I am pretty sure I overshare.
An oversharer, from what I gather from a variety of sources, is someone who divulges more information than is necessary. The info-share is usually marked by intimate, gross, and disgusting life details, typically broadcast in writing where anyone can see them—you know, like on Facebook, Twitter, and blogs.
I tend to blurt out my personal details, which most always have a medical undertone, because (a) I think that what I publish can help others (case in point: this blog, where hundreds of people visit each day for information about breast cancer and a reminder that people, like me, do survive the disease, even after harrowing experiences) and (b) I know that what I publish helps me (case in point: this blog, where, over the span of almost eight years, bunches of well-wishers have lifted my spirits and led me to resources for better living.
Oversharing is probably expected on a breast cancer blog, where details and graphic photos (like the one of my boobs all marked up and ready for radiation) are key for raising awareness. Lately, though, my tendency to overshare has funneled over to Facebook. Here’s what I wrote today:
For those who love a good medical update — A dose of propofol (yes, the Michael Jackson drug), a tube and camera down the throat, a biopsy of a few parts, a groggy wake-up, and now I’m home. Findings are as follows: gastritis, duodenitis, hiatus hernia, and some iffy mucous in pancreas. Next up: MRI to investigate pancreas thing + a follow-up with doc to determine course of action. The good news is that my esophagus and cardia (the opening that connects the esophagus and the upper part of the stomach) are normal. Well, that’s good, right?
Some people would never dream of such a share. I’m an open book though, so it doesn’t phase me to tell you that I suffered a miscarriage 12 years ago, that I vaginally delivered two bigger-than-10-pound babies (reason for some current pelvic issues), or that my tummy (which was “tucked” to remove excess pregnancy skin) is so troubled that I ended up with an endoscopy today, and I am a little worried about what might come back in the pathology report.
Oversharing is just part of who I am. And I hope that one day, maybe, what I so freely spout out helps you, or helps me, and if you hate that I tell you everything you never wanted to know, just steer clear of this blog and my Facebook page, and you’ll stay happily in the dark.
Catherine on 7/26/2012 at 5:22 am said:
It’s so hard not to over-share after having gone through the hospital system and had doctors analyze this, that and the other. I think we get used to this openness. And besides, it feels so GOOD to share and get all the worries off our chests. The idea that others will read and understand, or even better – feel relief in shared experiences, is an awesome additional bonus. Cheers to over-sharing!
(Plus to have impact as a writer, you gotta be honest. That could also be interpreted as over-sharing, but really it’s just telling the whole story.)
Jacki on 7/26/2012 at 12:42 pm said:
Thanks for your words, Catherine. I think I’ll call myself a storyteller, not an oversharer!
Anonymous on 7/26/2012 at 5:07 pm said:
Your sharing is appreciated by many.
Samantha on 7/26/2012 at 8:59 pm said:
Dear Jacki,
I love your storytelling. My story is as an on looker, watching my sister struggle with breast cancer at 34 with two kids, 3 and 7. I am trying to be her rock and her guide to peaceful thoughts, but it is hard with the ups and downs. What would you have wanted your closest confidant to say to you during the lowest points? I need to know she will be here to watch her kids grow, meet her niece or nephews, and laugh at things we did when we were little.
Thanks for your words!
Jacki on 7/26/2012 at 9:08 pm said:
Hi Samantha, I am not sure anything anyone said really comforted me during the darkest times, but the love I felt from family and friends was so powerful and overwhelming that specific words did not really matter. Your presence and support and concern are probably enough. And sometimes, actually, the best words are not the ones about how life will get better — Try saying, “This must suck!” instead of “Be positive, keep your chin up, hang in there.” Just validate her feelings and see if that helps.
Monica C. on 8/3/2012 at 3:57 pm said:
Hi Jacki,
I just found your website, and I couldn’t stop reading your posts, although some of them brought me to tears. I love your writing and I think you have a wonderful blog! I manage content for our website joinclinicaltrials.com, created by my husband and me, as well as the accompanying blog. We are focusing on the topics of breast and ovarian cancers in August, and I wanted to invite you to share your story with our readers. I didn’t see an email to contact you, but I can be reached at the email listed in my reply. I would love to hear from you, and I hope that you feel better from all the gastro issues, and that everything turns out alright.
Best wishes and regards,
Monica
dodo@lip cancer on 8/4/2012 at 4:55 am said:
I think share some experience such cancer is not overshare. for example is this blog, I’ve got more knowledges and inspire things from your writing, so that I can tell this info to my friends and prople who need it
Mzpyt77 on 8/13/2012 at 3:37 pm said:
Thank you for this blog I was recently diagnosed when I went for a check up for my 35th birthday 7/13 I’m scared confused and I feel alone
hester tingey on 8/16/2012 at 6:16 pm said:
I love oversharing too. Please carry on. It’s much more interesting than reading someone who is always self-censoring and holding back.
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