Medical Issues & Social Media

I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2008, right after my first child was born. Being geographically far from family, I turned to social networking and media to find more information about papillary carcinoma and to find a community of survivors who could provide me with answers to all of my questions about treatment and outcomes.

The most medically-useful of these online resources was ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivor's Association where I learned very specific information about my diagnosis. I also won a small amount of money for medical expenses though The Samfund (grants for young adult cancer survivors). I was an active blogger during the time of diagnosis (alas, I'm not anymore because 2 kids, a full-time job and a masters program don't allow me the time). I used the blog platform as my personal diary to help me work through my emotions that ran the gamut from anger to fear during the time of surgery, radiation, and recovery. I also gained a lot of support and love from friends, family, and strangers who read and commented.

Years later, my firstborn was getting a tonsillectomy at Children's Hospital Colorado. The caregivers were excellent in their care for her (and for us, her terrified parents) by using multiple sources to educate us and walk us through the surgery before it happened. Not only did an aide come in to sit by Claire and show her photographs of the different rooms and machines she would see during her time at the hospital, but they also used a video to show us all what to expect. This really familiarized us all with the rooms and machines she would encounter, but also what the process and timeline of the surgery would be. This made a scary situation much easier for all of us to cope with.

I think social media can be a huge help to those who are experiencing frightening medical issues, but I also know from experience that it can make things worse emotionally. One must be very carfeful negotiating the waterfall (hence the photo below!) of information and medical testimonies available. My advice: verify sources, know your specific diagnosis and treatment plan that you and your physician have established, and find community.

Yellowstone National Park - Holly Ables