Support Groups
1221 Pleasant Street
Des Moines, IA 50309
p: 515-241-8505

Support Groups

The John Stoddard Cancer Center offers many support services to patients and families who wish to share their feelings with others who will understand. The staff at Stoddard believe that a caring, supportive environment is important for the mental well-being of the cancer patients and their families and friends.

AFTER BREAST CANCER (ABC) SUPPORT GROUP
A group providing emotional, educational, and practical support to women confronting breast cancer. ABC meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 5:15 p.m. The location alternates between the John Stoddard Cancer Center at Iowa Methodist and Mercy West Health Center. For more information, call (515) 241-4248.

BLOOD CANCER FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP
For adult patients with leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, myeloma or myelodysplastic syndromes and their family and friends. The group meets the second Thursday of each month at 5:15 p.m. in Suite 450 of the John Stoddard Cancer Center. For more information, call (515) 241-8505.

CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP
For caregivers, this group will be a blend of open discussion, as well as educational information to help with practical advice and guidance from both healthcare professionals and other caregivers themselves. The group meets the first Thursday of each month at 5 p.m. in Suite 450 of the John Stoddard Cancer Center. For information, call (515) 241-4248 or (515) 241-4231.

COLORECTAL CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
For patients and their family members and friends. The group meets the third Wednesday of each month at 5 p.m. in Suite 450 of the John Stoddard Cancer Center. Throughout the year, each member of the Stoddard Colorectal Cancer Multidisciplinary Team will speak to the group. For more information, call (515) 241-4344.

EMPOWERED
A support and education system for young women at high risk for breast and ovarian cancer. To RSVP or for questions, call (515) 241-8704.

GETTING STARTED: WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING CHEMOTHERAPY
A class for all new cancer patients and their families, as well as for those currently undergoing chemotherapy.  Come learn about what you should know about chemotherapy and what to expect during and after treatment. The class is held the third Tuesday of each month from 1:00-2:30 p.m. in Suite 590 of the John Stoddard Cancer Center. For more information, call (515) 241-4234.

LOOK GOOD...FEEL BETTER
Designed for people undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatments. Wigs, turbans and makeup tips are available. For more information on individual counseling, call (515) 241-4243. For a schedule of group classes visit www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org.

LUNG CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
For patients and their family members and friends. The group meets the first Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in Suite 450 of the John Stoddard Cancer Center. For more information, call (515) 241-4234.

ORAL, HEAD & NECK CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
For anybody that has a diagnosis of oral, head or neck cancer. This group is open to patients that are newly diagnosed, currently getting treatment, have completed treatment or at any stage in their cancer journey and to their family members. The group meets the first Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in Suite 450 of the John Stoddard Cancer Center. For more information, call (515) 241-3399.

OSTOMY SUPPORT GROUP
This support group is open to persons with ostomies as well as their family and friends. The group meets the first Wednesday of each month at 5:00 p.m. in the Younker-1 conference room at Iowa Methodist Medical Center. For more information, call (515) 241-8070.

OVARIAN CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
This support group is open to persons with ovarian or any type of gynecologic cancer, and survivors as well as their families and friends.  The group meets the first Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in the suite 450 conference room at Stoddard.  For more information, call (515) 979-1337.

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP (Us TOO)
A national support group for prostate cancer survivors and their families that offers information, counseling and educational meetings. The group meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in Suite 450 of the John Stoddard Cancer Center. For more information, call (515) 241-4231.

REACH TO RECOVERY
A visitation program for women with a personal concern about breast cancer. For more information, call the American Cancer Society toll-free at 1-800-ACS-2345.

RECURRENT BREAST CANCER GROUP
This group meets the first and third Monday of every month from 3:00-4:00 p.m. in Suite 590 of the John Stoddard Cancer Center. For more information, call (515) 241-4248.

STAGE IV SUPPORT GROUP
For anyone whose cancer has progressed to Stage IV. The group meets the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 2:00 p.m. in Suite 590 of the John Stoddard Cancer Center. For more information, call (515) 241-4344.

WHAT'S ON YOUR MIND?
A group or individual counseling program for people with cancer and/or families. Patients/family members are welcome to come to group counseling or may set up individual appointments. For information on meeting dates and locations, call (515) 241-4280.