Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Just Diagnosed with Cancer? Chat with Experts

The Healing Power of Words: Write About Your Experience with Breast Cancer

A lot of books have been written about personal experiences with breast cancer, and I say: keep 'em coming! The healing power of words cannot be underestimated. Mary Ann Guiliano, my nurse at St. Vincent's calls it "objective journaling." I didn't know it was even a term when I was writing as I we...
2/17/09 12:00pm

I'm totally with you. I was just kind of lost out there in survivor-land till I did a breast cancer survivor writing workshop. It brought me together with a group of women who'd all felt the same feelings, been through the same tough times, and were now dealing with their "new normal" lives. That got me started writing about cancer and I've never stopped - as you can see on this site, nearly 400 posts later!

 

Survivors - partners - caregivers - this site is your own personal writing workshop. Write ANYTHING - people will respond. A burden shared is a burden lessened. And this is SUCH a safe place to vent - we're your virtual family, without the baggage. BRING IT ON- PJH

2/17/09 2:59pm

I did and I do! I started writing a blog (Not Just About Cancer) when I was first diagnosed, I have written for health central about living with metastasis and I also write for Mothers With Cancer.

And my book, "Not Done Yet" is coming out in early April (published by Women's Press). Do I think that breast cancer is a gift? Absolutely not! But writing has provided strength and solace. It has been a real gift to find my voice in this way.

2/18/09 8:49pm

Hi PJ, we are so lucky to have you blogging here!

It's amazing, the connections you make through adversity,

they can be lasting, strong and supportive and motivating.

So inspiring!

XO

Marisa

 

 

2/18/09 8:50pm

Hi Laurie,

Congrats on your book. I look forward to reading it!

Keep writing!
Marisa 

2/17/09 7:09pm

I can't agree more with you, Cancer Vixen.  Like you, I didn't know there was a moniker for writing a cancer story as I was writing mine (Mourning Has Broken).  I also found serenity and healing in writing poetry, journaling my thoughts, and hosting a blog (www.janhasak.com/blog).  Two local support groups in my area hold special therapeutic/creative writing sessions once a month to give members an opportunity to express their thoughts through the written word.  Write on!

2/18/09 8:51pm

That's right, baby. WRITE ON!
XO

Marisa 

Anonymous
Sarah
2/18/09 4:03pm

I am in awe of Cancer Boy's blog, The Radioactive Adventures of Cancer Boy.

 

What Cancer Boy (Armand R. Munteanu) described as the point of his blog matches the energy and intention of your call-to-action, Marisa.

 

Cancer Boy writes in his Nov 18 post, "At my most selfish, I know there's a lot to suggest art therapy and talk therapy have hugely restorative effects. Yes, I do hope this blog will help me feel better, and get better. On the other hand, I have a small grandiose but rather altruistic hope. Regardless of the course of my treatment, I hope that if anyone finds this blog, whether s/he is fighting cancer, or has a loved one in the same position, finds some inspiration."

 

Just wanted to share!

 

Sarah

2/18/09 8:52pm

That's beautiful.

Thanks for sharing, Bella Sarah!

Mwa!

Marisa

2/19/09 5:48am

There's excellent research showing that you are right about writing and its beneficial effects for people in stressful situations including chronic diseases like cancer.

2/19/09 10:13am

Hi Phyllis!

Thanks. In this case, research is a great validation for what we already know on our own. Keep on writing!

Marisa

 

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