The Darlington and Teesdale Breast Cancer Support Group provides a network of friendship and support for breast cancer patients. Women's Editor Christen Pears drops in on one of its meetings.

AS the room starts to fill up, the conversation grows louder. The women greet each other like old friends, catching up on the latest gossip, smiling, sharing jokes. But this isn't simply a social get-together: everyone is suffering from or has recovered from breast cancer.

The Darlington and Teesdale Breast Cancer Support Group meets once a month at Darlington Memorial Hospital. There is a feeling of camaraderie and shared experience. A new member arrives for her first meeting and is immediately made to feel welcome. She explains it was her husband who encouraged her to attend because he felt he couldn't give her the support she needed at home.

"People who have been through it know what it's like," I overhear one woman say to her.

And this is the message that comes through from all of the members. Being diagnosed with breast cancer can be a frightening and isolating experience, and no matter how much support a patient receives from friends and family or hospital staff, it's only fellow sufferers who really understand what a patient is going through, both physically and emotionally.

Val Wintrell has been coming to meetings for almost two years. She says: "I came after I was diagnosed, even before I had my operation, and it really helped me. When you first find out what's happening to you, you get frightened. You have books and leaflets to read but it isn't the same as talking to a real person who's been through it themselves.

"The first time I came, I felt so reassured to see these women who were so healthy. It gave me hope and when I went for the operation, I had a lot of confidence because people had told me what to expect."

The group was set up 14 years ago by breast cancer nurse Jean Walker.

She says: "There is a definite need for a group of this kind. When I first started, it was an afternoon session and that ruled a lot of women because they had to work or pick the children up from school. Since we switched to the evening, it's been much more successful.

"I think it goes beyond just a monthly meeting. We also have drop-in sessions. Someone from the support group is always there if anyone wants to talk to them.

"It's one thing talking to us. We have a lot knowledge and understanding and we can give advice, but we can't say we've been there and done it."

At first, Jean set the programme, but the women themselves now decide what they want to do. Tonight, consultant surgeon Roger Brookstein is talking about the latest drugs on the market and answering his patients' questions, but there is also a very strong social side.

There are plans afoot for a Christmas meal and a trip to the pantomime in January, as well as a Betterware party and a talk by Amanda Lee, who specialises in post-mastectomy lingerie. There have been creative writing exercises and a laughter workshop, designed to help the women express their feelings and increase their confidence.

There is a mix between newly-diagnosed patients and those who have been coming for several years. Some attend every week, others just drop in when a particular talk interests them.

Lesley Thompson was diagnosed with breast cancer six years ago and started coming to the group three months after her mastectomy. At first, she visited intermittently but, over the last few years, the group has become an integral part of her life.

She says: "At first I was a bit in denial that I needed it but I went to a couple of conferences and meetings with people and I made some close friends.

"It's a fantastic feeling to know there are people there to support you and help you through. After a while, I started to feel I wanted to give something back and I trained as a Breast Cancer Care volunteer. I learned how to listen to people and help them through, using my own experience."

Other members are on hand to offer advice, including Shirley Gibson, who was diagnosed 13 years ago.

"I just really enjoy helping other people now," she explains. "Thirteen years ago, a lot more people died than they do now. When I first started coming, I was convinced I was going to die and I couldn't see beyond that, but this really helped. If I can do the same thing for other people, I'll be happy."

* For more information contact Jean or Sue on (01325) 746 3290 or visit the website at www.communigate.co.uk/ne/dtbcsg