RE being an inspiration: I agree w Theresa that these people just don't understand what really goes on in our war both physically and emotionally for those with OC and for their caregivers and families. I am particularly sorry for the children involved.
I don't feel that being a victim is inspiring.
If we can be an inspiration it is to encourge others to be aware of the causes of OC, to have regular proper dental checkups and not to ignore the symptoms. We can encourage activism in these endeavors and support the OCF in fundraising and publicity campaigns. We can inform others that this is survivable, even the brutal treatments.
Malka

Malka,

I resisted the 'inspiration' and 'courageous' label too, but reread what you said...

...people just don't understand what really goes on in our war both physically and emotionally for those with OC and for their caregivers and families.

Think about that for a second. With all that you've been through and yet, here you are! You didn't give up, you're determined to encourage others and show people that this disease is survivable! If that isn't inspiring, I don't know what it.

Margaret
Courageous and Inspiring Survivor

I loved reading these posts! I wish I had come across it sooner. I got some good laughs out of them, I had to go back and read all 25 pages. No it's late so I will add my two cents at a later time! But thanks Charm for starting this, its been great therapy for me!

i like to refer to andy as a WARRIOR rather than a VICTIM.

Thank you Charm:) I like to be inspiring! What a compliment:)I also like Teresa's Warrior comment...that's a good one!!

Malka

Margaret said it very nicely so I won't repeat her points. While I agree with you that being a victim is not inspirational, I must have missed something in your posts as you don't write or act or sound like a victim.
I think that is exactly why your friend finds you inspirational: despite all you have been through, you carry on. Be kinder to yourself - it's one thing to be stoic, but even the Spartans who are the epitome of Stoicism prided themselves on being inspirational;
In 380 AD, a small Greek army, captained and comprised largely of Spartans and their allies, died defending the Pass at Thermopylae against the vastly superior army of Darius, Great King of Persia, the superpower of the day. I have always it both moving and thought-provoking that Thermopolyae, a defeat to almost the last man, is almost more famous that victories elsewhere these past 2,500 years or so.
The reason is they were warriors not victims despite losing their battle.
Charm

ESikon

Thanks for the compliment. With over 15 thousand views, we must be doing something right on this thread.
Charm

I was just getting fitted for a hearing aid, and the audiologist started trying to tell me all I had to do was drink baking soda and "Cancer can't live".

Flip

Sounds like your audiologist needed to be given a copy of the quote I posted on page 23 about "Dr.Google". That type of comment is exactly why I started this thread.
charm

Well, I have to add a new one: seeing posts on OCF about German cures for tongue cancer by a Doctor whose so called treatment was closed down by the FDA for fraud and then having the poster send me incensed private messages because I called a quack a quack. I can't help but wonder if oral cancer causes brain damage in some people. I'm happy that somebody beat this cancer, but very unhappy to see OCF polluted with bogus cures.
It's unfortunate I wasn't a member of OCF when this clown first posted as I would have shut him down early. Instead, over a thousand posts later from me and under thirty from him
Charm