ABSTRACT
This chapter shows that the support group offers women just that: support enabling them to feel confident to be true to themselves at home and in the hospital, or even to themselves and each other. For many the gain in confidence leads them to become better informed and more involved in the delivery of care to them. Anyone, man or woman diagnosed with breast cancer for the first time will experience a range of emotions and be faced with any number of decisions. Through the early stages of acquiring information those involved in this support group had been offered information about the group. That ownership is important but the professional support is recognised as essential to the effectiveness of the group. For new members of the group, in particular, the appropriate modelling of the role of the breast care nurse is helpful as is the recognition that permission is given to question and comment.
