ORANGE : Breast Cancer, Faith Bond 3 Neighbors

For years, Kay Thomsen, Sherry Barnes and Sharon Bandy lived on the same block, knowing each other--as neighbors do these days--only casually.

Then, about eight years ago, Bandywas found to have breast cancer. Five years later, breast cancer was diagnosed in Barnes as well. Now, Barnes and Bandy have come to the aid of Thomsen, who was informed three months ago that she has the same illness.

“Before our diagnoses, we simply knew each other as neighbors,” said Thomsen, 54. “Now our friendship goes way beyond anything I’ve ever known.”

And now the three women are strengthening their ties even more in a first-of-its-kind cancer support group in Orange County. Begun six months ago by the Oncology Care Center, the group, which is free and open to all cancer patients, battles the feared illness on three fronts: medical, emotional and spiritual.

Designed for Christians of any denomination, it was the group’s religious dimension that attracted the three women.

“There are a lot of forms of support groups, but most lack the spiritual, and without that, it’s dry,” said Bandy, 52. “People who face death without God, I don’t how they do it.”

Meeting every Thursday night at Western Medical Center in Santa Ana, the group divides its three-hour evenings into three parts. First, an oncology nurse answers medical questions, alleviating anxieties that often build up before doctor appointments.

Next, a psychologist conducts an open forum, paying special attention to the fears and isolation that often afflict cancer patients. Finally, a chaplain ends with a “mini-sermon” and guides a discussion of the illness in a spiritual context.

The three women say the group’s balanced approach to cancer treatment has helped them in recovering from the disease.

“Every single aspect of the evening is healing,” said Barnes, 40. “I hope every city and hospital can offer a program like this.”

“It really does help the healing process,” added Thomsen. “It gives you confidence that everything will be all right. If I didn’t have it, I would probably be depressed all the time.”

Though they live with the threat of recurrence, Barnes and Bandy have largely conquered the illness. But they joined the group not only to confront any lingering emotional effects of the disease but also to help others.

“Even though it’s been two years since I have been through chemotherapy,” said Barnes, “I still felt the need to join the group. It’s a wonderful experience to pull positive and wonderful things out of a negative situation and to be able to share and give to somebody else.”