Cancer Teamwork With Social Networking

Let's hear it for teamwork and social networking! Let's not hear it for cancer. Since you are reading this, in one way or another cancer has affected you. There is nothing good to say about cancer except for the fact that it does bring people closer together. Ok, granted there are some who go further away but that's another story and their issues to deal with.

We have all felt the impact of a helping hand reaching out to us when we needed it the most. Whether is was with a kind word, a private message or a link to a informative website, we can all relate. With teamwork we can strive for a better tomorrow. We can assist each other with our hurts, pains and confusion. We're better able to communicate our concerns and in turn help the next person we encounter.

With social networking we searched and found each other as a means of support. Probably not intentionally, but it happened and we're glad it did. Preferably we wish it was under other circumstances. When first diagnosed with cancer most patients become petrified and think they are alone. Their imaginations take them in a million different directions and most are extremely worrisome. We then start researching via the web for any kind of information, which in one way or another led us to social networking. Whether it's Facebook, Twitter, a blog, website, forum or any other social network we all somehow found the missing link that became our new connection. We felt relieved that we were not the only one battling the beast.

At first we might sit back in quiet mode while viewing the activity of others. Our hearts are saddened while reading their journeys. We also feel hope with the stories of healing. We feel so many emotions that we are overwhelmed. The good news is that we're not alone. Cancer effects us all in one way or another. It's when we begin to participate that we realize we can help make a difference. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to be heard. Simply by using our voice along with our wisdom we can help our teammates. While doing so we are making a difference.

Social networking offers global communication for so many. From Australia to Canada and anywhere in the United States, whenever you need some interaction it's right there at your fingertips. It's all about real-life experiences and journeys, not just textbook knowledge. We feel each others pain and agony. We feel the fright and are able to associate with each other. We learn from each other. We teach each other. It's all part of teamwork. By working together as a team we feel comfort knowing we aren't alone. Whether a patient is first diagnosed or further down the road with treatments we know what to expect for ourselves. Granted all patient histories are different but we still have some idea which offers us solace.

We challenge each other and enrich each other's lives by sharing our journeys. Whether we are posting a joke or a recipe we are telling each other we care. I believe together we can all make a difference. As a team we can move mountains instead of being solo and moving a pebble. Teamwork gives us strength just by knowing that someone has our back. We cheer each other on when we need the motivation to keep going.

You might be thinking, I'm just a little person and cancer is so huge....what can I do? You will surprise yourself what you can do once you are in the correct mindset. We all have the power to change what we don't like. It's just a matter of motivation which a team provides. I commend all the teamplayers who are making a difference and in the past three years there have been many.

My husband Dave and I have been on our prostate cancer journey for three years now. I'm so thankful for the many friends we have encountered during this time. We have been there to pick each other up when we were down. We have been there with good thoughts, prayers, lots of laughs, well wishes and many virtual hugs and hearts. When it's time for a test, scan or a doctor visit they are there for support. We thank each and every one of you who has shown your support during our journey. You might think that what you said was just a small token of your thoughtfulness but to us it was heartwarming. Your tremendous amount of caring will never be forgotten and will forever hold a special place in our heart. No matter what the circumstances were there was always a helping hand waiting in the wings.

We need to make more noise and be heard! It's all about Teamwork. Wishing you all well! GO TEAM!!!

Feel free to post a comment at the bottom of this page and share some of your stories. I'm sure many of us would enjoy hearing them!

Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success. ~Henry Ford

Team means Together Everyone Achieves More! ~Author Unknown

A group becomes a team when each member is sure enough of himself and his contribution to praise the skills of the others. ~Norman Shidle

"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." ~ Helen Keller

It is amazing what can be accomplished when nobody cares about who gets the credit. ~Robert Yates

"None of us is as smart as all of us. "~ Ken Blanchard

"I have cancer, cancer doesn't have me" - Nancy Albertson