This week, @mum2jj unlocked the 2500 Comments badge. She joined the online network when it opened in May 2010 and is the first member to have made 2500 comments.
I reached out to her to thank her and to ask if I could embarrass her a little by publicly acknowledging her and thanking her for giving so much to this community. I also asked her to share her story with us. Here's what she had to say.
Hi, my name is Paula. I work part-time as a nurse. Like many of you I am a daughter, a sister, a wife, a mother and I have had breast cancer (twice).
I was first diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in September 2009, two days before my 47th birthday. Like many of us, I was lucky enough to receive the My journey Kit and Berlei Bra. In those days, there was no online network. I pretty much went through my treatment without connecting with anyone who had breast cancer. I wasn't really the type to attend support groups.
When I was re-diagnosed, I got a message from BCNA that they had an online network. I joined, but in the midst of more surgery and treatment, I couldn't figure out how it worked. Again, I just muddled through my treatment without contact with those who understood what I was going through.
It wasn't until 2012 when I decided on reconstruction that I finally started to use the network. What I found then was such a wonderful community supporting one another every day in all things breast cancer. I was full of regret that I hadn't found and utilised this community earlier. I jumped right in not only trying to find support for my eventual breast reconstruction, but offering support where I could. Something I try to do as often as I can now.
When @LouiseTurner contacted me and asked me if I thought a group where ladies could share their reconstruction photos and stories was a good idea, I said YES! The original breast reconstruction online group (now called choosing breast reconstruction) started in August 2013 and I was a regular contributor. Like the main BCNA online forum, it was a great place to find information and support from others going through what I was. As the group grew, Louise invited me to be a group leader, a role I have undertaken since March 2014. Louse eventually went on and the founded Reclaim Your Curves charity of which I am part of their team. I am also one of the admins of their Facebook page.
Between my family life, paid job and being a group leader of two groups, life is busy. However the rewards I get out of helping ladies after their diagnosis or when they are trying to sort through the minefield of information about upcoming surgery, is amazing. Whilst being mindful never to offer medical advise, it is incredibly satisfying to support someone. It's great to be able to help them find credible information or to connect with another member who has been through what they have. Myself and the other group leaders make sure no member's post goes unanswered and that we welcome all new members. We have collected all our old photo stories and store them in one place. I spend time adding to this as we get new stories to make it easy for new members to get a realistic idea about what can be achieved.
I do try and get out into the main forum as much as I can when time permits. Many ladies who are diagnosed are hungry to connect with others who can relate. Often ladies who join aren't computer savvy and don't do Facebook. Once they figure out how to use the network, it is so great to see them use it and encourage others who come behind them. The good thing about the online network is it never shuts down. There is usually someone around to help someone who is feeling lost. You can tell just by the responses how much members appreciate it.
I am a little surprised and maybe a bit embarrassed to have reached 2500 comments. It's something I just jump on and do when I can, often just a few words. However knowing this is helping someone makes me feel great.
Thank you, Paula, for all the contributions you've made to this community over the years.
Published 8 years ago
Version 1.0
