2021 Blogger Challenge - Nancy's Point

As we close in on the unofficial end of summer I am happy to take part in Nancy's blogger challenge. I have been doing it since 2018. 

 2021 Summer Blogging Challenge Questions:

1. Who are you? Tell us your genre, how long you’ve been at it, who or what inspires you or whatever you want us to know.

I wear a number of different hats but for this blog I am a cancer research advocate. I started writing this blog in December of 2007 with the goal of sharing my story as an ovarian cancer survivor. Through the years it has morphed into where I not only share my story but I report on cancer research, clinical trials and share what I learn from oncology conferences I attend.  

 

I am inspired by the researchers who spend years of their lives in search of better treatments and cures for cancer.

2. What’s been your biggest blogging roadblock this year and did you come up with a way to get around it? (If you didn’t, that’s okay too. We’re here to support you.)

Roadblock? Yes, there were quite a few but finding the time is top on the list. I took on the roll of President of my homeowners association so that has taken a big chunk of time every week. I also have commitments on two Boards at my cancer center. Family commitments have started to ramp up again as more folks get vaccinated agains COVID. 

 

In a way with COVID  being center stage for so much of the past year coming up with other topics was a challenge too.

3. What’s something you accomplished with your blog this year that you’re proud of?

I made sure all the links on my resource page were correct. I last did a check in 2019.

4. What are a couple of your best blogging tips?

Be sure to review you post - check links and spelling and grammar. I like to write a post as a draft, leave it for a few hours and come back and reread with fresh eyes. 

 

Keep writing! Even if it is once a month.  You never know who will read what you post. What you share may mean that person has a better day. 

5. How do you handle negative feedback or comments?

How I handle it depends on the type of negative comment. I ignore some. While others I will respond once but only once.

6. Share a link to a favorite post you’ve written RECENTLY (since last year’s challenge perhaps) that you want more people to read.

One hat I wore last year was co-author of a book for women who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Read about it here>  http://womenofteal.blogspot.com/2021/07/and-fourth-edition-is-published.html. 

Check below for some of the other blogs that chose to take part in Nancy's challenge:

Dee 

Every Day is a Blessing!

2020 Blogger Challenge

I am pleased to once again accept Nancy Stordahl's invitation to take part in her  Bloh Hop and  Challenge. 

https://nancyspoint.com/calling-all-bloggers-blog-readers-its-a-summer-blog-hop/)

Staying close to home - and enjoying picking local strawberries.

2020 Blog Challenge Questions:

1. Who are you? Tell us whatever you want about you and your blog.

I started blogging in 2007, two years after I was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer. I had a hard time finding information and support so I decided to start to write about my journey and share important information with other women diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

2. What has been your biggest blogging challenge during this pandemic, and how have you been tackling it (or trying to)?

I have only written 11 blog posts since March. I felt guilty writing about ovarian cancer news or personal posts when family, neighbors and friends were dealing with or worried about COVID-19.

It wasn’t until the virtual ASCO Annual meeting that I felt comfortable and I began writing again.  I was able to combine the two topics– COVID-19’s impact on cancer patients and survivors.  

3. What is something you’ve accomplished with your blog that you’re most proud of?

My blog opened doors for me. It led me to amazing opportunities as a patient advocate. Sharing my blog with a wider audience is what prompted me to  join Twitter ( @womenofteal) in 2012. It was the Twitter connection I made with Christina Lisazo  and some gyn oncs and a radiation oncologist that spearheaded the community for those impacted by gynecologic cancer with. Which led me to other advocacy oppo Christina and I created - #gyncsm (gyncsm.blogspot.com) . It also led to other opportunities – co-authoring a book, attending ASCO Annual Meetings and presenting at three medical conferences.

4. Share two of your best blogging tips.

First , it is ok to not click “post” as soon as you are done with writing. Save it, step away and come back to do some finishing touches. I do this because I have chemo brain. Many times, I am unable to find the right word so I usually leave blank spots and come back to it later.

Second, keep an ongoing list of interesting topics / writing prompts for just that time when you are struggling to find a good topic.

5. What is one of your blogging goals this year?

Review and update the pages on my blog.  

6. When things get hard, what keeps you blogging, even if not regularly?

Eventually a research study catches my eye or touches my soul and I say to myself – “You should share this.”

7. What is a dream you have for your blog?

My blog was a dream of mine, so I think it is more my dream of spending more time trying to explain my experience through art. I love to paint and sketch.

8. Share a link to a favorite post you’ve written that you want more people to read.

I wish more cancer patients, survivors caregivers would read about how to take part in Twitter communities and chats. There are so many awesome cancer communities ( #gyncsm , #btcm, bcsm, #lcsm, #ayacsm ) offering information , support and tips to their participants.

http://womenofteal.blogspot.com/2019/02/a-2019-guide-to-twitter.html

If you are a blogger - any  blog topic is acceptable why don't you join us.Check out how to take part in Nancy's post ( link above). And be sure to check out the other blogs in her list. 

Dee

Every Day is a Blessing!