From cautious remission to freedom...

[Jean]

Abby, you wrote,
"was warned by others if I vocally dissented I would be pushed off the forum"

I have never heard of this? Unless something is posted that is intended to harm the support group I doubt Joe would remove or push anyone from the forum.

You write, “I passed along this website to many women in the beginning and then at times was embarrassed "
I am truly sorry that you feel this way as I believe this site offers a diverse community - inputting different emotions, thoughts, feelings, coping skills, experiences, support, medical updates, research news, etc, the list is long and varied. Anyone one who comes to visit this site and if they are facing this disease will find an article or recent experience that they will find helpful. I also would like to think that your oncologist would have the heart and compassion to understand that each person on the site faces this disease in the manner that makes them strong enough to fight it each and everyday. While each of us has wonderful oncologist that fight this battle with us, let’s face it is OUR battle they are not in our shoes, nor would they choose to be. So I guess I doubt very highly that any oncologist would think of any patient as a mere mouse. All on this site are strong and brave fighters.

Abby, I am sorry if anyone took the time to write to you that you were jealous of Andi's health that is a strange act in itself. If anything Andi's success in battling this disease is a demonstration of will, constant struggle to survive and beating the odds. I think it serves to show other women who come to the site that there are many who are thriving in spite of the rotten disease. Yes, you are correct in that it is disgusting to imply such a thing to you. There is no room for jealous emotions when fighting this disease as all strength and efforts are better spent enjoying each day.

You Write, So, I'll take this as a "don't let the door hit you on your way out."
NOT AT ALL, no one here feels that way. I noticed many of the women who were interested in understanding your position. And yes, there are articles that will be posted that may not fit your needs, or that you feel are not are worthy enough. As an editor I am sure you have passed over many different articles that you feel or believe do not fit in. So you move on to the next.
Simple - why is Andi such a spot light for you? Just don't read her posts, no big deal!

"And when someone new comes on here to ask for help or advice, I am sure I am not the only one that would like to see one honest reply, rather than 15 dismissive, "I'll pray for you's."

Wow, I have to strongly disagree here....we have a collection of people who are very well informed on this disease from firsthand experience. The new members that join in get valuable information on new trials, sisters that are in the trails sharing their personal experience with us, we have Hopeful who is a constant supporter of adding research material, Lani who is a wealth of first hand information, Joe and Christine who attend most if not all of the conferences along with our own members.
Recent books, articles, medical info, and yes along with the medical side of this disease that is forever in our heads, we have the emotions that some will share how they cope and endure.

Abby, there are many women and men when faced with this life threatening disease who may have never reached out to God prior. (who knows)? Some have always had a strong faith and practiced their faith long before breast cancer came into their lives. We do know that having faith has served many well. When people are facing the harsh reality of their own mortality they
become more in touch with an inner spirit. My oncologist on the East coast is not known for his bed side manner, a rather crusty person. His nurse shared with me that he prays each day for each one of his patients. He is a devoted man of god and science.

"I thought this was a home -- a soft place to land -- a place to be honest-- a place to ask questions-- a place to share information."

It is Abby - you can be honest we only ask that you allow and accept others to do so also without name calling.

"Watching the two-hour documentary Farrah's Story gave me an honorable example of grace and dignity and support to last a lifetime, and I will hold my head high in health. Some of the drivel espoused here as wisdom only damages the credibility and respectiblty I fight so hard for."

I watched the Farah’s Story also, which I also enjoyed and cried over her documentary. She was a beautiful lady in all ways. She fought so hard & bravely (by the way Farrah was also very connected to her faith) she came across in her story how she developed her strength from her faith. She wanted others to see the face of cancer. She fought all her life to demonstrate that she was just not a pretty face, she possessed a great talent and when dx with cancer she wanted to share the good, the bad and the ugly parts of her life. She was not afraid to expose herself and her thoughts. Much like what Andi is doing.

I hope you will feel welcomed to stay with us.
Kindest Regards,
Jean