Cancer Survivorship...Cancer and Social Media

Social media is not the same as seeing someone in person or even talking to them on the phone.   It definitely has its wonderful place in communicating with others however it is not personal and does not replace real human contact.  Here are some tips for both the ill person and those wanting to check in with that person .

For the person that is not feeling well...

1.   You know I am blunt and it has helped me over these 13 years.  I feel better about myself when I am not well if I speak up...I have said to people... Call me...come see me...if I don't call you back right away please call me again...I am not 100 per  cent and I may have forgotten. Do not give up on me so fast.  

2. Give your friends and family a break...they may not know what to do.  Give them something to do...Can you bring me some chicken soup when you come visit on Friday?  Can you help me do my laundry...ask and then just say thanks !

3.  The people in your life that do not want to see you or just like your photos on Facebook...you have to let them go...I am not talking about just Facebook friends...I am talking about people that have been in your life that you know personally...possibly your entire life... Let them go if they think that social media is a personal form of communication.  It is not.

4. Lastly...give yourself a break.  If you can seek out people in person...there is no substitute for a hug and laugh with lovely people around you.

Checking In With a Person that Is Not Well

1.  Pick up the phone and Call....if they do not respond try again another time or call someone that knows what is going on.  It is not the same as an email or like on Facebook.  There really is no excuse  .....the only excuse is that you have chosen to not be in that person's life and that is OK as well.

2.  You can say call me if you need me and that is fine...just keep checking in.  I love friends and family that are honest with me...once a friend of mine let me know what she would do (errands etc) and also let me know that she would never come to the hospital..ever...it gave her nightmares and I appreciated her honesty.

Spontaneity is wonderful .....I just happen to be in the neighborhood ....can I come see you or do you need anything from the store?

3.  Social Media is great for business, researching, asking questions, gathering information, making new acquaintances ...understand at the end of the day...you have not shaken a hand...hugged anyone  or laughed with anyone except yourself!  If you can get out if the house.

If you can not go alone...can someone pick you up?   If you have no place to go ...perhaps a cancer support center where they have free classes and support groups.  I used to go and now I teach there.

Cancer is not about retreat....it is about moving forward in,life despite terrible circumstances...speak up...speak out... Get out of your head and your house.