What holds us together?

WildRose

Hi Friends and Fellow Travelers on the Breast Cancer Journey~

Have you ever wondered what it is that holds us together as an online community? Sure, we have a common interest based on our diagnosis, or that of someone close to us. But what else holds us together, even when we disagree? What keeps us coming back to this forum?

Throughout my own journey through BC, many of my fellow travelers have described to me what they've perceived as the culture of breast cancer survivors. What is this culture like?

I've been a member here since my diagnosis in early 2008, and have gotten to know quite a few other members (especially the "Chemo March 08" gals). In case you don't know me, in addition to being a survivor, I'm a professor of anthropology at the University of North Dakota.

Everyone's journey is differentI would like to know what your BC journey has been like, in your own words.

This survey is absolutely and completely anonymous. It's not a medical or diagnostic study. I'm not doing this for the nice folks at Breastcancer.org, although I'm sure they'll be interested in the results. I'm doing this as a cultural anthropologist, breast cancer survivor, and member of this forum. I won't make any money from this study (in fact, it will cost me a few bucks, but not too much).

The purpose of this research study is to gain a deeper understanding of the culture of this community of breast cancer survivors and patients. 

There's been a lot of research on the medical side of the breast cancer journey, but only a few ethnographic studies that take a qualitative, humanistic approach -- I think mine is only the second, and the first study was of an in-person support group.

If you'd like to participate, please go to:

http://www.waterlily-naturals.com/ethnography/index.php?sid=63113〈=en

More details and information about the study can be found on that page, and feel free to PM me if you have any questions.