Cutaneous lymphoma will present you with challenges. But, try to remember that you do not have to cope with your illness alone.
By reaching out to others for information and the support you need, you are taking care of your whole self — a key to coping with your cutaneous lymphoma.
Your cutaneous lymphoma support team might include:
- Your doctor and healthcare team
- Family and friends
- A counselor or therapist
- A cutaneous lymphoma support group
- Others with cutaneous lymphoma
- The Cutaneous Lymphoma Foundation and related organizations
- People in your spiritual community
It may not be easy for you to ask for help or to even know what kind of help you need.
You may need different types of support at various times during your illness. Luckily, help and support come in many different forms. Today you may need someone to listen to your concerns or offer you guidance. Another day you might need practical help — someone to drive you to treatment or run an errand. Family members or friends often want to help. When you reach out to them for support, everyone may benefit.
Talking with other people who have cutaneous lymphoma also can be helpful.
They have walked in your shoes and really understand what you are going through. That is one reason why support groups can be so useful. In a cutaneous lymphoma support group, people share experiences and information and offer each other tips on coping. The Cutaneous Lymphoma Foundation can provide you with information on how to find a cutaneous lymphoma group. You may find it helpful to talk about your most difficult thoughts and feelings with someone who has experience counseling people with cancer, such as a psychologist or an oncology social worker. You also may want to reach out to a member of your faith or spiritual community. Remember, you do not have to face this disease alone.
Additional Support is available.
The Cutaneous Lymphoma Foundation and the other organizations listed here are dedicated to helping you find the information and support you need.
Cutaneous Lymphoma Foundation
248-644-9014
info@clfoundation.org
American Cancer Society
1-800-227-2345
www.cancer.org
Association of Cancer Online Resources
(Patient and caregiver online support group)
http://listserv.acor.org/archives/ctcl-mf.html
CancerCare
1-800-813-4673
www.cancercare.org
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
1-800-955-4572
www.lls.org
Lymphoma Research Foundation
1-800-500-9976
www.lymphoma.org
National Cancer Institute
1-800-422-6237
www.cancer.gov
National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship
1-877-622-7937
www.canceradvocacy.org
