Best way to utilize board effectively

[lakeswim]

Hello, all.
Any suggestions for how to utilize this board most effectively? With everything going on during this staging and planning period, I am so pressed for time (with work and family life remaining the same!) that I am sometimes missing responses to my own questions - let alone making time to browse other topics. Ironically, THIS is the time where I should be learning the most - NOT once I've started something that may not be right for me.

So, I thought I'd ask how people used this board in the beginning - when information needs are high and time is low. Obviously, nothing replaces browsing and scrolling and maybe there are no shortcuts - but thought perhaps people might have found ways to be more efficient at finding info and learning. Thank you!

[NHMike]

Read what you can when you have the time. This board is a firehouse of information and you can't absorb it all at once. If you don't reply, we understand. As we do it sometimes as well.

Get it working on your phone so you can read it waiting in line or waiting in other circumstances. Sometimes I copy posts into a file, convert it to audio and listen to it in the car.

[Eleda]

There,is also an option at the end when u wrire post to click to email u when u get a reply to ur post,,, click this every time,
Im still navigating the forum tbh but I do find that maybe thrre,should b a sticky on certain topics of frequently asked questions with some replies of advice
Eg, radiation
side effects,
helpful creams,
Helpfull solutions etc

Sugery,, same thing as im due surgery next week and have many silly questions but don't wan t to keep adding a new thread, for minor issues

Illiostomy issues eg ( seat belts )

Reversals etc!!!!!

Use the + in the serch bar also

Hope this helps and maybe everyone might put a file together
ADELE

[NHMike]

There,is also an option at the end when u wrire post to click to email u when u get a reply to ur post,,, click this every time,
Im still navigating the forum tbh but I do find that maybe thrre,should b a sticky on certain topics of frequently asked questions with some replies of advice
Eg, radiation
side effects,
helpful creams,
Helpfull solutions etc

Sugery,, same thing as im due surgery next week and have many silly questions but don't wan t to keep adding a new thread, for minor issues

Illiostomy issues eg ( seat belts )

Reversals etc!!!!!

Use the + in the serch bar also

Hope this helps and maybe everyone might put a file together
ADELE

On seat belts:

In the winter and generally cold weather, I usually use a winter coat or a light jacket with layers. I just put the seat belt on normally as the coat(s) provide cushioning for pressure on the stoma. When it's warmer, I slip the seat belt under the pouch. I wear t-shirts making this relatively easy.

[O Stoma Mia]

If you are interested in getting notifications, then you can go to the User Control Panel and change the notification settings to suit your preference. The notification settings are found in the "Manage Notifications" section and in "Edit notification options" in the Board Preferences" section (see links below):

http://coloncancersupport.colonclub.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=50946&p=392504#p392504

Also, you can click on the "Notify me when a reply is posted" box at the bottom of your new post before you submit the post.

However, you have to log into your account to see notifications. You cannot see notifications if you are not logged in and are just lurking.

[peanut_8]

If I'm short on time, and need a specific answer, the search function it the way to go. Using keywords like XEDOLA, FOLFOX, manage symptoms, etc.

Another approach would be to find an active poster with an equivalent diagnosis to you, and ask them questions. Most people are happy to help.

Best Wishes,
peanut

[Lee]

This is a sticky near the top, butt has a lot of useful information. Terminology and abbreviations.

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=5366

When I was first diagnosed, some clinic wanted me to sigh up for their "yoga and relax class". I was complaining to a friend how I did not know how I would fit this class into my busy schedule. Friend shot back, it's suppose to relax you, not stress you more. Tell them "thank you, butt no thank you". And you will consider it down the road.

Lee

[O Stoma Mia]

There is a book that covers many of the issues that you have brought up. Here is the reference:

After Shock: What to Do If the Doctor Gives You -- Or Someone You Love -- a Devastating Diagnosis " by Jessie Gruman

http://www.amazon.com/AfterShock-You---Love---Devastating-Diagnosis/dp/0802715028/

In Chapter 2, "Get Acquainted with Your Disease and Its Treatment", the author spends 18 pages telling why it is so important to gather as much information as possible about
.

1. Your Diagnosis -- the details of your full diagnosis, and ...
2. Your Treatment Options -- the details of all the treatment options that are available for your particular diagnosis.

This information is needed in order to understand the situation and to guarantee that you are in fact getting the best treatment for your particular situation.

There is a steep learning curve in the first few weeks, because you will have to get up to speed on all of these new topics in a very short time frame. It is in your best interest to spend the time necessary to accomplish these two important tasks before the time when the doctors make the decisions about your final treatment plan.

[lakeswim]

Thank you for this book suggestion. Given I am am THIS close to beginning treatment, do you think the book is still worthwhile (given I need the time to order, receive and read)? It appears to be about how to navigate the process I just went through these past few weeks. Seems like I'm in the final days of it. I'll take whatever help I can get - just wondering what you think. Thank you again!