How do you tell people you're sick? "Welcome to the wonderful World of....." No, that doesn't work. "10 things do to while you have cancer..." Nope, can't think of that many.
"Cancer and the foods we eat". While that sounds promising it would just be a reminder to eat green things and not get totally whacked each night.
See the thing is, the word is out. Everyone knows you've been given the diagnosis. Not details just "the news". So the only thing that remains is to just grudgingly acknowledge the damn thing. Now here's where it gets interesting. If it's one of the popular cancers, like, say, breast cancer, you can throw that right into the cocktail hour mixer before dinner at the club. Trust me, everyone, even the ladies, will immediately, but slyly, look at your chest and that's where you get to throw in the casual comment about finishing up reconstruction next month.
Even guys are coming out a little more about prostate cancer, no pun intended. The thing is the other guys will grab a quick look at the area just to reassure themselves the proper bulges are there. Hell, guys do that on the tennis court where it doesn't even matter but that's where everyone wears shorts.
Nope, there is no real way to talk about a death predicted outcome, like lung cancer. You can't politely decline an invite for next summer at the lake because you might not be here. That's too much of a downer. If you're just open about it the listener immediately adopts the face they are going to use at the memorial service and tells you, with great sincerity, how sorry he is and "did you smoke?" Then you get to hear about all the people they knew who had lung cancer, who, of course, are now 'not with us' and either they smoked like the proverbial chimney or never came near a cigarette, ever, ever.
One of the best ways is to slip in some comment like, "I was talking to the guy next to me in the chemo room the other day about refinancing....." It gets the subject out there but allows the listener to ignore the required scare response and just go to the problem they've been having with their bank as well. Then later, in the car, he can say to wifey, 'You know, she looks pretty good for having cancer" And wifey can observe, "I think the wig looks terrific."
Later, after the news has been around for awhile the whole subject just begins to take on it's normal role in our lives. The next door neighbor yells across the yard, "Hey, how's it going?" and you get to say "pretty good" and then he finishes with a big thumbs up and a "you're looking great" and you are. The big dark monster that sat on your shoulder at the start of this menacing expedition has become one of those pesky no-see-ems, that flit around your head just to remind you they are still there but can be waved away for a short time and maybe won't come back until the next doctor visit.
I also look forward to viewing you on Desperate Housewives.
Wish you the best, and hope to read more from you soon.
I love your humor, and isn't humor a wonderful medicine.
You have a refreshingly sunny outllook on this touch subject. I admire your courage and your strength and enjoy your humor and look forward to reading more posts. Thank you for making me laugh and think. I am truly a fan.
Go in peace and be in peace…no matter what