So I live in the Sacramento California area. I moved here last July (2008) from the east coast, and my husband was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, mid relocation. I found the WhatNow? site last August and my journey for support and care in our cancer journey began. I have met amazing people on this site, caregivers (like me) and patients who have encouraged me, enlightened me, inspired me, and given me the necessary strength to carry on when I just didn't think I could.
Recently I received a message on here from a wonderful gal, Dina, whose husband has Mantel Cell Lymphoma and is in the process of preparing for a stem cell transplant. She noticed that my husband also rec'd a SCT and that I lived in the Sacramento area and she too lived in the same area! We began emailing each other directly and discovered that our NEW oncologist locally was in fact the same oncologist that her husband has. What an incredibly small world it truly is.
This morning we went to the infusion center for the first time for some labs and met both Dina and her amazing husband Darryl. We had to laugh that we both went virtually, "across the pond" and back again to meet each other and both of us consider it FATE.
So while, at times, I've been incredibly jealous of my new Brit friends who "meet up" across the pond, live and in person, I have, thanks to this site, found a friend to "meet up" with across the pond!
When people gripe or complain about the "internet" and all its evils, I have found, it is a tool, if properly used has its place in our society, and it has been incredibly valuable beyond words to me, in our darkest hour on a very personal level.
It allows me to talk about things I can't talk about with Dave. MY fears, MY worries. You never make me feel selfish or silly, but embrace me with your wisdom, kindness, and understanding. You have helped me get thru the things that go on in my head late at night when it looks the scariest. You have provided me with the light to follow in my darkest moments. While I feel incredibly blessed and fulfilled at having found a new friend, here on this site, and in person, I have valued you all beyond words.
So when Darryl is through with his SCT, we plan to go out and hoist a beer or a glass of wine and rejoice in having come through the fire and out the other side, in no small part to all of you and the availability of those who have provided us with this forum.
Best,
Lori
"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain!"
