Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Don't put this burden on cancer patients!

I have to share a pet peeve of mine. I know people mean well when they tell cancer patients that "attitude is everything." No, it's not! Life isn't fair, and sometimes the sunniest, healthiest, sweetest people you know will get cancer. And when they do, they might be joyful in all things most of the time, but cancer will get you down sometimes. PLEASE! Let them have that down moment.

It's really placing an unfair burden on someone who is scared, may be in pain, and who may be trying to simply maintain under a regimen of chemo or radiation, or both. And how about someone who HAS been cheery and is still in the last stage of life? How do you think they feel?

I suggest a hug and a few words about the fact that you care for that patient, and they have been in your prayers. Unless you've been in their shoes (I have), you really DON'T know how they feel. Trust me on this.

4 comments:

  1. Yes! It's hard enough dealing with cancer without feeling like you have to protect everybody else from the reality of it.

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  2. I had this happen to me just the other day; from a nurse who had known this other cancer patient who was just so upbeat yahdah yahdah....and who died. I bit my tongue. Thanks tootsie for writing what you did and providing space for me!

    all the best, Leslie

    love your blog!

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    Replies
    1. I don't know how I missed your reply to my blog so long ago. Thanks for the comments!

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