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“Support groups are safe spaces to share your
fears and frustrations without feeling judged or misunderstood. Participants in
a support group may understand what you’re experiencing in ways that other
people might not.”
-Katie Schoeppner, MSW, LICSW, Director,
Patient Services
Virtual Support Groups
BMT Survivorship Chats
BMT survivors discuss experiences, challenges and insights about life after transplant with other survivors.
Here's what you need to know:
- The chats are facilitated by BMT Social Workers
- Each month, a transplant recovery topic is highlighted for discussion
- Groups are offered two times each month
- If you are interested in a topic, you can sign up for more than one session
- Sessions take place on the 2nd Monday at 3pm CT and the 3rd Thursday at 1pm CT monthly.
Current topics are listed below.
January – Exercise, Health, and Wellness
Engaging discussion around the reality of integrating exercise, health, and wellness into BMT survivorship.
February – BMT and Sexuality: Opening the Dialogue
Exploring the impact BMT has on sexuality, intimacy, and identity.
March – GvHD
An opportunity for education, discussion, and support around graft-versus-host disease.
April – Exploring Methods for Coping
Exploring methods for coping that fall outside of standard treatment (journaling, yoga, Tai chi, Reiki, massage, essential oils, guided imagery, mindfulness techniques, humor).
May – Navigating Relationships as a BMT Survivor
Navigating new relationships and re-negotiating existing relationships post-transplant.
June – Acceptance and Perseverance
Engaging discussion around acceptance and perseverance in BMT survivorship.
July – Redefining your Identity
A discussion around finding new goals, employment, school, volunteering, new meaning to life
August – Steroid Treatment and Effects
An opportunity for education, discussion, and support around the use and effects of prednisone and other steroid treatments.
September – Adjusting to Loss and Change Post Transplant
Acknowledging the breadth, significance, and impacts of loss and change in BMT survivorship.
October – Survivors Guilt
A discussion about the extent of survivor’s guilt and severity. Not everyone experiences survivor’s guilt, but it is important to remember that these feelings are normal.
November – Giving Thanks
Engaging discussion around saying thank you to those who helped you on your transplant journey including family, medical staff, and your donor, as well as how to say thank you to your donor if you are not able to engage directly.
December – Managing Fatigue When the Demands Are High
Considering the experience of post-transplant fatigue during a high-energy season.
Register for BMT Survivorship Chats:
- Register online, or
- Contact us at 1 (888) 999-6743 or patientinfo@nmdp.org with the date(s) you would like to join.
We will email you with dial-in information prior to the session(s).