I have been battling oral cancer since June 2005 and just had my 4th surgery on my tongue this past week. I am a volunteer for the OCF and a member of the forum since 2006. I am so grateful to Brian that there is an OCF website that contains so much valuable and accurate information on oral cancer. In my opinion, the forum is the best place to go for information and support for patients, caregivers, their families, and those worried that they may have oral cancer.

Lately there has been a lot of bickering and name calling on the forum � more than I ever recall happening in a short period of time. I have always stayed out of those conversations because I don�t feel they belong in a public forum.

As a reminder to all, please read these quotes from the OCF home page and the forum sign in page:

�A FREE and anonymous patient / survivor discussion forum is open to the public, where those currently fighting oral cancer and their families can gain insights and inspiration from those who have been there before them. It is closely monitored for appropriateness of information posted there.�

�Remember that this is hopefully a place for the positive exchange of ideas, not a place to verbally trash someone else. Although you may wish to vent your frustrations, and that certainly takes place in an environment as emotional as a cancer forum, please keep personal attacks out of the messages. If you wish to exchange specific information that includes doctors names, phone numbers, (perhaps to talk to each other on the phone), and similar information, please do it by email between yourselves rather than posting it on the boards.�

So I am asking those who have engaged in this type of activity to PLEASE STOP! Please make use of the �personal message� (PM option) or e-mail if you have a personal issue with another member of the forum. Keep in mind when you post your comments on the forum, it remains there for all to read and for all to comment on, and it will remain as part of the OCF forum for years!

A few months ago I had recommended a newly diagnosed person with oral cancer to come to the forum. After a few posts and some not so nice comments from some long-term members, she left the forum never to return. I know others have done the same thing.

In my opinion, this is not what the forum was designed to be � it should be a welcoming and supportive place for all, regardless of their opinions. Please THINK before you hit the submit button, REREAD your post and use the EDIT feature if it can be inappropriate or offensive to anyone. Remember many people on this forum are fighting for their lives, have had life altering surgery, are watching their loved ones die from this disease, and some members may not be here in a few months because this cancer killed them!

I certainly enjoy the friendly jesting and kidding around that goes on the forum � considering that this is a cancer forum, we all need something to give us a chuckle or lighten the mood. But please be respectful of each other and the purpose of this forum.

Thank you!

Great post Susan.

This disease is such an emotional rollercoaster that I'm surprised it doesn't happen more often really. It's easy to forget what others are dealing with when you have so much on your plate yourself and then something someone says strikes a bad chord with you. I know I struggle with this and try to stear clear of the forums when I'm not dealing well...obviously I'm not always successful with it and am usually quick to say I'm sorry.

I'm just thankful for the "voices of reason" on these forums, moderators and other posters that seek resolutions and understanding. I hope to get there someday, but it's all about the journey.

Happy Easter Susan and thanks again for this reminder my dear.

Eric

Thank you Susan for this post. I couldn't agree more with your comments.

I do appreciate the posts related to honest feelings about how a person's journey is going, no sugarcoating like I tend to do to everyone else. This site helps me realize what we are feeling is "normal" and we are not alone with our feelings, positive or negative, here we can share the positive times and the setbacks. I have laughed but I also have felt uncomfortable and saddened by posts where members feel they have to start defending their own shared journey here. We are each others lifeline - at least you all are mine. Thank you.

PS: Thanks to whoever added spell check!

Thank you for the reminder, Susan!

[quote=Karenj]PS: Thanks to whoever added spell check! [/quote]
Karen,

I would really like to know how to find the "spell check". I use spell check on a Google tool bar, but don't see it as an option in the OCF post box.

Thanks!

When I type misspelled words are underlined with a red dashed line. On my MAC I hold down the control button and click on the word and it gives me options of other words to replace it with�. too simple. But this may be a MAC function, and I use the same thing in Word, and many other applications�..

When I use my MAC, I get the same red underlined words for a misspelled word. This does not happen when I use my other computer which isnt a MAC.

True - same for my iPad - but not my pc.

I use HP and from Internet Explorer I have no spell check but from Mozilla Firefox I have always had spell check and it underscores the word and just by right clicking on it it brings up suggestions.

The Google Toolbar for IE (Internet Explorer) includes an spell checker tool listed under the 'Toolbar Options'.

Once installed and activated, it will add a "CHECK" button to the toolbar that you need to click before it will find and hi-light typo's.