curious how everyone found this site and where in your BC journey

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disneyfan2008
disneyfan2008 Member Posts: 6,583 Member
I did not find (or even look) for over 2 yrs (about) it was not until my friend had bad skin cancer on her leg & she said I am a survior! I said OH...I considered myself as "I HAD cancer" that was it until I found this site!

I went to dr visit for my husband-Dr taking family history (mine too) He said how is your health? I said well I had breast cancer!

So just curuious how we all came to this great site..

Denise
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  • natly15
    natly15 Member Posts: 1,941
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    I found it in July or august
    I found it in July or august of 2009 right after my surgeries but did not join or post until September 2009 when I developed a raging infection at the surgical site and was frightened out of my mind. I was searching on the net for BC cancer info and really dont know how I fell upon this website, but am most grateful that I did, because as I've said many times before this was my sole support other than my husband. Everyone understood, the info was invaluable, and I felt loved and accepted by total strangers who were walking or had walked the same walk and TRULY UNDERSTOOD. You are ALL so special to me and I cry for you and celebrate and pray for ALL of you like I do for family. I thank God I'm a part of this group of kindred pinks and I love ALL of you in a very special way.
  • disneyfan2008
    disneyfan2008 Member Posts: 6,583 Member
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    natly15 said:

    I found it in July or august
    I found it in July or august of 2009 right after my surgeries but did not join or post until September 2009 when I developed a raging infection at the surgical site and was frightened out of my mind. I was searching on the net for BC cancer info and really dont know how I fell upon this website, but am most grateful that I did, because as I've said many times before this was my sole support other than my husband. Everyone understood, the info was invaluable, and I felt loved and accepted by total strangers who were walking or had walked the same walk and TRULY UNDERSTOOD. You are ALL so special to me and I cry for you and celebrate and pray for ALL of you like I do for family. I thank God I'm a part of this group of kindred pinks and I love ALL of you in a very special way.

    so true many dont' get IT!
    so true many dont' get IT! I'll say to hubby for example TODAY is 3 yrs since finished radiaton-he says OH! TO me that is my big date I will remember forever..I think most here GET IT dont' you think...

    I am glad I stumbled upon it...and I think just to find out IF i was considered a "survior" ...i was told OF course..but I THOUGHT since found early...not really!

    Denise
  • natly15
    natly15 Member Posts: 1,941
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    so true many dont' get IT!
    so true many dont' get IT! I'll say to hubby for example TODAY is 3 yrs since finished radiaton-he says OH! TO me that is my big date I will remember forever..I think most here GET IT dont' you think...

    I am glad I stumbled upon it...and I think just to find out IF i was considered a "survior" ...i was told OF course..but I THOUGHT since found early...not really!

    Denise

    Denise I think everyone Gets
    Denise I think everyone Gets It here because they have experienced IT. People simply do not understand when we talk about fatigue, exhaustion, hair loss, rad burns, surgeries etc etc. They equate it to their non cancer experiences, which simply do not equate. Their fatigue is usually from a busy day, ours is from chemo and rads, quite different. Even those who have had surgeries and my husband had quadruple by pass just before all my surgeries, and was back to normal wihin 3 months. Our surgeries are usually just one step in the whole, long process. I dont wish cancer on anyone but sometimes wished that they could experience my side effects for just one day so that they would understand. I simply quit saying anything to anyone other than to the gals on these boards because this is where I found the understanding I so desperatey needed.
  • LoveBabyJesus
    LoveBabyJesus Member Posts: 1,679 Member
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    I thought long...
    ...before joining. I was scared to read what I would find out. Scared to learn about other cases. But I would come visit the site often to check on everyone - this was last January. Then eventually, I joined. Couldn't help myself. Everyone was just awesome and I wanted to be part of it!

    And yes, most people don't get it. But I am OK with that. I just want to have inner peace and feel OK, and never lose my faith. Before my diagnosis, I stressed every little thing. Too worried about other people, and what they said and thought. Well...those days are over for me! I would rather be part of this community of great women - who do get it - and try to feel as normal as possible, stress FREE! YAY!

    Hugs
  • skipper54
    skipper54 Member Posts: 936 Member
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    I thought long...
    ...before joining. I was scared to read what I would find out. Scared to learn about other cases. But I would come visit the site often to check on everyone - this was last January. Then eventually, I joined. Couldn't help myself. Everyone was just awesome and I wanted to be part of it!

    And yes, most people don't get it. But I am OK with that. I just want to have inner peace and feel OK, and never lose my faith. Before my diagnosis, I stressed every little thing. Too worried about other people, and what they said and thought. Well...those days are over for me! I would rather be part of this community of great women - who do get it - and try to feel as normal as possible, stress FREE! YAY!

    Hugs

    Found it in an ACS flier
    when I finally sat down to look at everything I had been given. I had been on overload. Got my dx in July of 2010 but didn't read everything until January. Found the site then and joined in late Jan early Feb. Whis I had found it sooner as everyone has been so awesome. I really feel like we're all sisters and so close to each other even though we haven't met, at least not yet. (other than on the spedcial pink bus. I've learned a lot about everyone on those rides! :)
  • disneyfan2008
    disneyfan2008 Member Posts: 6,583 Member
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    skipper54 said:

    Found it in an ACS flier
    when I finally sat down to look at everything I had been given. I had been on overload. Got my dx in July of 2010 but didn't read everything until January. Found the site then and joined in late Jan early Feb. Whis I had found it sooner as everyone has been so awesome. I really feel like we're all sisters and so close to each other even though we haven't met, at least not yet. (other than on the spedcial pink bus. I've learned a lot about everyone on those rides! :)

    only online search I did was
    only online search I did was DCIS-When I called my Dr he said NOT bad but not good results. HE Said DCIS...I had NO clue what it was =just that I had to call a surgeon. I jotted DCIS down and my teen found it, looked up! LIKE me first word your see is Cancer!

    ONE day my husband even said YOU didnt' really have cancer! since early..I was floored said OK surgery, 8 wks daily treatments...come one...

    I KNOW not as bad as many here dont' get me wrong...or comments LIKE ONLY DCIS!

    but when you look up those initials You see "CANCER"

    Denise
  • mollyz
    mollyz Member Posts: 756 Member
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    only online search I did was
    only online search I did was DCIS-When I called my Dr he said NOT bad but not good results. HE Said DCIS...I had NO clue what it was =just that I had to call a surgeon. I jotted DCIS down and my teen found it, looked up! LIKE me first word your see is Cancer!

    ONE day my husband even said YOU didnt' really have cancer! since early..I was floored said OK surgery, 8 wks daily treatments...come one...

    I KNOW not as bad as many here dont' get me wrong...or comments LIKE ONLY DCIS!

    but when you look up those initials You see "CANCER"

    Denise

    My Surgeon.
    He suggested that i go to this site the same day i was dx and i did to read,i started reading everything on line basically that evolved or revolved around cancer and that started in May 2010 but it was September before i joined and thats when i really learned about everything the type,the grade,...I got scared a couple times "really" when two of the finest ladies on here died and i can't think of they'e names but one's husband still comes on and the other lady it was just shocking to hear i had to stop for a while then but i came back because this is the only place you can be and people understand you and whats going on with you. MOLLYZ
  • Tux
    Tux Member Posts: 544
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    Found this website
    I was dx'ed in July 2009--did a web search & discovered this site. It has been an invaluable aid in answering my questions. I had some pretty severe burns at the very end of rads, but I knew I had support from this board & that I could get through it.
    I am forever grateful to the sisters in pink who have taken their time to answer our questions.
  • mruczko
    mruczko Member Posts: 110
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    Found
    I found the website through ACS literature handed to me by the nurse who organizes our monthly support meeting. about 1 month before I joined. I was way down, very depressed, she thought it would help - and it has, a lot. I am no longer alone and realize I am not the only struggling with lack of support and understanding from those around me.
    Hugs to all, Marlene
  • TraciInLA
    TraciInLA Member Posts: 1,994 Member
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    mruczko said:

    Found
    I found the website through ACS literature handed to me by the nurse who organizes our monthly support meeting. about 1 month before I joined. I was way down, very depressed, she thought it would help - and it has, a lot. I am no longer alone and realize I am not the only struggling with lack of support and understanding from those around me.
    Hugs to all, Marlene

    Through ACS -- only site I was "allowed" to visit
    When I was diagnosed, both my surgeon and oncologist told me sternly at my first visits, "STAY OFF THE INTERNET." They both talked about how so much of the information online is skewed toward horror stories, old information that's no longer accurate, or just plain wrong.

    When I said, "Well, what about the American Cancer Society?", they both agreed that ACS information is reliable and up-to-date, and told me that was the ONLY website I was allowed to visit.

    Not that I *completely* listened to them :-), but I definitely focused on the ACS site, and found my way to CSN through it. And, on some of my first visits here, I saw posts from Greta, so felt comfortable knowing the board is somewhat monitored by ACS.

    I started "lurking" after my diagnosis in May, but didn't join until July, well after my surgery, for the simple reason that I had NO IDEA how to come up with a username! I'd never been on any boards before, or used any social networking, so this was all really new to me.

    But now this is "home" to me, plain and simple.

    Traci
  • mariam_11_09
    mariam_11_09 Member Posts: 691
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    I received my diagnosis and


    I received my diagnosis and went onto the internet to see what I could find. I stumbled across this board and immediately felt drawn to it. I created a user account but just lurked around before actually posting. It has been a source of inspiration and strength.

    What was very grounding for me in the beginning was knowing that there were so many other women out there who were/had gone through something similar and how they managed various scenarios. Cancer treatment felt even more doable.
  • mariam_11_09
    mariam_11_09 Member Posts: 691
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    TraciInLA said:

    Through ACS -- only site I was "allowed" to visit
    When I was diagnosed, both my surgeon and oncologist told me sternly at my first visits, "STAY OFF THE INTERNET." They both talked about how so much of the information online is skewed toward horror stories, old information that's no longer accurate, or just plain wrong.

    When I said, "Well, what about the American Cancer Society?", they both agreed that ACS information is reliable and up-to-date, and told me that was the ONLY website I was allowed to visit.

    Not that I *completely* listened to them :-), but I definitely focused on the ACS site, and found my way to CSN through it. And, on some of my first visits here, I saw posts from Greta, so felt comfortable knowing the board is somewhat monitored by ACS.

    I started "lurking" after my diagnosis in May, but didn't join until July, well after my surgery, for the simple reason that I had NO IDEA how to come up with a username! I'd never been on any boards before, or used any social networking, so this was all really new to me.

    But now this is "home" to me, plain and simple.

    Traci

    TraciInLA is very

    TraciInLA is very descriptive:)

    I am so forgetful that I needed to add month and year of diagnosis to my username.
  • mjjones453
    mjjones453 Member Posts: 155
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    I received my diagnosis and


    I received my diagnosis and went onto the internet to see what I could find. I stumbled across this board and immediately felt drawn to it. I created a user account but just lurked around before actually posting. It has been a source of inspiration and strength.

    What was very grounding for me in the beginning was knowing that there were so many other women out there who were/had gone through something similar and how they managed various scenarios. Cancer treatment felt even more doable.

    through my sister
    Five years ago in April, my father was diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer that spread to the liver. 2 weeks later he passed away. My sister was searching and found this sight to be very helpful. After I was diagnosed, and finished with Radiation Therapy, I started looking and reading about my cancer, I went to this sight and found it very helpful, and filled with very caring people. I don't post often, but I want you to know, your experiences help so many understand what we may or may not go through. Many of you are in my thoughts and prayers!
  • sbmly53
    sbmly53 Member Posts: 1,522
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    Stumbled on to it
    Don't remember how exactly. I found it after my surgery (Dec '09) & before I started rads in Jan '10.

    This place has been a haven & a godsend for me, and I can't thank you all enough.

    Warmest hugs,

    Sue
  • chenheart
    chenheart Member Posts: 5,159
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    I found this site a few
    I found this site a few weeks after my surgery in 2003~ saw an ad on TV and I logged right on and joined...though I went immediately to the chat-rooms and didn't post on the discussion boards until 2006! And, obviously, I have never left! LOL
  • Different Ballgame
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    I found this site on my birthday
    Dear Denise,

    I found this site on my birthday, January 2010 through American Cancer Society. Was finishing radiation that month. So happy that i found you!

    Lots of Hugs,
    Janelle
  • debi.18
    debi.18 Member Posts: 850 Member
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    Found this May
    I was diagnosed this May and found this board within a couple of weeks. I did hundreds BC, ER, PR and HER2 google searches. Breastcancer.org and American Cancer Society were my favorites. I felt like the information was more reliable. I didn't actually see the board until I had been on the site for several days and somehow wound up on it. Didn't join for a while but became addicted to it right away. Became my new FaceBook.

    I read for hours at a time and grew to know and love each and everyone of you on here. I laughed, cried, experienced happiness and sadness. As said many times before, everyone here just "gets it". I am still amazed by the support!

    Love you all!!

    Debi
  • tko683
    tko683 Member Posts: 264 Member
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    found in July 2011
    I agree with everyone here....so glad I found this board...such great support from woman who do really get it. It is so comforting. I was diagnosed in 2004 and my husband was just diagnosed in June of this year with colorectal cancer. Love and Prayers to everyone.
  • CAchick
    CAchick Member Posts: 277
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    Wish I'd found it earlier...
    I was diagnosed in July 2009, had lumpectomies, chemo, radiation. Finished all of that in March 2010. Didn't find this site until May 2011 when I found another lump...near one of my scars. Did a search for lumps near bc scars and a thread came up. Joined here...that lump was benign! However, I feel such closeness to the sisters on here...I keep coming back to check on everyone, and celebrate as often as possible...offer support when I can...It is a really good site for me!
    Sybil
  • Gabe N Abby Mom
    Gabe N Abby Mom Member Posts: 2,413
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    Like others, I was searching
    Like others, I was searching for information about my dx/treatment and came across this site.

    It seemed that whenever I had a question there was someone else here with the same question. There was even someone here with my unusual dx (triple neg IBC)...I still think of Heidi.

    Since I started reading, and then posting, I've always appreciated the help and support. But I also appreciate the openness and honesty shared here, and the willingness to accept each other as we are.

    Hugs,

    Linda