Hi Brian -?
When determining your settings you might also want to consider what role you want your group to play. ?Do you want to only keep family and friends updated or do you want to encourage feedback or help schedule visits, etc.?
When I was going through cancer treatment I set up an invitation only blog with updates and the general info I was comfortable sharing. I sent an email that notified friends of the update and url, which also allowed them to email back. Only a few very close folks were on an email where I shared more graphic information and feelings.
You may want to not only make the group/messages private but also not list in the directory. That way you can send invites to those who should be included and also require approval.?
Please be very careful with the information you share or discuss on the group and ensure it is information the primary person - the patient and center of this team - would be comfortable sharing and who she would want it shared with. One of the worst things about being a patient is not having control of the direction your life is taking, especially if those around you feel you may not be competent. It¡¯s important to include the patient in things as simple as updating family and friends - even if you think they don¡¯t hear or understand.?
Patti Woodbury