Sharing

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. When I first started blogging, I told myself I didn't have to hit "publish" because it scared me to be vulnerable with my emotions. But, what I found is that after I pressed publish the first time and received a couple of comments, I would think about the 1 person who might feel less alone if I posted about my own experience. Even now, I try not to think about all of the strangers who have a window into my life and try to write each post for just 1 friend. Having an outlet to share my feelings has helped me through the roller coaster of post treatment life.

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.
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.