People don't get it. Why would they?

Part of my complaint about the pink and fluffy message about breast cancer relates to this. I know I look healthy. I don't look like a cancer patient. Thank goodness for that since actually looking like a cancer patient isn't a good thing. When you walk into a chemo room, you will see a room full of people who look pretty "normal". The caps might be the only clue.

Cancer is not a one and done event. It isn't like an infection or something where you get treatment and move on. While many do get treatment and move on, cancer leaves its impact in many ways.

Accepting treatment and following medical advice isn't "positive" or "brave", etc. It's the best option in most cases. I mean, really, what is the alternative?

 

[Mendalla]

Sadly, some do look for alternatives. Quack therapies, prayer, and who knows what else. There's a segment out there who distrust the "medical establishment" even with something as serious as cancer.

 

[Northwind]

Sadly, some do look for alternatives. Quack therapies, prayer, and who knows what else. There's a segment out there who distrust the "medical establishment" even with something as serious as cancer.

Are they not also brave, positive or damaged by the experience?

This is about the impact of cancer, and likely other serious health conditions

 

[BetteTheRed]

From what I can see of the progression in cancer treatments, cancer has become less like an automatic death sentence, and more like a chronic, probably terminal condition (everything being ultimately terminal), like MS or Parkinson's or dementia. Or even like CP or even Down's, where life expectancy is just expected to be shorter, even though lots live into a decent old age.

 

[Luce NDs]

Those that consider the situation in awareness suffer a sense of a knowing weight ... some of us with Rheumatic Syndrome (with 50+ differing facets) see it as an icon of thing shutting down. Those una WOKE ignorantly say get-over-it ... however there are conditions of separation angst when you see the void widening ... some say the emotions are nothing when comparing with a lack of intelligence or other paradigmatic mammon inclusive f outlyres!

Some find relief in moving on because of life not being all that satisfactory ... and so the foundation crumbles for those floating 'n a false riser ... its what intelligence comes down to but many hate to read into what they have to contribute in the turn about ... that's U ghe (some say ugly Hugo)! I plan t' leave quietly in the vapors ... I can almost see it coming around the corner with Mac eh! Tis not that far off ... RS can really mess up the Vegas nerves ... causing feints and terminal nuance ... mire essence? Expect reactions from the po' freed sol ... palfrey? perhaps ... a doc isle horse! All in a wiggle with the pen 'd touché ... its a thick myth! When dense enough it slips behind the clouds ... apply that to unknowing political life ... then you'll avoid it as a medium ...

Mediums are out there mean in the midst ... watching for ragged ends ...

 

[Northwind]

Luce, I think you're complicating things. I'm trying to understand what you wrote. I know you have physical and mental health challenges that people don't understand.

I think people want simple answers and explanations. When those aren't there, they either fill in the blanks or ignore (can't think of a better word) the reality of the situation.

 

[KayTheCurler]

One friend, who doesn't look sick, has an incurable, progressive disease. She sometimes says "Unless you get it you don't get it".

 

[Northwind]

One friend, who doesn't look sick, has an incurable, progressive disease. She sometimes says "Unless you get it you don't get it".

Exactly. Are you describing me?

 

[paradox3]

One friend, who doesn't look sick, has an incurable, progressive disease. She sometimes says "Unless you get it you don't get it".

You know I have diabetes and use insulin. I am sick to death of people who believe I lead a normal life.

 

[Northwind]

You know I have diabetes and use insulin. I am sick to death of people who believe I lead a normal life.

I feel the same way for different reasons. I'm on a new drug and am trying to figure it out. I did laundry today and I'm wiped out. Fatigue is part of my life. If I have several busy days, I'll need a sloth day to recover. I've also noticed that if I do "too much" (I'm figuring that out), I'll feel cruddy. It's hard to understand that kind of thing if you don't live it.

 

[JayneWonders]

I wonder what is normal sometimes.
There are people who carry around some pretty heavy suitcases all the time. Even if they put it down, the knowledge that it is there, just waiting to be picked up again, can be exhausting.

I'm glad that you look well.
I am glad that you have those who do get it, even if you have to deal with those who don't

 

[Northwind]

I wonder what is normal sometimes.

Normal is a setting on the dryer.

I'm sure you have at least days where you feel similar. You've had family health crises that may seem to be over to some who see your life. Will they ever be over? Probably not, even if full health is regained.