Hi everyone,
This post is a little odd, but I have been thinking about it for quite sometime. Our community on the forum is great - usually everyone has something to contribute to a thread be it encouragement or links to information. We have formed bonds and friendships between caregivers and bridged sharing between all grades/stages of bladder cancer too. But sometimes I have felt uncomfortable sharing openly because of that as well.
Physically I have personally had to face a new primary cancer as well as likely mets. The emotional side of that is very heavy. I have been rather hesitant to address it in a thread for a few reasons. One is that the emotions are very dark and scary at times...I don't want to have it glossed over with well wishes nor do I want to freak out someone who is noninvasive or a caregiver. In all honesty, the not posting it is not working for me and I suspect a few others may be feeling this same way. After much pondering I believe I have come up with an idea to resolve the dilema...
Obviously the invasive and/or metastastis threads are appropriate placement for posts regaurding the emotions assosiated with progression,mets etc. On these threads could we have a special icon? It could represent that "this post is likely dealing with the scary emotions of mets and that only responses from other mets survivors would be appreciated". Like a disclaimer of sorts. My hope is that we can establish a way for those who are in this place to have the freedom to openly post such dark things without disturbing others on the forum who are not there.
I sure hope I haven't offended anyone or caused any distress - my intent is to find a way to safely express the emotions of mets among those dealing with it who only want responses from the same. I hope I said it right, God Bless, Holly