'Lean on Me'
Women lend support to fellow cancer survivors
by JILL SCHMELZER Reporter

Pam Kreuzer, left, of Cheektowaga sat with fellow cancer survivors and patients Norene Lounsbury of Niagara Falls, Peggy Liddell of Lockport and Jessica Babb of Williamsville. Photos by John Rusac

I n the lyrics

of Bill Withers,

"lean on

me, when you're

not strong and I'll

be your friend. I'll

help you carry on."

That's exactly what the women in the Ovarian Cancer Support Group do in Williamsville.

The ladies, who have all been cancer patients, meet twice a month at Williamsville United Methodist Church to discuss their treatments, symptoms, aches and pains. But that's not all, they also come together for friendship and to enjoy each others' company.

"When we get with everyone it's a support system that we lean on," said Carol Amico, of Amherst. "It's a nice social gathering."

The members are given books, videos and periodicals relating to the type of cancer they have.

Amico, who has been cancer-free for three years, said, "We laugh and smile and forget about our troubles for like two hours."

Members of the Ovarian Cancer Support Group Carol Amico, left, of Amherst, Sue Schultz of Corfu and Marg Lindner of Tonawanda. The members meet the first and third Tuesdays of each month at Williamsville United Methodist Church.

Everyone in the group has gone through or is currently going through chemotherapy, radiation and surgeries. There are survivors who have been in remission for up to 17 years. Others have been recently diagnosed, or their cancer has returned.

"It's a rotten thing to have," said Peggy Liddell of Lockport. "(But) this is a wonderful place, and these are marvelous ladies."

While at the meetings the women discuss the women discuss their pain with each other, and many of them have experienced the same aches and reactions to the treatments. Therefore, they offer each other tips on how to overcome the anxiety.

Sue Schultz, who is currently battling the deadly disease, said her sense of smell is intensified during chemotherapy treatments. Other side effects that seemed common among the group is numbness, pain and a bad aftertaste.

When doctors first diagnosed Schultz, she was told there was "no hope."

"I planned my funeral," she said. However, when she went to Roswell Park Cancer Institute, the doctors said they would do everything they could to save her.

"They've been very helpful," she said.

One common sign cancer may be present is an unexplained persistent cough, Schultz said.

Many of the women received treatment from Sisters Hospital in Buffalo, and they discussed how patients are treated while on chemotherapy.

"The nurses are the best," said Corfu resident Schultz, noting that patients receive massages of their hands and feet during treatments - as well as lunch.

A common side effect of the chemotherapy is hair loss. So, Tonawanda resident and cancer survivor Marg Lindner crochets hats for patients at Roswell, Kenmore Mercy Hospital and Buffalo Radiation.

Not all the members have had ovarian cancer. Some have had uterine or colon cancer.

"There is such a link between ovarian, breast, uterine and colon cancer," Amico said.

September marks Ovarian Cancer month, and it is the deadliest of the gynecologic cancers, according to the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance Web site.

Some common symptoms are:

 abdominal bloating or discomfort

 increased abdominal size

 increased or urgent need to urinate

 pelvic pain

 persistent gas, indigestion or nausea

 unexplained changes in bowel habits

 loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss or gain

 pain during sexual intercourse

 lack of energy and shortness of breath

 and lower back pain.

According to the Web site, symptoms are often associated with the location of the tumor and its impact on the surrounding organs. People experience these symptoms from time to time, but if they are persistent, it is suggested they seek a professional opinion.

The Ovarian Cancer Support group meets from 1 to 3 p.m. the first and third Tuesday of every month at the Williamsville United Methodist Church, 5681 Main St.

For more information, call 634-4800.

e-mail: jschmelzer@beenews.com