In which I take a journey, searching for the me I want to be. My previous Blog, Michael My Son http://danielmyson.blogspot.com/ chronicles the death of my beloved son Michael in June 2011. What followed was grief that found no peace. In October of 2011 I diagnosed with Lymphoma. I believe that it was the result of my grief over Michael.This blog is about my journey through cancer and beyond. / Older posts on right.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
What to say and not to say when you find out someone has cancer
Today I went to the gym. Had a good workout for where I am now with the chemo etc.
Even went for a swim. I just took off my wig and went bald. Why should being bald stop me from doing anything I want to do? The water was great! So relaxing.
Afterward a friend of mine asked me about the cancer. She figured out that I had it because I am bald. From this conversation and others I have had Im going to make a list of what to say and not to say when you find out someone has cancer.
To start things off I would like to say that I know that you have the best intentions. You probably feel a little awkward. And you are hoping you say the right thing. So, even if you say the wrong thing, I know you mean well. Think of some of the unhelpful things people say to pregnant women. Telling her your pregnancy horror story is not helpful.
Same with cancer.
If you find out someone has cancer don't say:
1)'My father(brother sister friend etc.) has that. He is almost gone. My husband and I are going to go see him one more time before he dies.'
2) 'My brother in law just died of cancer'. (I know people die of cancer. But I would rather focus my energy on surviving. It does me no good to hear about people who have died of cancer.
2)'I know someone who had that kind of cancer and it came back several times. But he is doing fine now.' (I don't want the cancer to come back even once.)
3)'I know someone who had chemo. She was so sick!' For whatever reason, I haven't felt to bad during chemo. I am sorry to hear of people who do get sick from the chemo. But again, I want to focus on wellness.
4) (Ignoring the baldness). If Im standing in the gym bald, Im not trying to hide it. I will be happy to talk about it if you ask. But don't, if you don't want. Either way is ok.
What to say:
1)You look great! (If you really think that.) If you don't think I look great, I probably know I don't look great. So just don't say it)
2) When I tell you the cancer has been pronounced cured, you can give me a big hug. It shows me you are concerned about me and grateful for my good news.
3) When I put my wig back on you can say, 'Thats really cute!' Or 'It looks so natural'. If you are very close to me, and you think something about the wig doesn't look right, tell me so I can try to fix it.
4) You can say, "I will be thinking about you', 'praying for you' or 'you will be on my mind'. That makes me feel that you are on my side and rooting for me. I do feel that prayers and positive thoughts make a difference. I know Im not in this alone. And that feels good.
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