Postby Guest » Thu Mar 29, 2007 1:30 am
Hi Michelle,
I know, it’s strange isn’t it? One of my very best friends, someone whom I’ve known since I was twelve, asked me repeatedly what it felt like, thinking that I might be dying. She was curious I guess. Finally, the third time she asked, I replied, “It sucks,” and shot her a withering look. Another friend, a week after my diagnosis, sent me an email detailing the early death of a shared acquaintance who had recently been diagnosed with cancer. Not exactly cheering.
I know exactly what you mean about shifting focus, and you’re right that this new perspective is one of the few bright spots of cancer. A former coworker has been one of my greatest supports, partially because her husband was going through his own cancer treatment this year, but also because she’s a wonderful person.
One other thing that drove me crazy (now that I’m on a role here) was the number of times people said, “Let me know if there is anything I can do for you,” and then proceeded to do jack shit. I was so exhausted by my chemo, and helping care for my father who was suffering from early Alzheimer’s, that stringing together a sentence was difficult, never mind organizing a chore list for friends. Also, I was a little irked by people who said that they were sending me warm thoughts, or prayers. As I’m not a religious person (am a dyed in the wool atheist) I found myself thinking, “Save the prayers, make me a casserole instead.”
Oh well, live and learn.
Monique