Greetings

[japdip]

A note of thanks first to Med Help for selecting me as your new CL. I know we all misss Healingwell62 and thank her for her dedication to our Community. Although I hated to see her go, I was elated to see her return to a normal like .... proving of course "There is LIFE after Breast Cancer."

Thank you too for the congratulations and comments on my appointment. I truly hope that I will be able to live up to those kind words and I can assure you I will do my very best. As most of you "regulars" know I'm not much for speeches or lengthy responses. I feel if you ask a question, you want an answer. I am a person who knows only the truth and will never "sugar coat" anything. One of you has referred to my style as "smooth"; perhaps "cut & dried" is more like it .. LOL

I do have one request of all of you .... please share your experiences with the new visitors to our Community. I was just told yesterday by a poster that it was so comforting to hear from someone who had "been there". This is what a Community is all about.

To the newcomers; May I remind you that the only question that can be referred to as "foolish", "dumb","stupid"
of "ridiculous" is the one that goes UNANSWERED because it was never ASKED. We are here to answer, advise, inform, comfort and support in whatever way we can. Please come join us ! Let's make our Community THE PLACE TO BE when you have a question or concern regarding breast cancer issues.

[covertanjou]

Congratulations Japdip!  I know you will be a great CL.  

[zouzi]

Thank you Japdip for this beautiful statement,many of us who are not newcomers know that your responses are straight down to the point...no sugar coating... but also sensible and comforting.So many of us appreciate and respect you, simply because you have earned it with your dedication,love and concern for each and every one of us.With you as our leader,this Forum is and will be the best Forum where we can find solutions,solace and sound advice.Thank you again Japdip :-)

[SueYoung55]

You ARE smooth! You call it cut and dried and I say smooth because you deliver cut and dried with finesse! Don't argue with me :)  LOL    Just get past the word and keep on doing what you do!

I told the moderators last week they are lucky to have you, and they are! And most of all, so are we lucky to have you!

[katarina777]

They are very, very lucky to have you and I think they know this well. Maybe you should ask for a raise? (LOL)  But yes, guys,  japdip should not feel like every answer needs to come from her alone, and I personally appreciate the conversations that often accompany a question and answers, the most. The exchange.

And for you newcomers, I would like to ask you guys to do something, if at all possible besides asking questions, and this is my personal wish, and does not come from our community leader.

It makes a huge, positive difference, when you at least acknowledge the person who responded to you. Just like you don't want to be ignored, and see your question just sitting there without a response, the same goes for the one who responded.

Sometimes one answer may be more helpful than another, and most of the time, every answer has something to offer, even if it was not exactly what you were looking for.
But whatever it is, it also helps us to get the feedback from you, and we are also vulnerable and human. So, as best as you can, and no matter how brief it is, say a quick 'thank you', or more, or less, as this heps all of us better communicate and feel appreciated.

Best, Kat

[peekawho]

You will be a great asset to this community!  Best of luck to you.

Peek

[zouzi]

As our Community Leader I would like to see your statement at the top of the page where it belongs...I hope it stays there.I do this also for all newcomers who will get more information about you and know you better.Thank you Japdip for the excellent work you are doing for so many of us.

[rindaaa]

I could NOT agree with you more on your comment.  I use to come here and try to help others and that's what I truly LOVE to do.  I'm a stage III'er, Her2/Neu, 3+++, positive nodes and I've had 3 surgeries, chemo, labs, scans and you name it.  Been there and done it.  I KNOW how it feels to be scared, overwhelmed and alone and want answers.  

But I will be honest...I quit reply after a while because it seems like no one that asks a question ever comes back and lets you know they even read my post?  I've watched "japdip" answer tons of posts and I would also try to reply...and hardly a time that someone would acknowledge her reply or mine?

I have spent alot of my time on this board and other breast cancer forums and on the other boards people always reply so I'm not use to trying to help someone and wondering IF they even read my post?  I don't want a thank you or anything...I just want to know that the time I spent writing to them wasn't all for nothing?  So THANKS "Katarina777"...I hope others will take a second and acknowledge others replies to their questions.  A short "OK, thanks"..."that was helpful".  Put a smily face and sign your name...anything will do.  I know many of us that reply would sure appreciate it.  Bless each & everyone of you.

Rinda

[yizzit]

A note to say how selfless a mission iyou have embarked upon.
Being here to greet and helps so many women in their search
for support.

I've read many of your comments and all I can say is that you've
become a "beacon light"  in this  ocean of fears and tears that all
women experience when they get that "call" from the radiologist.....

I am hoping that in my remaining years--  I too will be able to offer
a hand of hope and comfort from my experience with breast cancer.

God bless and keep you...

[katarina777]

Heard you! Thanks for your feedback! Katrin

[SONCESONCE]

I am new member here and I'm happy be here because of your answers

[tina7]

You truly are a wealth of knowledge, and I feel that everyone that belongs to this forum is blessed to have an individual such as yourself available to help when needed.  
Along with many others I'm sure, I have had a rough year with as my sister and I were both diagnosed at the same time, and knowing there are people like you in the world makes it a better place.

I plan to become a support person here at home, as I now know how important it is for women to have a shoulder to lean on.

Again, thank you for being you and who you are!

Tina

[healingwell62]

You Rock!

[katarina777]

You may have noticed that I recently posted two questions myself.

I have done this in part to encourage people like myself, and those who usually only answer questions and help and who have long finished their treatment, to also feel free to still ask questions.

Of course I can ask my questions in other places or look them up by googling, and often I already know the answer in part. but it feels good and therapeutic to  share some of my (our) concerns, and that we still have, here with you.  we may be ahead of the game, but not separate from all this altogether.

So I hope you old-timers, and us experts, still humble ourselves and ask and tell a bit about how we are doing.

Thanks,

KATRIN

[Lisi251]

Hello- I just want to say Thanks so much for being here for all us women that have or
that are going through such very tough times.
It just seemed like I could not get off this site when I was going through my whole
breast issue ordeal .It was so comforting to know you ladies would be there.

I Hope you realize how much you mean to so many women!!!
You truly are a blessing.
Thanks
Lisa

[zouzi]

I couldn't have said it better....This is exactly how I feel about Japdip A true Blessing to all....

[bluebutterfly2222]

Love your new picture! How fitting, a beautiful flower to represent a beautiful person...

[zouzi]

Yes not only a beautiful person...but also Japdid does color matching...You see, a pink blossom on the left and a nice little pink flower on the right!...The lady has GUSTO !!! LOL...

[bluebutterfly2222]

Yes, I admired  that  too!  ;->  (I didn't mention it because I'm usually considered "weird "for noticing or caring about things like that... LOL)

[SueYoung55]

Ooooooooooooooh.... I was wondering what you two were talking about! I now see the photo's!

Japdip, what is that flower? Is that a tree in your yard? It's gorgeous!

[japdip]

It is from a tree on the property here .... it's a wonderful sight in the Spring; sorry but I'm not sure of the name but it's a rather large tree.  Thanks all .......