what a difference in forums...perhaps I am spoiled

[shellfry]

The thing that I like best about this forum is that you can say anything, without embarrassemet, because we all know the same symptoms and problems. It's the place to go if you need advice, support, or even a good laugh. Other people would not understand the wall of TP we have to store in our homes.
I just read something a few weeks ago, a woman was mentioning something about "sticky poo" Where else would you read this stuff?
I appreciate everyone's questions, answers and comments. This is a great place to be about such a crappy subject!

[mvp]

I too have to comment about how great this forum is. Although I am a lurker and not a poster, I just have to say how supportive everyone is. I gained so much information from everyone here and their willingness to share. I still check it and see what’s going on even though my dad has passed. I don’t know, maybe it is my way of not quite letting go ... but anyway, it is a supportive environment.

Although not quite the same, I recently joined a group for a condition my 13 1/2 year old dog has (basically a tumor on her adrenal gland). I was hoping it would be a place I could go to get support as we go through this process. We have decided, for many reasons (surgery risky, her age, the cost with no guarantee she would live any longer with treatment), not to treat her condition . However, when I got accepted to the group and started reading the posts, I know there is no way I can post anything because I will get “flamed” for not treating our dog. It’s great for people who want to find out about treatment options, but doesn’t seem very welcoming to those who don’t. Seems very judgmental in what I read.

So yes, appreciate the support given here. I think it is very rare.

[pollo65]

I love this site and the people. I have tried other sites but they seem slow and cumbersome. Post,wait for answer (sometimes a week or more) and get little emotional response. I feel connected to everyone on this site and worry when they don't post, feels kinda like family is supposed to feel. I have been thinking about asking what everyone did for a living prior to the big C coming into their (our) lives, I bet we have a truly diverse group.
pollo 65

[mymom]

Its like the other site isnt as accepting of caregivers. Like you have to post in a totally different section. And I have noticed all these deleted comments on threads. With this place there are people like me who is a caregiver speaking with people that HAVE cancer. And no one has ever made me feel like you don't belong. Everyone has time for me even though their lives are probably ten times more complicated than mine.

[Bill5107]

Lets just say my experience with the BC forum is waaaayyyy different. I felt welcomed here within the first hour. I got more information from you than I could digest. I feel like on the other its like pulling teeth. Anyway, just figured I would let everyone know what a special place this is although you probably already know it.

First, I completely agree. I've never found a forum on CC as user friendly as this one. It does have a focus on information and at times tries to focus on that and nudge the "feel-good" type posts to more practical, pragmatic topics, but I think that healthy mix of perspectives is what makes it so good. People actually want to hang out with folks here and there are some fantastically knowledgeable people who have the patience to keep on helping us over and over again.

having said all that, I want to suggest that you keep on looking for BC support forums. There is so much noise and money and focus on it I find it hard to believe there isn't at least a FEW decent ones out there!?

Maybe I'm naive, I'm just sayin' that I really hope you can find something. . . And share it here when you find one. I would love to actually have a useful suggestion next time I hear someone share a new BC Dx with me. (I've learned of about 5 now since my CRC Dx. . . various stages and outcomes)

[Terry]

LOL Lee, I know exactly what boards your speaking of and I have been suspended also;)

It's nice to hear that you think so highly of this group. It's a shame you can't get the information your looking for for your mom without feeling like your pulling teeth. My youngest daughter has been on some of those because of the high risk she has for breast cancer on her dads side. She hasn't had much luck either and they laugh at her when she says she's thinking of being tested for the gene, having them both removed (if she has it) and then have them both rebuilt. I personally don't think that's the way she should go but I don't think laughing at her serves anyones purpose.

I pray your mom continues to do well.
Terry

[helen098]

This is an amazing site with a great group of people, were like a family sure we sometimes argue or disagree but through it all we really care for each other and celebrate, curse and cry for each other.
The colon club was my first online support group and where i come to share my good news and bad and to see how my friends are doing
i celeberate my friends victorys and mour there losses just like i do my friends in the "real worl" sometime even more so
I have tried a few other groups fistula grp, diets, nurtistem was the worst and I was very disappointed in responses. If they didn’t ignore you they criticized you.

I tried to bring what we have here to other groups by being honest and sympathetic but mostly was ignored or criticized because I didn’t lose 10 pounds a week

Guess we just have to accept what a great group of people we are

[Peabody5422]

I agree. What a great place! It has kept me sane during all this. Even when I went to radiation, I met the nicest people. It was like having old friends around you while we waited our turn. Strangers that you probably would never talk to become your friends and I can't tell you how many hugs! It made the world a better place while we go thru this terrible disease.

Peabody 5422

PS - I just got my 1st scan after chem and rad and I am NeD! Yeah

Age 63
Rectal Cancer
DX: T1 N2 MX 12/21/11
Surgery 12/21/11
Xeloda & Rad 1/12 - 3/12

[mymom]

Bill...if i find one will let u know. Definately.
Terry....thanks for the warm thoughts. I wonr know much more until she has surgery. I am actually being tested for a gene as well...first meeting with genetic counselor day before i have my third...i like to multi task. Ha!

Will keep everyone uo to date on mom. Its been a journey!

[mymom]

Bill...if i find one will let u know. Definately.
Terry....thanks for the warm thoughts. I wonr know much more until she has surgery. I am actually being tested for a gene as well...first meeting with genetic counselor day before i have my third...i like to multi task. Ha!

Will keep everyone uo to date on mom. Its been a journey!

[Bill5107]

Bill...if i find one will let u know. Definately.

Thanks. I'll continue to ask around too. . . no luck so far, the folks who asked me haven't found any yet either. (not a great sign I guess X-p)

[CheeseHead]

Guess we just have to accept what a great group of people we are

<looking in mirror critically, well, not THAT critically>Yes, I'd say you're right, Helen

Very glad to have found this forum...

Cheers,
Cheese