If we have only long-term survivors, we talk about the transition back to work, the impact on our children, insurance issues. Or, we can spend the whole meeting talking to someone who has just been diagnosed. If someone has a particular concern, we will deal with that issue. Chandler has found that people in the early phases after transplant are very motivated to seek support. Phone networking is a major component of our support system.
Members maintain contact with each other during the month.
This enables us to provide ongoing support between meetings, and keep in touch with those who live too far away to attend meetings. The group also keeps in contact with members who are in the hospital or recovering from BMTs. We call them from the meeting, send them cards and keep in touch with their families. When she began organizing the group, Chandler went to all the transplant centers in the Chicago area and talked to doctors and nurses. She also mailed brochures to oncologists.