I'll post this anyway for those that may benefit.

I agree with Ed that it depends on your personal situation, business or occupation. I also agree that going public has it's negatives but it does have it's positives.

Having gone public (in a big way), allow me to share my experience.

I'm in the music industry. I played and toured professionally (guitar/mandolin/vocals) much of my career. I "retired" from public performance in 1994. I came out of retirement in 2009 and have cultivated a second career locally performing at venues in the area. It's been a very successful venture. My main "day job" is in the CD/DVD manufacturing industry. I've been involved in this business for over 15 years. I'm National Sales Director for a CD/DVD manufacturer and printer. I deal with customers from all over the country and the world. Being a musician, many of my customers have become friends and I know them on a personal level.

I deal with the public as part of both aspects of my work. Being that I would be away from my jobs for a rather lengthy period of time, it was best to inform folks of my status.

Personally for me, there was another aspect and that was financially. Being away from work would stress my financial situation to the breaking point. While my insurance covered my medical expenses, my monthly expenses would have to be covered as well. A dear friend held a benefit for me (I'll speak more about this shortly).

You will discover who your friends are. Some you thought were friends will disappear. Don't be hurt by this. It's just their way of coping with your diagnosis. Stay in touch, if even by email or social media. After all is said and done, reach out to them. If at that point there's still no response, move on. There are more important things in life.

On the contrary, people you didn't even know and those from your past that you may have forgotten about will come out of the woodwork! You will be surprised how many people really care and will support you in your battle. Remember, this is a war and the more soldiers you have on your side the better!

From a business standpoint (and it depends totally on what you do), I found an overwhelming support from the customers I shared my situation with. Fortunately, I'll be able to continue to work remotely to a degree. I can access my email and do many things I did while in the office with the exception of answering the phones. I still can work with many customers via my cell and email.

Ok... going public in a big way. I have an email list of close to 1000 addresses of people who have seen me perform. I sent an email to that list explaining (in a rather tongue and cheek way), what was going on. Also, I posted the same thing on my FaceBook page.

I mentioned the benefit. My friend and singing partner put together a benefit at a local venue where we performed on a regular basis. We are quite popular there and always packed the house when we performed. We also had a silent auction. The benefit was to raise funds to help us cover our living expenses while I'm undergoing treatment. This was again announced through email as well as locally with posters, newspaper and radio advertisement (all of which were donated).

I don't know if I can put into words the outpouring of support and love I received. It was unbelievable! It was an evening I will never forget. Many great musician/friends came out to perform. I was still hurting pretty bad from my surgery (neck dissection) but with the help of pain meds and good old fashioned gumption I performed solo and with my partner.

Enough was raised between everything to cover our living expenses for several months. What can I say? All I have to do is worry about fighting the battle.

My situation may be different that most being in the public eye, but I hope you can draw from it. At first, I was very reluctant to share my diagnosis. I kept it close to home and only a few folks knew. My partner urged me to share. Her husband had H&N cancer as well and based on their experience, she knew the benefits and negatives of doing so. My family and many friends urged me to share as well. I have no regrets doing so. The positives far outweighed the negatives and I have an army of folks behind me. Positive thoughts and prayers go a long way in helping to defeat the beast.

And one more bonus.... I can tell you this... When I get through this and hit the stage again (and I fully intend to do so!), there will be a packed house in support!

"T"