The breast cancer support group meets monthly and is a place where women can ask questions and get answers.

Published: May 14, 2019 | Updated: July 25, 2023

When Beth Hubbard was diagnosed with breast cancer, she forced herself to attend a support group to be around people who had been through what she was going through.

“I kept making myself go because I knew it was good for me,” Beth said. “I could laugh and cry and everyone understood.”

Five years later, Beth still faithfully attends the Norton Cancer Institute Breast Cancer Support Group. The group meets on the third Tuesday of the month from 6 to 7:00 p.m. at Norton Medical Plaza 2 – St. Matthews, Suite 111, 3991 Dutchmans Lane, Louisville, Kentucky.

Beth said the group is a casual, safe place where people diagnosed with breast cancer can talk about whatever they want or need to talk about. People who are new to the group can ask questions and get answers. According to Beth, no matter what question comes up, someone in the group can provide answers.

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“When I was new to my breast cancer journey — and even today — I had lots of questions,” Beth said. “At the support group, people could share their experience with me about some of the choices I was looking to make. I keep attending the group today because it makes me feel good to help someone else who is on this journey.”

According to Beth, people who are new to the group and not sure what to talk about or ask can just listen.

Some of the topics discussed at the support group may include:

• Cancer or treatment fears
• Losing your hair
• Breast and nipple reconstruction
• What to expect from chemotherapy or radiation
• What to ask doctors when you’re newly diagnosed
• Where to buy bras/best bra brands when you’re two different cup sizes or have other challenges

The breast cancer support group isn’t always just discussion. Some months the group has an activity such as art or music therapy or bra fitting. And according to Beth, the group sometimes hosts an event, like a recent outing to an escape room.

Beth hopes that women who may have been facing their breast cancer journey without the support of others will consider attending the group.

“Come and try it out,” Beth said. “All of us know it’s hard to acknowledge you have breast cancer, but everyone in this room will understand. Our breast cancer support group is somewhere you can be your new self, and we’ll be there with you as you discover who that new self may be.”