Every breast cancer patient I have met remembers the exact moment she learned of her positive diagnosis, the moment her life changed. Following diagnosis, it’s difficult to think of anything else, and it’s common to feel angry, resentful, confused, depressed, or extremely emotional.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with breast cancer, I encourage you to participate in a support group because doing so can benefit your mind, body, and spirit. Research has shown that those who actively pursue the companionship of others with breast cancer can decrease stress levels and boost their immune system.

In a support group, you will learn about and from others’ experiences, discussing everything from mood swings to side effects, sleep disturbances to alternative and advanced therapies. Most importantly, you will discover that you’re not alone.

Support groups can meet in person or online. To locate a group in your area, contact local hospitals or breast cancer clinics, or one of the following organizations:

• The National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Information Service, 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237)
• Local chapters of the American Cancer Society and Susan G. Komen for the Cure

For those who live in remote locations or prefer an online support group, many resources are available, including the Breast Cancer.org discussion forums. If you are considering mastectomy, the DIEP Sisters Web site provides an excellent resource for support. It also discusses alternative methods of breast reconstruction after mastectomy, focusing on the DIEP flap.

In my own office, the DIEP Flap Support Group was formed over 13 years ago because many patients had a difficult time finding other people to talk to who had undergone the same surgery. Meetings are held once a month, in a very positive mood and setting. Most members are willing to speak to patients considering the DIEP flap for breast reconstruction, so if you’re interested, phone my office at (516) 482- 1100.

One year ago DIEP flap breast reconstruction became available at Huntington Hospital when Drs. Keller and Yoon-Schwartz joined the staff. DIEP flap breast reconstruction utilizes sophisticated microsurgery to reconstruct the breast after a mastectomy from excess abdominal fat. As a side benefit, the patient also ends up with a tummy tuck. The result is the most natural and soft breast reconstruction available. Unlike other techniques, the abdominal muscles are not sacrificed. Dr. Keller has been a pioneer in this type of reconstruction and has been performing DIEP flap breast reconstruction for over 15 years.

There are very few places in the country where this type of reconstruction is available. Huntington Hospital is now on that list and is the only hospital in Suffolk County where this procedure is available. Huntington Hospital has made the commitment to support this service by purchasing a new operating microscope that is ideal for successfully performing this procedure.