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Forum Discussion
Whatever our support base, we're all ultimately alone with cancer. I've found that by talking about the disease to others that I'm sort of "outsourcing" my fears and reinforcing my hopes. While I'd never want to burden anybody, and I certainly try to help more than I whinge, I feel the fellowship of patients is a mighty powerful healing aid. I think the aim is to not get involved in group politics and learn to step back when there are issues that might develop into something
you don't want to be involved in. At the same time, I like to avoid too much group think, since nothing is really achieved without diversity of opinion.
What's really important for all of us is to build up resilience in all matters to do with this shitty disease. By staying strong, and not sweating the small stuff, we develop a tough and practical outlook on our situation and become positive mentors for the many people who lurk on the posts here. It really is up to the senior members, if they can, to show newbies that there's a practical, emotional and scientific way to handle cancer diagnoses and treatments, and all its psychological and physical aftermaths.
I'm writing this having just arrived in San Diego on a scholarship for a course for patient advocates/activists. I'm about to start a very intensive week of lectures which really delves into the science of breast cancer and teaches us the importance of evidence-based treatment. Some here will remember that my male bc mate Rob and I were invited to attend the BCNA Summit last year, the first time men were invited to the biannual event. Rob's now being treated for brain mets, and this has made me even more motivated and determined to help people cope with all stages of breast cancer.
As @kezmusc suggests, Joannie, you could take a break from the boards for a while. Or go somewhere else to chat. There are some great Facebook groups now. But, it's too bad to delete your posts, since there goes a lot of collective thought and discussion as well as lots of other people's posts. Ultimately, though, it's your decision, so good luck whatever you decide.
What's really important for all of us is to build up resilience in all matters to do with this shitty disease. By staying strong, and not sweating the small stuff, we develop a tough and practical outlook on our situation and become positive mentors for the many people who lurk on the posts here. It really is up to the senior members, if they can, to show newbies that there's a practical, emotional and scientific way to handle cancer diagnoses and treatments, and all its psychological and physical aftermaths.
I'm writing this having just arrived in San Diego on a scholarship for a course for patient advocates/activists. I'm about to start a very intensive week of lectures which really delves into the science of breast cancer and teaches us the importance of evidence-based treatment. Some here will remember that my male bc mate Rob and I were invited to attend the BCNA Summit last year, the first time men were invited to the biannual event. Rob's now being treated for brain mets, and this has made me even more motivated and determined to help people cope with all stages of breast cancer.
As @kezmusc suggests, Joannie, you could take a break from the boards for a while. Or go somewhere else to chat. There are some great Facebook groups now. But, it's too bad to delete your posts, since there goes a lot of collective thought and discussion as well as lots of other people's posts. Ultimately, though, it's your decision, so good luck whatever you decide.