Online

Let's Talk About It - Cancer Survivor Series

Thursday, September 17, 2026
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Support Group
Support Group
Free
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Location

MercyOne Richard Deming Cancer Center

411 Laurel Street
Suite 3300
Des Moines, Iowa 50314

About this event

Let's Talk About It is a place where cancer patients and survivors can get support from one another and dive deeper into topics important to them.

Zoom Access for Every Session

FEBRUARY 19th - Self-Compassion: The Gift you Give Yourself

The most impactful messages during your cancer survivorship are often the ones you tell yourself. But being patient with our worry, managing the expectations we set for ourselves, and tolerating the discomfort of our sadness is hard work. On February 19th, join us as we discuss the power of self-compassion and ways you can cultivate a more gentle, forgiving relationship with yourself. In a month focussed on relationships, loving yourself might be one of the most important relationships to cherish. Let’s Talk About It

MARCH 12th - Making Sense of Then, Now & What’s Next in Cancer Survivorship

A cancer diagnosis can shift how we see ourselves and what we value most. In this discussion, we’ll unpack how your past experiences shape your present outlook and explore what has changed, what you may be grieving, and what you’re learning to embrace. Together, we’ll reflect on evolving priorities, values, and purpose, and how to move forward with intention and self-compassion. Join us, and Let’s Talk About It!

APRIL 16th - To Disclose or Not to Disclose Your Diagnosis

Sharing your cancer diagnosis with others can bring up a range of unexpected feelings and questions. Deciding who you tell, how much to share, and why are all important things to consider. The answer to these questions is personal, and it varies not only between survivors but also in different settings and relationships in your life. We invite you to join us on Thursday April 16th, as we discuss personal experiences and questions surrounding this important topic. Let’s Talk About It.

MAY 21st - Party of One: When You Are the Primary Caregiver for You

Not all cancer survivors have an extensive or consistently available network for support. Getting to and from medical appointments, processing difficult information, making treatment decisions, or finding your way through dark emotional moments is hard; doing all of this on your own is even more challenging. While certain situations like a move or a significant life change may contribute to isolation, feeling alone can also happen even when other people surround us. Join us on Thursday, May 21st, as we talk together about the realities of managing on your own. Let’s Talk About It.

JUNE 18th - Let’s Talk About It: Reclaiming Body Confidence and Connection After Cancer

The way you feel about your body after cancer is often complex and deeply personal. Changes in appearance, sensation, or function can shift how you see yourself and influence your body image. When those feelings lean negative, they can lead to insecurity, lower self-esteem, and even social or intimacy-related anxiety that sometimes makes it harder to connect with others. Join us on Thursday June 18th, for an honest, supportive conversation about rebuilding your relationship with your body. Together, we’ll explore what it means to care for, accept, and even celebrate yourself. We will discuss how that healing can open the door to deeper, more fulfilling connections with others. Let’s Talk About It.

JULY 16th - Boundaries, Balance & Becoming Your Best Self

A cancer diagnosis—and the transition into survivorship—reshapes how you care for yourself. Understanding your evolving needs, setting firm yet compassionate boundaries, and prioritizing your energy can be a journey of self-discovery. Post-diagnosis, you may feel an urgent desire to realign with your values, protect your emotional well-being, and communicate your needs with more clarity. But how do you do this effectively? Join us on Thursday July 16th, as we discuss the power of boundaries, self-advocacy, and finding balance in this new chapter. Let’s Talk About It!

AUGUST 20th - Surviving & Remembering: A Conversation on Survivor’s Guilt

The question of “Why me?”  is one many survivors quietly carry. Survivor’s guilt can surface in unexpected ways: after good news at a follow-up, when treatment ends, or even while regaining strength. It can also be triggered by grief when a fellow survivor passes. These feelings are more common than we often admit, and they can be heavy. Join us on Thursday August 20th for an open conversation to share, listen, find support together.  Let’s Talk About It.

SEPTEMBER 17th - Navigating Relationship Changes After Cancer

Many cancer survivors notice changes in their relationships with close friends and family after their diagnosis.  Finding the words to articulate how you feel in a way that others can understand is complex.  In fact, feeling completely understood by those who have not had a cancer diagnosis may not be realistic. Redefining the relationships that matter a great deal to you takes time. Join us on Thursday September 17th, as we talk together about boundaries, and conversations around how to express yourself clearly and thoughtfully so you feel connected, understood, and supported along the way. Let’s Talk About It.

OCTOBER 15th - Who Am I Now? Finding Your Identity After Cancer

A cancer diagnosis—and the whirlwind of treatment—can turn life upside down, leaving you questioning: Who am I now? Can I return to my old goals? What truly matters to me? These shifts in identity and purpose are common among survivors, yet grieving what’s changed while embracing new possibilities can feel daunting. How do you rebuild when it feels uncertain—or even scary—to dream again? Join us on Thursday October 15th, as we unpack these questions, support one another, and explore small yet meaningful steps to help you regain your sense of self. Let’s Talk About It.

NOVEMBER 19th - The Power of Traditions

The holiday season can be a time marked by family and seasonal traditions. Traditions can be comforting and centering in a way that helps us hold onto a sense of normalcy. But this time can also feel hard when the changes in your health seem more obvious compared to other times. Join us on Thursday November 19th as we talk together about embracing the holiday season with awareness for all the ways you might experience the weeks ahead.  Let’s Talk About It.

DECEMBER 17th - December - What’s On Your Mind?

During this special year end group we want to hear from you! Email Julie the mental health questions you have from along your personal survivorship journey.  Are you seeking strategies for communicating with others? A better understanding of when to talk with a mental health professional? Tips for getting a better night’s rest or taming anxiety? Please submit your comments and questions in advance to Julie at Julie@julielarsonlcsw.com and joins us on Thursday December 17th as we talk together and meet you exactly where you are today.  Let’s Talk About It.

Additional dates

Thursday, February 19
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm MercyOne Richard Deming Cancer Center
Thursday, March 26
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm MercyOne Richard Deming Cancer Center
Thursday, April 16
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm MercyOne Richard Deming Cancer Center
Thursday, May 28
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm MercyOne Richard Deming Cancer Center
Thursday, June 18
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm MercyOne Richard Deming Cancer Center
Thursday, July 16
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm MercyOne Richard Deming Cancer Center
Thursday, August 20
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm MercyOne Richard Deming Cancer Center
Thursday, October 15
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm MercyOne Richard Deming Cancer Center
Thursday, November 19
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm MercyOne Richard Deming Cancer Center
Thursday, December 17
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm MercyOne Richard Deming Cancer Center