Welcome to the OPA London Support Group
Welcome to the OPA support group for London. We welcome anyone diagnosed with, recovering from, or having recovered from oesophageal or stomach cancer. We also welcome those facing gastric difficulties or individuals experiencing difficulty swallowing or eating food. Whatever your circumstances, we are here to offer support, and we hope you will consider joining us at our next group meeting. Details of our meetings are updated here regularly.
Meeting Schedule
Contact John Campolini on 07956 562 158 or at johncampolini@gmail.com.
| 28th March 2020 | 11.00 a.m | Tower Hotel, St Katharine's Way, St Katharine's & Wapping, London E1W 1LD |
About us
Who we are
The London group is made up of a mixture of current and former patients, their carers and close family members and friends. Patients may be at any stage of treatment, from an individual who has only been diagnosed recently through to someone who underwent surgery several years (or indeed decades) ago. Our group members come from a wide range of backgrounds and occupations, and all have very different stories to tell. We all have one thing in common however, and that is we all aim to help and support each other.
Our aim
We aim to help patients (and their families) pre and post treatment by offering support and guidance from those who have been in a similar situation themselves. We also aim to inform GPs concerning the symptoms of the disease and the nature of postoperative care required.
Meeting Structure
Our meetings are very informal and take place at various venues. Each meeting typically lasts for 1.5 hours and gives attendees an opportunity to hear the latest news, share their experiences, and learn from others.
Can anyone attend?
Yes absolutely. We also welcome visitors from further afield, including representatives from other support groups. You do not have to be a patient to attend (you may be a partner, carer, friend or close family member for example). In fact we positively encourage non-patients to attend.
How much does it cost?
Our meetings are absolutely free to attend.
What if I don't feel well enough to attend?
As former patients, we fully understand the difficulties you may be undergoing as a patient... be they physical, psychological or both. Whilst you might not feel like talking about cancer, wherever possible, we would encourage you to attend, as we are confident you will find our meetings both supportive and informative. From gaining tips on treatments or diet, to knowing how to deal with some of the symptoms, you may be surprised at what you can learn by talking to another patient. You can also take comfort knowing that you are not going through the experience alone and that there are others who you can turn to for help, guidance and support. If you are too unwell to attend in person, please feel free to send someone else on your behalf (e.g spouse, friend, or family member).
Getting in touch
If you would like to attend one of our meetings, would like to be added to our mailing list, or have an questions specific to the London Group, please email johncampolini@gmail.com.
