When I completed my treatment for breast cancer three years ago, I couldn't wait to put the experience behind me forever. I was hoping to never have to utter the "c" word again. I was eager to return to my precancerous self. To my surprise, I found "putting it behind me" to be impossible, hard as I tried. It turned out there was no going back from a cancer diagnosis. My attempts were thwarted by follow up medical appointments with my new team of specialists, by additional procedures, and by the necessity of daily oral medication. This was not like a flu that you can "get over." I had crossed a border, and was now a card-carrying member of a new world.

I was further plagued by the nagging feeling that perhaps there was an opportunity for spiritual growth in the midst of my healing from the physical and emotional trauma of cancer. What exactly was this group at Trinity, Spiritual Journeys? How could disease help to deepen my spiritual life? Would I be comfortable? How did it work? Eventually I decided to investigate the group, thanks to the encouragement of family members to give it a try.

What I found is a deep connection with others whose lives have been touched by cancer. Through powerful stories, examples of courage, and the occasional perspective of humor, I have found inspiration and hope. We help each other incorporate the cancer experience into who we are. We care for each other, we pray for each other, and we help each other find meaning in the face of disease and in the fear of recurrence. If you are someone who is tempted to see what this group is all about, we welcome you to this circle of experienced patients who are also parishioners and will become friends.

—Comfort Halsey Cope

The Spiritual Journeys cancer support group shares spiritual journeys and support for those who have had cancer, those who have cancer, and those who support a person with cancer. They typically meet on the third Tuesday of the month. For more information, contact Perry Colmore, 617-864-5351.