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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.

Mary-11342's picture
Mary-11342 Connect

Survivor: Breast Cancer

Dear Cancer, It has been almost six years since my last treatment. But, your lingering effects still affect me to this day. I never now how I am going to feel from day to day, much less hour to hour. You have left me with Lymphedema, and joint and muscle pain from hormone therapy. There are so many days that it takes everything I have to get out bed and get ready for the day. On top of the physical pain, you also left my mental state in limbo. When I was diagnosed and going through treatments. Most of my family vanished and were telling people that I actually didn't have cancer. I had the loving support of my husband, my youngest daughter, one sister, and my dad and step-mom and my husband's family. I was so disgusted that my own family turned on me and said some vicious words. The hardest part of my family vanishing from my life and spreading vicious lies was that my oldest daughter believed them. I didn't have to prove anything to anyone. Because, I knew that cancer had came into my life without warning. I was the one with the scars from multiple surgeries, sick from chemotherapy, and 3rd degree burns from radiation. I felt like such a burden to my husband. 2011 was just plain awful for our family. A month before I was diagnosed with cancer. My husband lost his job, due to the plant closing. My husband was at my side through all my surgeries, and treatments. The only good thing about that year was that I beat cancer. Here we are in 2017, cancer has left me disabled. I am unable to work. I have reconnected with some of my family. I have learned to let go of toxic people in my life. They are not good for my mental and physical health. I also learned, that if I need to have a day to cry and mourn the person I used to be. I will. Managing my Lymphedema is a full-time job in itself along with controlling my pain. I no longer make plans in advance. Because, I don't know how I am going to be feeling that day. I also, don't feel guilty for cancelling at last minute, either. So I have learned to take life hour by hour. Because, that's all my body allows me to do. But, I was blessed to see both of my daughters graduate high school. I am a survivor!
Oct 05 2017 2:01pm |
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