Re: A few words from the (not) heartless
 

Debbie - you have once again started a great thread. And having met you last December and hugged you, I know your heart shines through your eyes, and is easily felt in a sincere hug!

This is exactly the kind of exchange our founder Joe would have wanted. He and Christine created this site for any and all comers (except the you-know-whos). Created it as a place for sharing, exchanging, finding and taking away what we needed.

I am sure the proportions of members and posts now is even beyond Joe's expectation. Although the last redo was aimed at opening up more avenues for information coming in to the site as well as keeping up with the current science and how the members/guests here are able to access and use the results in new treatments.

So much has happened since his passing that maybe the site is not as well organized as could be, but as long as patients, caregivers, and oncology professionals keep using the site to suit their needs his intention is sustained.

Love you all whether you are strong, weakened, wordy or laconic.

Re: A few words from the (not) heartless
 

Yes, very well put...i have gained so much knowledge and support, and humorous moments, and...and...and! I often dont feel that i have anythingof substance to add. As an old, crusty RN, (read: down to earth and practical!) i just lurk here and occasionally pop out from under my rock. My own journey has, thankfully, been smooth, and those of you who share your stories here are in my prayers!

Re: A few words from the (not) heartless
 

Very well said and I agree with you....I'm one of those that doesn't post very often, but I lurk EVERY single day! :) Hugs and prayers to all! :)

Re: A few words from the (not) heartless
 

Before I had cancer (or knew I had cancer) I never knew what to say to people that might help them.

Now that I have it myself, I'm surprised to find out that I still don't know what to say!

I am very much a newbie here, and I'm grateful for all of you who have such wonderful words of kindness and say it so well. I am learning...

Re: A few words from the (not) heartless
 

Well said Debbie and AA and others. We all add our words to the fabric of this forum and together we weave a safetynet for all of us. Some have many words to add, some just a few, some just quietly cheer the others along. Our safetynet would not be the same without the words of some of the less eloquent writers. It is what it is because of all of us. And because of the variety of contributions, there is a safe corner for each and everyone. I am more than 8 years past diagnosis and recently had a scare. That's when I reread some posts on this forum and it helped me get through the waiting period.

Today I want to share the good news with you: both the biopsy of the cyst in my breast and the MRI and CT scan of my head were completely, utterly clear.

There, another thread in the safetynet.

Jacqueline

Re: A few words from the (not) heartless
 

Jacqueline, good news indeed. The safety net prevails!

Conmyself, sometimes just saying what is in your heart is the very best. A word of encouragement from one newcomer to another can make a world of difference. Just knowing one is not alone....even by saying you dont know what to say probably helped someone!
Keep the faith.

Re: A few words from the (not) heartless
 

It is wonderful to see the support we all have for one another, either in posting, or in silence.

I do have to disagree with one statement----
Chrissy, you are NOT our worst nightmare!!

“Encourage, lift and strengthen one another. For the positive energy spread to one will be felt by us all. For we are connected, one and all.”
― Deborah Day

Re: A few words from the (not) heartless
 

Thanks Debbie for a great thread. I don't come here as often as I use too but always check in on my sisters. I sometimes feel as if I don't have much to offer anymore as I, too, am an old timer. Sometimes I suffer from "survivors guilt" and feel as if so many are going through so much that they don't want to hear from me. If I feel the need to encourage or feel as if I might be of some help, I will post.

Like you, I care deeply about all of you and carry you with me in my heart. From my heart to God's ears.

Love to you my sweet sisters,

Mary Jo

Re: A few words from the (not) heartless
 

Well said.
We are here. That means we care even if some of us don't share their thoughts verbally.

Re: A few words from the (not) heartless
 

I, too, have such a difficult time finding words that would adequately convey my feelings on some threads, and I don't post. I dont have enough experience to contribute most times as far as advice to anyone, but if I can I will.
I certainly have taken a lot of support and advice from the members of this site, and even if I could find my words, I could probably never give back to this site as much as it has given me.
So, even if I don't post on a thread, know I am praying for you and thinking of you all daily, including the people who don't post often and I have not gotten the chance to know. I know you are all there sharing in the laughs and tears and frustration and joy..and Im grateful for you.

Re: A few words from the (not) heartless
 

Believe it or not, I often also can't come up with the right words and sit it out...especially when I'm feeling personally overwhelmed.

Re: A few words from the (not) heartless
 

Great thread and posts. I can't add anything to these perfect words. I'm more of a lurker than a poster. Love you all.