Maureen, I love the Facebook group idea, how great! Helping others does help us heal for sure. Even though I cant do much being so far away listening and offering support for my sister has been beneficial for her and is a reminder to me that my experiences can have a positive impact on others who may be feeling terrified, tired, worried, stressed whatever it may be. For me I remember night time being the worst as I my mind would wonder and not rest. Nobody really plans for life to take a sharp turn. We can plan to try to give encouragement.
I hope that your recovery continues to bring you strength!

I can understand how you want to help your sister, Carrie. I have a sister-in-law with incurable head and neck cancer. She is far away, I don't know her well but I want to spare her some of the isolation and stress that we all go through by messaging her frequently. Sometimes I wonder if I am being too pushy but I can only try. Our group in New Zealand has had a donation to help patients like her so I'm thinking of sending her little gifts from time to time. I'm finding my way in this area. There's a slogan that a UK group has, "No one needs to tread this path alone."

I really love that, its very true. Our "normal" day to day lives can trap us into inward thinking, I honestly believe that people just don't realize the effect it can have on us and those around us, its unintentional. I did meet some very kind nurses my journey who brought me in fuzzy socks and pajamas. One nurse in particular I will never forget her kindness. I was in quarantine for 3 days due to the high level of radioactive iodine and was not allowed visitors. Most of the nurses came to the front of the room and wouldn't cross the "line," I would get up to greet them. This one nurse put on a suit and came and sat with me on my bed during her lunch breaks and I was just amazed with her generosity, she made a positive impact on my recovery.

I like your post very much. It brought back memories of all the kind nurses that I had contact with. This are the kind of memories we need to remember every day. Having positive memories is healthy, and also being thankful every day is healthy. I am thankful for you all. I am very happy this group has been brought back to life. Thank you Colleen

Mine started out as lichen planus as well. I’ve had 6 surgeries and will soon be having my 7th. It was on my tongue, now it’s in the floor of my mouth. I wish I knew what to expect.