Going Public

After much thought, I've decided to blog specifically about my health and cancer treatment for friends and family.

It has been difficult to keep those who love me abreast (HA! I even love bad puns) of my treatment decisions -- 2 churches, 2 sets of families, neighbors, friends through the kids' school, childhood friends, friends scattered around the US. I've been blessed by those who have taken the time to write or call. It has been so encouraging. I wish it were possible to write every one of these kind people a personal note every time something happens, but (though I do my best) it's not.

Cancer treatment centers offer a blog-like service that helps keep family informed -- family members access the site to get updates and to leave comments. It's the "one stop shopping" mode of disseminating news and answering questions and encouraging the patient.

At first, I considered using this blog for such updates. But I do not want to feel compelled to write about my health all the time. Although cancer is often on my mind and affects many of my blog postings, I refuse to let this diagnosis take over my every thought. Plus, I have kept this site anonymous and private rather than presume that anyone would want to know my thoughts. Few even know it exists. This blog has been a personal exercise in writing my thoughts on any topic and without continually rehashing and reworking and researching and second guessing -- just writing it down and walking away. Although I certainly would not mind anyone reading it or commenting on it, I do not want to write with an audience in mind. I want to remain unapologetic in my spiritual ramblings on anything in life that strikes me.

So, since this blog is non-specific for treatment updates, I decided to link it to a more cancer-specific blog. The new one will cover my medical state, whereas this original one will capture my emotional state.

I also mean to exercise my gratitude by regularly posting things for which I'm thankful as a reminder to myself of all that is good. After all, SO MUCH is good in my life. I want to live my whole life joyfully, already assured that I'm a survivor.