Dear LPG,

I would like to remind you of an article that LPG posted on 16^th November this year (►►►) on the subject of Bowel cancer and say that although there is a lot of information included she has missed a detail out.  Maureen told you all about my experience but there is another side to the story. 

For those who have experienced a positive diagnosis, even if there was quite a painless outcome, it is good to talk which is why I became the secretary of my group.  We are called the Lewisham and South London Bowel Cancer Support Group and we usually meet at Lewisham hospital’s Owen Centre on the second Tuesday of the month. We can be contacted on 07722 847123 or our email address is [email protected].

…and for those who have been or are going through the treatment process talking with people who know makes a really big difference. 

We have been lucky enough to be given the venue by the hospital because it is really important to talk.  Gentlemen, I would like to let you know that a large contingency of men attend and everyone is welcome to share their thoughts and feelings, and our group includes both young and older people. 

Sharing your experiences and feelings on what you have been through, or are going through really helps other members of the group and it is surprising what even the most informed can learn from the new-comers.

Linda Killick

Please see the group’s introductory statement…

The Lewisham and South London Bowel Cancer Support Group, known as the BCSG, is an independent, patient led group providing support for bowel cancer patients and their families with the help of Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust and Macmillan Cancer Support.

Members of the group are all patients, former patients and members of their families.  All have experienced bowel cancer and its treatment.

The group was set up through the foresight of our founder, Jo Cameron, with the help of Lewisham Hospital’s colorectal surgeons and specialist nurses. 

If you are undergoing or have recently completed treatment, come and talk to us.  Our aim is to show that whatever you may feel after diagnosis or treatment, cancer is not now as frightening as it once was. 

You can find details of how to contact the BCSG on posters around the hospital, from your Colorectal Nurse Specialist or by contacting the Group direct via a daytime-only mobile to our Secretary, Linda on 07722 847123 or by e-mail to [email protected].

The group meets at Lewisham hospital’s Owen Centre once each month, normally on the second Tuesday of the month.  Posters around the hospital and your nurse will have details of forthcoming meetings.

We occasionally arrange for speakers to come along and talk to us about subjects of interest.  We are often able to help others with advice or just sympathy but mainly we just talk – often about things you don’t want to talk about to those close to you.

All bowel cancer 'victims' are welcome; come and talk to the survivors!

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