Blogging

I completely agree with the answer above--start small. Some writers are able to pound out page after page but that is clearly not you. So go with a smaller goal. I think you will find that crafting a single sentence that makes sense and speaks of your experience is highly rewarding.

No matter the way you write about it, be it by blogging, face booking, tweeting, or simply confining your thoughts into an electronic or paper journal, it's a good way starting point toward recovery. For me, it was a way to reach out to others, to talk with survivors and patients going through the same thing I was, and feel like I wasn't alone.

At first, I did it anonymously, it was easier for me that way. I was a little shy, even through the computer. Just like afreshchapter said, after I received a few comments, I got bolder and my posts and tweets started getting more precise, talking about issues that were important to me. Then, I decided I was ready to tell my own story, be open about my own experience and share my own "wisdom" about breast cancer.

The idea that my questions, my stories, even the time where I was ranting about my own misery, could help another fell less alone, know they are not the only one having good and bad days, give them an idea or two about how to go on living, fighting after this, it was worth it.

Go at it one thought, one idea, one comment at the time, but don't write about it. We all want to know, want to read and want to learn about others. It was makes us stronger.

I post depending on how I see the blog. Here’s a little breakdown (cause I am oozing with blogs).

With Bumpyboobs.com (a venting, laughing, sharing – just for me and who ever reads it – space) I post whenever inspiration or ridiculousness hits. However, I do try and write at least twice a week despite not having a specific schedule.

With Facingcancer.ca I post once a week on Wednesday, in some exceptional circumstances (like this week) I might post on Thursday. For me, this schedule is important because this is a support site and the readership might be looking for my post.

Narrativenipple.com is a literary e-zine and therefore gets updated about every 1.5 months with a whole new batch of submissions – though I haven’t hammered out a specific schedule yet.

Basically, frequency of posting depends on the blog’s purpose. If it’s personal and just for pleasure, then post whenever you want and send a note out on twitter if you’d like it shared & people will drop by to read. If you want to blog for any other reason (develop a reputation, become known online, promote yourself or project, etc) then make sure to follow an actual schedule.

In terms of writing – it’s whenever I have time to cram in a post. My brain is at its peak around 11.30 – 3.pm and maybe most creative around 8.00 to 9.00pm, so if I can catch either window of mental power, it’s better for everyone.

Thanks for your question! Do you have a favourite time to write? What about your blogging frequency?

Blogging was a huge assets as I coped with cancer treatment, and now with that all over, it’s still one of my top outlets for creativity and conversation. Here’s a short list of how blogging can help (i.e. ways it helped me)

Connections: A blog is borderless – family and friends from around the world can check on your progress.

Outlet: This is the place you can be far more honest than an in person exchange. People used to see me and say, ‘how are you coping.’ And I’d say fine. But then on my blog I never had any problem talking about the exhaustion, frustration and fear. I think socially we’re programmed to say everything is okay – but blogs don’t work like that. If everything ways always, ‘just fine’ there’d be little to write about in a breast cancer blog.

Courage: Admitting online about an illness is huge. Basically anyone, anywhere can know my story, but because of this I’ve come to embrace my experience and use it as a strength. If someone wants to talk about the cancer, that’s no problem. I don’t shrink from an honest conversation.

Creativity: What a fantastic way to get creative. From the design (it’s like home decorating but free) to the content to the art work – my blog screams: “Catherine was here! And she’s gone nuts with the crayons again.” Drawing and writing combined gave me different perspectives on how I felt, and it was only due to my blog that I was doing either so often.

Community: When first diagnosed I asked about support groups and was told that for a young woman with breast cancer, there really wasn’t a good support group. So instead I looked online (Narrative Nipple, Bumpyboobs, Facing Cancer, Twitter, Talk About Health, Facebook). Often I meet the same survivors again and again, and I love it. There are amazing people online, and blogging is a great way to introduce yourself to the community.

Thanks for the question! Hope I haven’t overwhelmed you with this seriously long answer :)

Initially I began blogging under the alias ‘Bumpyboobs’ – that was before I was diagnosed and simply had suspicions of cancer. But for me, once the cancer was actually diagnosed everything became so real all thoughts of an alias flew out the window. Essentially, I felt relief in the honesty of blogging and not withholding the true experience. It was my release value.

And honestly, at the time I never even considered the repercussions of admitting my disease online (i.e. will future employers discount me for having gotten sick if they run a Google Search?) – all I wanted was to connect, vent and write. But another truth of this situation is that so far, despite having posted such personal information, I’ve received nothing but support and encouragement.

But whether a person chooses to blog openly or under assumed name, I’m 100% pro writing through the experience. It’s a lifesaver, and an incredible tool for connections and finding strength.

Thanks for your question! Please let me know if this response doesn’t meet what you wanted to know.