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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.

sknox's picture
sknox Connect

Survivor: Rhabdomyosarcoma

Dear Cancer, I look back on the last 2.5 years of my life and, even now in hindsight, I can't believe I made it. On one hand I wish I could have avoided the struggles I've faced, and on the other, I'm so grateful for the strength they have brought out in me. I've had this constant thought, "my body is letting me down". I've had a nonstop flow of issues, one thing after another, and I'm so frustrated with this unrelenting struggle. I watch my friends live "normal", healthy lives and I find myself envious. I wonder how they are so strong and how their bodies are able to fight to keep them healthy. But then, as I was in the hospital for the millionth time this week, it hit me - my body isn't failing me or letting me down. In fact, it's doing exactly the opposite. My body is fighting. My body is strong! I have endured more in the last 2.5 years than most have in their entire lives. So, instead of beating myself up, being envious, and being disappointed with my body for not being "healthy", I'm going to be grateful. Grateful for a body that has been through so much and yet somehow manages to keep fighting despite all the trials I've endured that have robbed me of my strength. In my weakest moments, I've risen up. I've found strength I never knew I had. "Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:30-31

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