Oct. 1997 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Family surrounded me, friends and co-workers were there to help me in any way they could. With all the support in my life, I did not know anyone who had survived breast cancer. I had watched two people die from this disease, one being my mother in law the previous year.
Three weeks after being diagnosed, I was searching the Internet to find answers to my many questions when. I came across a chat room bcforum.org. A breast cancer survivor hosted this chat room and all the members had been diagnosed with this disease or were a support to someone who had breast cancer. I had found those who could help me in a way none of my family, friends or co-workers could. These people had lived the nightmare I was beginning.
During the next year I had chemotherapy and radiation. I developed an infection, which required 3 surgeries in as many months. I was homebound and was not well enough to seek out support groups available. The people in bcforum.org were there for me every time I logged on.
Over the past 2-½ years, I have gotten to know all these wonderful people. They have shared their experience, answered my questions and fears and celebrated my victories. I, in turn, have been able to return the same to many of them. We have lived through treatment with each other, cried together and yes, had many many laughs together. We not only know each other, but also the families who go through so much during an experience such as this.
July of 2000 I was able to fly to Colorado and meet some of these people. Each year they have a Face 2 Face where those who can come, get together to talk, laugh and hug. This year I was able to go. What a wonderful experience "seeing" for the first time, some of my oldest, dearest friends. I will always keep them in my heart and will continue to use them for support as I continue counting my years of survivorship. I will continue going to the chat room, not only to visit my friends, but also to offer newcomers the support I have received.
My hope is you or someone you know will never be diagnosed with breast cancer. But if it does touch your life, please remember this story. bcforum.org is up and running strong. We are there every night. Share this with them.
We also have meetings for the men in the lives of those with breast cancer. These meetings are held Wednesdays at 8 pm EST (New York time) in the Men'sRoom. If you're a person with breast cancer, please tell your husband/significant-other/son/brother/father/friend/co-worker the room is for them. The Men'sRoom is hosted by David, his wife was treated for breast cancer in 1993.
To get to the Men'sRoom click on the heart. 
Please email me if you have any problems accessing BCforum or the Men'sRoom!
A percentage of each item purchased through the link on my site
will go to help those with breast cancer who have met on the Internet,
meet in person!
