Telling People: "I've got cancer."
This afternoon we were taking Buddy to "Dog Park" and one of my former yoga students, Janie, was there with her dog, Angel. We started talking about how others react when you tell them that you have cancer. Some people actually look frightened, and it takes every bit of calm to stay centered. We agreed that it may be best to
chose who we tell, especially in the beginning. Janie said it took her two weeks to say the word "cancer".
There were times during treatment where I didn't want to hear the word cancer and I took "cancer vacations". I simply said, "I'm on vacation," and my family and friends knew not to ask me any more questions about how I was feeling. It helped me have some control over my emotional space.
If you have a furry friend, tell them first that you have cancer. They will understand.
chose who we tell, especially in the beginning. Janie said it took her two weeks to say the word "cancer".
There were times during treatment where I didn't want to hear the word cancer and I took "cancer vacations". I simply said, "I'm on vacation," and my family and friends knew not to ask me any more questions about how I was feeling. It helped me have some control over my emotional space.
If you have a furry friend, tell them first that you have cancer. They will understand.
Comment
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Comment by Toni Schenk on October 4, 2009 at 7:49am -
I was pretty private about my Cancer until last spring when I started raising donations for a Lymphomathon. I work at a school and let that whole world know what was going on. Well now when they think something is not right with me "it's the Cancer". This is why I stayed private. I did not want my Cancer used as an excuse for my day to day happenings, good or bad. I'm not sorry I shared about the Cancer, I just wish people would realize that Cancer is not my life. It is a part of my life, but not the most important part at this time.
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Comment by Marilyn S. on September 20, 2009 at 7:15pm -
Talking about cancer was really frightening at first. I wouldn't use the "C" word for a long time. Reaction of others to the news was something else....from understanding and compassion from those who have been on this journey to looks of fear from those who haven't dealt with it on a personal basis. It is therapy for me to hear about others who have experienced the same thing.
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Comment by Fuzzydice23 on September 16, 2009 at 4:17pm -
Oh I am glad I am not alone on this....I've resorted to sending an email to someone before meeting up with them. This way I don't have to see their reaction and can keep the "brave face". :-(
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