For people living with metastatic cancer, finding meaningful support and connection can make all the difference in maintaining quality of life. Hope & Cope’s Wellness Centre is launching a new support group called “Living in the NOW” designed specifically for individuals facing this diagnosis.
The aim is to create a safe space for sharing, connection, and hope.
Brahms E. Silver, MA, MSW, will facilitate. He was formerly on staff at the JGH / Segal Cancer Centre and was certified by the Board of Oncology Social Work (BOSWC). He brings over 18 years of experience to the group.
“I’m not here as a therapist or clinician,” he explains, “I’m simply a facilitator for the support group. The members will do most of the talking with each other. My objective is to guide the conversation and keep it focused.”
Understanding metastatic cancer and the need for support
Metastatic cancer presents unique challenges for patients. It’s a life-threatening illness with a life expectancy that could be years or months.
While treatments may help control the disease, metastatic cancer is not curable. However, Brahms emphasizes that the focus is on making the condition manageable.
“Hopefully, the condition is manageable,” he says, “and allows the person to continue living a quality life for as long as possible.”
An important aspect that the group will address is the initial impact of the diagnosis.
“When a person is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, it’s a major loss,” Brahms explains. “It’s the loss of good health, so there is a period of grieving. The most intense effect of the diagnosis could be 6 to 8 weeks.”
During this critical period, people begin to process the reality of dealing with something very serious.
However, Brahms’ role is specifically as a facilitator.
“I’m not here as a therapist or clinician,” he explains, “I’m simply a facilitator for the support group. The members will do most of the talking with each other. My objective is to guide the conversation and keep it focused.”
Creating a safe and supportive environment
Brahms E. Silver
To ensure meaningful participation and connection, the group will be limited to approximately 10 participants and will meet in person.
“The bigger the group, the less effective it is,” Brahms notes. “You need to have it small enough so people can participate fully. It’s also the reason for holding meetings face-to-face.”
The program is starting as an open group, but could become a closed group format where members commit to regular attendance.
“People need to create relationships and trust with one another,” he explains. “That could be more challenging if the group is constantly changing.”
Furthermore, need to feel reassured that what’s discussed within the group stays within the group.
“I will ask for their agreement to keep our discussions confidential,” he adds. “This way, they can speak openly and honestly about their feelings and emotions without worrying about public judgment or criticism.”
As with many Hope & Cope programs, the lived experience is an essential component of “Living in the NOW.” When someone struggles with a problem, they can learn from others who have faced and solved the same issues. By sharing experiences and solutions, participants help each other overcome similar challenges.
Looking forward with hope
The group’s name reflects its core philosophy about empowerment through present-moment awareness. Brahms wants to ensure that people with metastatic cancer don’t feel like they are “victims” of cancer.
“The past is the past—it’s gone. The future is a fantasy. But the present moment belongs to us. By Living in the NOW, we have the power to make choices and decisions,” he says.
And that power to make decisions fosters hope.
“Hope in and of itself has many different definitions,” explains Brahms. “When you’re healthy, your hopes focus on future plans, like taking vacations, getting a new job, etc. But when faced with a life-limiting illness, hope becomes more focused on leaving a positive legacy, avoiding suffering, managing pain, etc.
“As a facilitator, my goal is to help people with metastatic cancer explore ways to improve their quality of life. I want them to find strength and courage in knowing they are not alone. There are people around them who truly do care.”
The “Living in the NOW” support group launches on November 14th at Hope & Cope’s Wellness Centre. While initially planned as a monthly meeting, the frequency may be adjusted based on participants’ needs.
To register, please contact the Wellness Centre at 514-340-3616.
