debbie.bolles@utsouthwestern.edu 214-648-3404 UT Southwestern Medical Center Source:Eurekalert |