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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.

pinkelephantposse's picture
pinkelephantposse Connect

Survivor: Breast Cancer

Dear Cancer, From the beginning of this process, people have suggested that I do battle with you. That I hate you, that I fight you, that I get angry because you showed up in my seemingly perfect, healthy, happy young life. Angry I did get. In a way I have never been before. However I learned to transform that into something I can only describe as the deepest, richest form of self love, acceptance and ability to let go that I had been searching for all of my life. Would I have ever invited you to come take up space in my body? No. Would I have changed things to not have you show up? It doesn't matter since I had no choice. That said, I thank you for all of the gifts that you have given me. For the perspective I have found to appreciate things on a level I never knew before you came. For the blessings I am so much more aware of now that you have happened like my family, friends and the wonderful brothers and sisters I have met along this journey. For the inspiration to want to help others. For who I have become... a warrior... stronger, more grounded and courageous than I ever thought I could be. And with that, I once again ask you never to return, to kindly stay away and to allow me whatever time I have left on this planet to continue to just be grateful for being here. Fake boobs and all :)

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