Open Phones: Sharing and Over-Sharing About Illness

The Brian Lehrer Show | Jan 22, 2014

A conversation has broken out online about how much information is too much information when it comes to blogging and tweeting about illness. It started when op-ed writers at The New York Times and The Guardian criticized Lisa Bonchek Adams, who writes about her battle with breast cancer.

We take calls from listeners who chose to share their story online. Amy said she initially started her blog "Boo Cancer You Suck" to easily update friends and family about her progress. But quickly, she found that "it was a really wonderful way to go through something so difficult" with a larger community. Other callers reiterated the role of using humor around such a difficult subject, though another caller said that her main goal was to use blogging as a way to release tension, anxiety, and PTSD.

Boyfriend of a woman who blogs about her POTS (heart condition) -- "I feel immensely proud of what she's doing."
— Brian Lehrer Show (@BrianLehrer) January 22, 2014

A caller who blogs about his PTSD/return from war says he's taken down some of his posts because he's worried future employers may see them.
— Brian Lehrer Show (@BrianLehrer) January 22, 2014

Yes! RT @UntamedEyebrows: @BrianLehrer comedian Tig Notaro made an improvised show she did after being diagnosed w cancer, it is incredible
— Brian Lehrer Show (@BrianLehrer) January 22, 2014

"Boo Cancer You Suck" Our caller Amy right now writes this tumblr: http://t.co/ScNAGWMBff
— Brian Lehrer Show (@BrianLehrer) January 22, 2014

A few of the other illness bloggers we've heard from on air: http://t.co/EVYkeV7eKL | http://t.co/IAE5kCWEYZ | http://t.co/QPlwxKkXvh
— Brian Lehrer Show (@BrianLehrer) January 22, 2014

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