[hutchibk]

I would like to add - posting good news is not offensive. Neither is posting bad news. Please don't apologize for posting about either when you want to share. Please do not feel guilty for where you are, whether it be Stage I, NED, or a Stage IV thriving for an exponential number of years. Please don't withhold posting either, unless it makes you feel better to wait a few days. I admit, I do that sometimes, but other times I just jump right in if the water feels good. That is what we are here for! We are a support group. In my opinion, what IS offensive is to fear monger, name call, disparage, deride, mock, dismiss, slight, scorn, disdain, or insult. If you disagree with someone, it's OK to speak up if you feel strongly about it, but it is the customary and implied code of this site to simply state that you disagree and say why, without engaging in any of those behaviors and inflaming unnecessary controversy, or another choice is to simply move on and don't go there at all. Quite simply, it is about respecting each other and being cordial, even in disagreement. Please don't feel a need to apologize unless you feel you have engaged in disrespectful and/or insulting behavior...

As one who has pretty strong opinions about certain things in this life, I have had to rethink a time or two before posting responses... and have embraced the need to understand that this site is intended to be a gentle landing spot for those of us with HER2 breast cancer. A gentle place to learn how to cope with our dx. A gentle place to share what works for us when fighting this disease day in and day out. A gentle place to learn the reality surrounding our cancer lives, especially when it is devastating. A gentle place to learn about the science and discoveries. A gentle place to ask questions. And a gentle place to support each other as we face the fear of the uncertainty.

For those (including me) who do frequent other sites on the internet... news sites, opinion forums, etc., this site is different from those. You have to change your hat, your brain, and your mood when you come here. This is a shared experience, not intended to be an opinion/debate driven forum. This site is a valuable tool and a place for understanding, learning, sharing and respect for the process.