Site Shutdown-May 28, 2026-Hello CSN Members, Friends, Survivors-Final Words

wbcgaruss · May 6

Hello CSN members and friends.

As you know, this forum is shutting down on May 28th 2026. I don’t know about you, but this is not good news in my opinion because it is a good place to get help and advice and look things up anytime, day or night. It was a huge help to me, especially during my first cancer, throat cancer, diagnosed in late 2012 and treated mostly in 2013. At that time, I was not a member and was just a lurker reader, but the information I had access to at the time and the very active group of people was such a blessing. Back then, there were numerous postings literally every day by multiple people. Compare that to today, with very little posting and exchange of information, and no friendly banter and exchange. But there is a huge wealth of advice and information here, plus the human personal side of these postings comes from the heart of all our members.

I doubt it will happen, but I wish for future Head & Neck Patients that all this wealth of information in this forum could be archived for future reference; it is such a shame for all this to vanish into the nether of the internet.

After I got my second cancer in 2018, I decided it was time to join the CSN forum and share my knowledge of cancer treatment and effects to help others. I have noticed for a long time now a steady decrease in participation, even though a post may have 40 or 50 views, no one comments or tries to connect with others out of those 40 or 50 people. Also, a slow, steady decline of traffic in the forum of new and existing members and situations. This is not just an online situation, though.

Our local cancer center, The Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute in Lancaster, PA, has had a similar decline in participation in support groups, and it seems it is hard to make it worthwhile to schedule any type of cancer support groups, be it head and neck, breast cancer, or any other. They are also having low participation and lost interest among cancer patients to show up. This is an active cancer center with chemo infusion rooms and multiple radiation machines, and about 2 years ago, they added a Proton machine, quite an addition to the cancer center and quite an investment.

https://www.pennmedicine.org/specialties/cancer/about-ann-b-barshinger-cancer-institute

Check out the Virtual Tour Video…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XS2Wu1ntgDY&t=263s

I remember back in 2013, my nurse navigator, who was the best and really cared for her patients, and everyone who was a patient of hers just loved her. Her name was Liz Korman, and she started the Head and Neck Cancer support group at The Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute.

It wasn’t long till we had 20-25 people showing up each month, with a normal minimum of probably around 15.

Compare that to today, where we were having 1 or none show up, and the support groups at The Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute are basically on hold and are just not happening anymore, and whether they will have them again, it is hard to say.

The people who are in charge of them are trying to come up with something that will draw people to follow up support groups, but so far, nothing is scheduled.

At the one meeting, the nurses, dieticians, etc., who run these support groups said the covid situation had quite an effect on support groups declining, and they never recovered after that, with participation low to nil. Post covid, it got much worse for these groups.

Does anyone on here have an opinion?

Has our society changed drastically?

I have pictures of people here on CSN I have saved over the years, and in the last days of this forum, I will post some in upcoming postings to see if anyone remembers the people from the past.

I have also had the honor of writing three obituaries about some of our wonderful members passing, but I would consider them life celebrations of people.

Drivingdaisy (Lisa) has passed on November 9, 2021

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/326978/drivingdaisy-lisa-a-dear-member-and-friend-of-our-h-n-group-has-passed

wmc (Bill) An Honored and Respected Member Has Passed

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/325836/wmc-bill-an-honored-and-respected-member-of-our-h-n-group-has-passed

LitlCJdoll (Crystal) has passed on September 12, 2022

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/325680/litlcjdoll-crystal-an-honored-and-dear-member-has-passed

They all fought this beast of cancer valiantly.

They were honored and strong members and supporters of others on the forum.

As they say, I guess all good things must come to an end someday.

Count and cherish each day.

Please feel free to comment.

Wishing You The Best