In my usual introverted way, I avoided getting involved in any breast cancer groups. I figured that this is going to take such a short time that I really don't need to be in any support groups. I have my few close friends who are true breast cancer survivors, but I was hesitant to really identify myself with the disease.
Yesterday, I had some weird symptoms. I googled it, but didn't really get any answers, so I decided to check out the chat rooms on the breast cancer site. http://community.breastcancer.org I looked for the radiation survivors group and started to check out some of the conversations.
Finally, I got up the nerve to register and post a question to the community. Within an hour or so, there was a response! Basically, she told me that my symptom was probably not related to the treatment. But, she closed her post with "Good Luck" I was surprised how much her short response encouraged me.
This morning, I jumped on to see if anyone else had posted a response. There was a really sweet note from a woman who is just beginning her treatments, but her diagnosis is very similar to mine. Suddenly, I was engaged. Here were women, like myself, who were at various stages on this journey. They were friends I had not met yet.
I realize, once again, that I DO need the community. I will not do as well if I am isolated. My heart was encouraged just by these responses - just by being HEARD! What a huge thing it is to be recognized and heard! I realize now that my biggest mistake was not joining the community sooner. While this journey has not been horrendous, it would have been a much more fulfilling experience if I had engaged sooner.
I plan to stay connected from now on. I need it.
With so much social media out there, it is easy to get spread way too thin. But, I think when it comes to having a common struggle, finding others who are also on the same path can lead to greater richness in the fabric of our days.
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