Common bonds…

When faced with a cancer diagnosis, whether it is as the patient, caregiver, family member or friend, there are certain reactions that seem to be universal. Denial, anger, grief and fear seem to be among the most common emotions and all are understandable and expected.

Once the reality of the situation settles in, most people find an overwhelming need to become as informed as possible about the type of cancer they are dealing with, the available treatments and options that are there for them.

The need to learn as much as we can allows us to make better choices and decisions about our care, treatments and the way we manage our lives after cancer. I have heard this referred to as the “new normal” as life as we once knew it will never be the same again.

The roller coaster ride that cancer brings to our lives is not always easy. It is through sites such as this one and many others that are available on the internet that we can find others who are sharing thisjourney with us as well as people who have “been there, done that” and are gracious enough to share their knowledge and experiences in an effort to make this situation easier on others.

Speaking from my own personal experience, I know how difficult it is to come to terms with cancer. Just hearing the words “I have cancer” carries the power to turn life upside down. My story did not have a happy ending, sadly, but in dealing with my loss and grief, I decided to take what I had learned through my endless hours of searching for treatments, for ways to counteract side effects of those treatments, for alternative therapies and homeopathic options and find a way to make use of it all.

By creating and building this web site I have found a way to make a positive out of a very sad and negative situation. Knowledge is power and it is my hope that one day in the not too distant future, this site and others like it will serve no purpose as the answers and the cure will be found. Until such time, I will remain dedicated to helping those who are faced with a cancer diagnosis, in whatever way I can.