OK, I agree, but....

CherylS · 03-23-2007, 08:26 AM

I agree with all of you that Elizabeth Edwards is acting in a manner to make survivors proud. However, for the past 2 1/2 years, I have seen the same spirit of courage, determination, strength of character, intelligence and source of hope right here on this board. I have seen you put your husbands and children first and fight for them if nothing else. And I have also seen them love you and fight for you with all they have (Al, Mel, John, Tom to name a few). I come right here every time I need to see an example of heros. I also come here with questions, fears and concerns even before I go to my onc.

The only difference between her and you all is the tv cameras.

God Bless,

Joy · 03-23-2007, 08:44 AM

You said it Cheryl. I'm always compassionate for anyone with this disease at any stage and I sadly welcome the new sister in Elizabeth Edwards. But WE are collectively an amazing group of women and men with fantastic support systems and WE are worthy of that acknowledgement from each other, to each other and for each other.

-just sayin'

Joy · 03-23-2007, 08:46 AM

i don't want tv cameras.

Joe · 03-23-2007, 09:01 AM

Amen.......................

You are echoing the discussion that I had with Christine last evening.

Warmest Regards - TO ALL MY HEROS

Joe

Lolly · 03-23-2007, 10:13 AM

YES, we are all LIVING examples of courage under fire.

I do think that someone in Elizabeth Edward's position can do so much to change the general public's perception of Stage IV disease precisely because she is such a very public figure. Literally millions of people will be watching her and marvelling, and that will translate into the people we interact with in our daily lives perhaps being a bit less taken aback when we share our stories, and more understanding of how it is we can manage to live positively.

People who are new to our aquaintance are almost always somewhat shocked, sort of at a loss for words, etc etc, when we share my condition. Then after we finish with the little "Recurrent Cancer 101" tutorial we've developed, they're ok. I'm glad to be an ambassador, but it'd be encouraging if more people were aware of the changing face of cancer. Less "shock and awe" would be nice!

<3 Lolly

P.S. My comment about less "shock and awe" is not meant in any way to diminish what we do to live our lives day to day. I do, however, think that more awareness of how many of us live with recurrent cancer would serve to channel more dollars into support and research, a cause dear to all of us.
I hope to be helping with fund-raising efforts for a new integrated cancer-care center in our community, and I really feel that donations will be helped along by the understanding that these new centers will be providing supportive care for more and more recurrent cancer survivors, and that's a powerful message that someone like Elizabeth Edwards can help convey.

Andi · 03-23-2007, 10:43 AM

Amen to all of the above!

skeetur · 03-23-2007, 02:30 PM

Here, Here!

rinaina · 03-23-2007, 03:48 PM

I'll toast to all of this. Each one of us are amazing!

Karen Weixel · 03-23-2007, 03:57 PM

You wrote exactly what I was thinking. Thank you for having the courage to do so.

Hugs,
Karen

cafe1084 · 03-23-2007, 06:42 PM

...This group of women, whether they had ever been diagnosed with breast cancer or not, are some KICK A@# role models....I know, not so eloquent but I was really, really feeling it!!!!

You guys are awesome!
Steph C

Jean · 03-23-2007, 09:57 PM

We are a unique and extremely special group! (Becky and I had lunch and said this very thing on Tues.)
When ever I am missing in my house I can hear my husband or son
asking, "Where is she?" one or the other will say, "I'll bet she is on the
Her2 board." I come often for comfort and knowledge each day,
a few times a day sometimes. When I am busy busy and get in
late I can't go to bed without checking in and making sure everyone
is doing well. I feel like I know each one and keep you in my prayers
each day. Yes, you all are like a family for me.

Jean

Sandy H · 03-23-2007, 03:47 PM

I agree, and only the ones involved on this board really understand us. My friends are just blown away that I spend as much time on this board as I do. Its like another family and having been there you all understand me better than my biological ones do! Some of my friends, even though I have explained it to them, think its just a place where I go to play games, and kill time!!!! But than when I share a piece of info they will say where did you ever find that? So I tell them off the her2 board. Than they may say, "oh thats not what I thought it was for. The wonderful thing here is no cameras, no judging, don't need to have money, and we are all here to help each other, regardless of race or color. Praise God for Joe and Christian truly angels sent by him to be there for us. hugs, Sandy