Wow...Karen, Wendy it was a pleasure reading your responses.

I certainly relate to both Alex and Steve in so many ways and to listen to your insights about them reminds me of my wife. Aly will never post on these forums as she says, "I'm good".

I "get" why some guys (maybe most I don't know) don't get involved with the forums. I found OCF in Nov. of 08 well after tx and surgery but didn't register until Jan of 09. I loved the information I got but wasn't ready to share and when I started my style of communication (coupled from the side effects from the opiates) rubbed people the wrong way...still does.

Myself, I don't like being "cancer boy" and unfortunately have to deal with it daily as it's literally written all over my face. Like Alex I do feel like I'm letting my partner down and have been a burden on my family...dealing with that sucks. It also motivated me to get off the pain meds even though I still needed them and also to start my own business so that I could take care of my family. It's often that I take extended breaks from the forums as really I just want to move on from cancer altogether and focus on living life, much like Steve. Usually I get an email or a message on FB from my friends here wanting me to comeback as they miss my posts and I do because I want to help...but it is a daily battle for me and some days it certainly shows in my posts, much to my regret.

Anne-Marie...the comment about men not liking to appear weak hit's the nail on the head for me. As far as directions, I actually love my GPS and don't mind asking for directions as I HATE getting lost.


Anyways, sorry for the extended diatribe...thanks again Wendy, Karen and Anne-Marie.