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I Had Cancer Guidelines

We're all here for similar reasons - we've been touched by cancer in some way. It’s up to all of us to show each other that no one is alone. Your IHadCancer profile is your own place to call home during this crazy thing called cancer, we just ask that you keep these simple guidelines in mind when participating.

1. Always Be Nice. This is a place for connections and conversations – we encourage you all to talk openly but please remain considerate in all of your engagement. Don’t post obscene, hateful or objectionable content. Abuse and disrespect will not be tolerated in the IHC community and is subject to deletion and user removal at our discretion.

2. Be a Good Friend. The IHC community is a family. Please remember to be a good friend to the connections you make on IHC. Ask questions that you wish someone would ask you; if you can’t find the right words to say, send a hug, it can speak louder than words. A simple gesture goes a long way.

3. Don't Spam. This includes sending unsolicited messages of any nature, posting links to unrelated content, promoting a survey, fundraiser or product where it shouldn’t be promoted. If you aren’t sure if something is appropriate to post, e-mail us and we’ll let you know.

4. Think Before You Post. Everything you post on IHadCancer is secure, but it is up to you to monitor how much or how little information you are sharing about yourself and your experience. Please don’t share personal or identifiable information like your mailing address or your full name and don’t share other member’s information.

5. If You See Something, Say Something. We work hard to make sure these guidelines are followed closely but if you see something that doesn’t’ feel right to you, please let us know. We review every report we receive and will take anything you say to heart. We promise.

6. Be Open. Welcome newcomers and help guide them through this journey based on your own experience. Whether you are a survivor, fighter, caregiver or supporter, you have valuable information that can very well help someone else who is just beginning the cancer journey. Be open to sharing experiences and give someone else the gift of your time.

Thanks for being a part of our community. It’s up to all of us to ensure that IHadCancer remains a place for us all to call home when dealing with the ups and downs of a cancer diagnosis.

gmthul's picture
gmthul Connect

Survivor: Thyroid Cancer

You were my constant companion for 4 years. No one knew how much time I spent thinking about you and praying that you'd finally pack up your bags and leave. No one saw the many nights I sat awake in bed crying over my four children - ages 4, 3, 2 and 8 weeks when you first came to call - and what it would be like if you won this battle. But I was stronger and I fought longer and now you're finally gone, gone, gone. Those first few weeks after I heard you left back in February, it felt awkward to type "survivor". I couldn't believe I had outlasted you. Somehow, I thought we'd make poor bed mates for the rest of our lives. But now it's just me and my husband in bed, and I am as free as the summer wind. I don't have to think about when my next treatment cycle will start, or plan childcare for my kids while I'm in the hospital, or get labs drawn every week. For years, I made Thursday "Cancer Day" because I could only speak to you once a week or you'd drive me crazy. Now Thursdays are my "Crazy Days" instead: the kids and I always do something weird or wild that reminds us that the little joys we treasure together are what make life really worth living. You may have bankrupted our finances, claimed most of my physical health, and introduced us to fear. But what you didn't know is that you freed us forever from materialism, false hopes and dreams, and the confines of politically correct. Now we're all free as butterflies, in constant metamorphosis to soak up every sun ray, drink in every flower, and dance in every rainstorm. Thank you, Cancer, because I am the most joyful person I know, and you gave me a gift of a free spirit I never dreamed possible.
Jun 05 2012 12:06pm |
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