Don,

I have been self-employed since about 2001. When diagnosed I was involved in a long-term turnaround project and had righted the ship just as the bad news hit. It created turmoil and in-fighting amongst the owners and a group forced me out and the company tanked within months. Fast forward to a couple years later. I was asked to do a project that was ten minutes from home and as I got rolling they offered me a job but when I showed up thin and weakened somehow the offer was "subject to approval of the new position" and it never happened. I was sure it was because of the cancer but I just kept focused and eventually worked into several years with the company. When I left there they were really angry because I did not give them an opportunity to counter. I figured after four years or so they wouldn't and took another project. Even though I know the President of the Division well, they have not even talked to me for several years.

The net of all this is yes it could impact you to publicly put yourself out there but much like concern about recurrence, if you worry about it this is one area that you do have control. If you have trepidation, you have answered your question somewhat. You could always journal and as you get back to your "new normal" you could always blog from your journal and catch up. I think some of the old timers here would tell you that I have never been shy and have probably shared enough of my life both past and present that I don't plan on getting any business propositions soon from OCF members.

A second option is a ghost name to protect the innocent. I am sure I will never put the things I have shared here on LinkedIn or Facebook since it is too public for me.

I hope this helps in some way.

Ed