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.
I just had an idea today, I think I would like to start a cancer support group at my church. I attend a small Unitarian church here in central Oklahoma. We have a time during each service when we can get up and share our joys and concerns of the moment, I have spoken several times about my treatment and have recieved wonderful support. Today a woman came up to me and asked me about my treatment because she herself is in treatment for breast cancer and they have reached some sort of lull while they decide what to do next. I have had people come up to me and want to talk about their treatment and my experiences several times now, and it always leaves me wanting to talk to them more than the fleeting few minutes before and after services. I am wondering if anyone has any experience starting a support group or suggestions of how to start. I was thinking of a casual peer-support group where patients, survivors and caregivers/loved ones (from within the church and wider community) would be welcome to come and talk and share their stories and voice their fears to people who have been where they are. I know talking to people online who had faced the same things helped me tremendously. Where would you start?
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