Another couple of helpful pointers....


Pay close attention to the dates of the posts. Sometimes in our wish to help others we dont always look at when the thread was written. Things can move pretty quickly around here. A thread that is only a few weeks old could be considered out dated depending on the topic. You could be replying to a member who asked for help interpreting their doctors notes while a few weeks later this member has finished treatments and is recovering so info about doctors notes is moot. While some other threads can continue on for years. By posting a reply on an old thread it will push the newer threads (sometimes more urgently needed pleas for help) down lower where they wont get seen or as many responses which can negatively impact that other member who is very sick and needs help quickly.

Where to put your post? This can be a little tricky when first joining the forum. By taking a minute and reading the descriptions of all the tabs on the left, it will make it easier to know where your new post belongs. Selecting the proper topic to place your post under also make the admin's job much easier by saving them time. This time could be much better spent helping sick members instead of moving posts around. All the admin volunteer their own time (several hours per day, every single day) to helping others and keeping the forum on track. When in doubt, just ask and we will be happy to help you. Only post your question once, duplicate posts are not necessary and will be deleted.

Be civil and respect others like you would expect them to respect you. Everyone is different and has their own problems which we can all relate to. Avoid the topics of religion and politics, everyone has their own individual ideas and this is not the place to discuss them. This includes any mention of God or any other spiritual being. When posting, remember the two subjects that should always be avoided.... religion and politics.

When reading posts, it can seem like some members are overly blunt while others are kinder and more caring. This is what happens when reading what others write, it can be interpreted in all kinds of ways. Since it is not a face to face or even over the phone conversation where you can hear tone and manner it sometimes is hard to distinguish a persons intent. Use care when writing posts as it is going to be read by people from all walks of life, with all different social and economic backgrounds. Before you hit the submit button, take a few seconds and read over your post again to ensure it is not offensive to anyone. Many members are under extreme stress of either fighting for their life or caring for a very sick loved one so tensions can run high and things can easily be misunderstood. Give others the benefit of the doubt as people here really are committed to helping others go thru their battle the easiest way possible. Please show others the kindness you would like to have shown to you, your words can have a big impact on someone elses day.

Remember this site has members and readers from all over the world, all ages and with different backgrounds. Please refrain from using foul language or innuendos in your posts. When posting think of it like this, would your mother, grandmother, or children be shocked or offended if they saw what you wrote. If your answer would be yes then edit your post to reflect a kinder, gentler tone.

Please do not mention physicians by name. OCF is not a doctor referral site and cant permit disparaging remarks to be posted. Same goes for treatment facilities. We cant have reviews on our forum. There are website that can refer patients to doctors where they have stringent guidelines and protocol they go by to rate physicians and hospitals. All any of us can do to help is point others in the general direction and suggest they get the best medical care they can.


Christine
SCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44
2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07
-65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr
Clear PET 1/08
4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I
surg 4/16/08 clr marg
215 HBO dives
3/09 teeth out, trismus
7/2/09 recur, Stg IV
8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy
3wks medicly inducd coma
2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit
PICC line IV antibx 8 mo
10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg
OC 3x in 3 years
very happy to be alive smile