Michelle, since you are relatively new here, you haven't been through all the bad blood postings and negative private emails between people who are strong biblical/religious individuals and those who are less so. The attacks have been painful to many on both sides of the religious spectrum. We've even had someone here who has become a much beloved participant get jumped on for expressing her Buddhist beliefs, in private emails from Christians. I was copied on them and to be honest I was appalled. Obviously the height of non-Christian behavior. The board ebbs and flows with postings from people of all beliefs and that is how it should be. Atheists and Born again Christians all get oral cancer, it does not show a preference for one or the other. As much as possible after all the turmoil that the board went through over this, I always advise people to follow the lead of the original poster you are responding to. If they exhibit a strong religious position in their comments, then it is appropriate to respond in a like manner, which you have. But do not be surprised if some people do not respond well to your signature. This is a public board and I, nor OCF, have total control over what people will put up, be it praise or attack of another poster. Your strong religious belief that God is in control is not universally shared (true, not true, correct, right or wrong, is not the issue). The rule of thumb that has worked out to smooth things over between the factions that believe one way or another is that if the person that you are responding to in a compassionate way has not discussed God, Buddha, Mohammad etc. than in your postings to them it is appropriate to leave religion out of your support. If you put it in your signature, that negates the ability to respond with a non religious tone. If they have mentioned prayer, God or whatever, then as you have, responding in a like manner is more than appropriate. I only mention this as I don't wish to see these boards become a religious battleground again when what we are all here to do is share information and insights, ask for help when we need it, rant when we have to because it is a safe haven to, and even offer emotional support religious or otherwise when it is appropriate. I respect your strong beliefs, but my perspective is not universally held. I shudder to even put up this post publicly least I start this nasty, and often ugly debate again. You would think that people caught in the middle of a deadly battle, or having come out of one with this cancer would not have the time or inclination to delve into theological argument. But that is apparently not the case. We try as much as possible to keep these boards centered on their purpose, and that is the exchange of information and support that will benefit others related specifically to oral cancer. It is just a word to the wise.

When this killer invades our lives, destroys our loved ones, crushes our hopes, leaves us in shreads emotionally we all need a belief system that helps get us through it. What Rosie, has been through perosnally, what Heataher endured, what Marcy is going through, none of this is fair. But it is real. Whether this is part of God's, plan, a scientific non religious event, or the random act of life, we can not know. But we all share in the pain of any that are lost or in severe suffering. Marcy is in the prayers, or positive energy, or thoughts, from all here who know what it means to suffer.