EnCourage provides a forum for breast cancer patients, survivors, their families and caregivers to join with others to encourage emotional and social support and educate one another on the healing journey. Our meetings are free and open to the public and take place every second Wednesday of the month. Reservations are required since space is limited. RSVP 504.899.2800, 888.899.2288 or . Unless otherwise noted, the schedule for each meeting is:

5:00pm – 5:30pm: Registration & Refreshments
5:30pm: Program Begins

Our upcoming planned schedule is below. Check back regularly for updated information as the schedule is subject to change.

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

VOICES OF BREAST CANCER RECOVERY
Four women share personal stories at Center for Restorative Breast Surgery Support Group

Support groups share a common goal - the bringing together of people with similar experiences who, by sharing, can gain strength and support from each other. Peer support groups have been shown to aid in recovery and in turn help patients live longer.

The Center for Restorative Breast Surgery (CRBS) will host a special EnCourage Support Group meeting this month. Four women will tell their stories of different stages of breast cancer treatment and recovery: newly diagnosed, in treatment, post treatment, and survivor. From emotional ups and downs, to medication side effects, to caring for their families, to living with a changed body‹every aspect of the journey will be discussed.
Each guest patient will also have an opportunity to share their own personal story with the group.

Moderator Liz Markey, CST, is the patient educator at CRBS. "When a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer a lot of questions arise. She needs someone who can relate, someone who has been there. She needs a survivor, states Markey. This month's EnCourage support group will not only offer four different perspectives of recovery, but also give each woman an opportunity to tell her own story. Often it can be cathartic to talk it out to someone who understands first-hand."

Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Surviving Hormone Therapy

Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Environmental Influences Affecting Development Of Cancer

Wednesday, September 10, 2008
The Emotional Side Of Breast Cancer

Wednesday, October 8, 2008
New Advances In Breast Reconstruction

Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Nutrition During and After Treatment
Nutritionist Molly Kimball