Cheryl Schaefer has been part of the Butler Breast Cancer and Women’s Cancer Support Group since 1980. She has taken charge of the group, which helps those going through cancer treatments through fundraisers and monthly meetings. Submitted photo

The Butler Breast Cancer and Women’s Cancer Support Group is known for being a supportive arm for Butler County residents and their loved ones who are going through tremendous struggles.

Leader of the support group, Cheryl Schaefer, has been part of the group since 1980. She said conversations between fellow cancer patients and survivors can go a long way in helping those in need.

“Sometimes they will have a side effect, or want to talk about how they are feeling,” Schaefer said. “They are not sure if it’s from the treatment, or caused by a reaction from the medications, or if it's just they are feeling crappy. All of us at some point have been on different medications. We can talk them through it.”

Schaefer, the facilitator of the group, and others in the group stress that they are not doctors. They tell others they should always consult with their doctors before changing medications, but Schaefer is able to help them come up with the right questions to ask their doctors.

“There are other medications they can switch you to,” Schaefer said. “If you don't open your mouth and say something, the doctor doesn’t know you are having the problem.”

The support group meets from 7 to 9 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month at Trinity Lutheran Church, 120 Sunset Drive, Center Township.

Schaefer said the group also welcomes family and friends of those going through treatment.

“Sometimes they have questions about what’s going on with the person, as well as the person that is going through the treatment,” Schaefer said. “We are there to help both. It’s not an easy thing to go through, and the better informed they are, the easier it is for everyone involved.”

Schaefer said the group always is looking to have more people attend its meetings, and although the group is mainly focused on females going through treatment, men are welcome as well.

“Any female with cancer is welcome, and we have even had males that had cancer,” Schaefer said. “There is no other cancer group in Butler County, we are it. No matter what cancer it is, all cancer and all treatment are still extremely similar. They can talk to each other about what is going on and help each other.”