Postby BrownBagger » Sun Jun 06, 2010 5:13 pm
Part of what I do for a living is put on a couple of trade shows in the spring. Last year when I was in radiation treatment, I managed to participate in both shows, and while I didn't broadcast my situation, I wasn't trying to keep it a secret, so some of the people who attend and exhibit at our shows knew about my cancer dx. This year at the shows I'd run into people who would say, "So, how you been?" To which I'd give my stock, "Just fine, thanks." If they followed up with, "No man, I mean how are you?" I knew they knew, and I'd elaborate.
One of our exhibitors is a woman probably in her late '40s, always a heavy smoker. She sidled up to me during the show and confided that she'd been dx with lung cancer. After we talked about it for awhile (apparently it was early stage and her surgery was successful) I said, "Did you hear about me--is that why you're telling me this?" She didn't know about my situation--just felt the need to share that information with a near-perfect stranger. I know the feeling exactly, and I've done it many times myself. Why, I don't know. But it usually feels good.
Eric, 58
Dx: 3/09, Stage 4 RC
Recurrences: (ongoing, lung, bronchial cavity, ribs)
Major Ops: 6/ RFA: 3 /bronchoscopies: 8
Pelvic radiation: 5 wks. Bronchial radiation—brachytheray: 3 treatments
Chemo Rounds (career):136
Current Chemo Cocktail: Xeloda & Erbitux & Irinotecan biweekly
Current Cocktail; On the Wagon (mostly)
Bicycle miles post-dx 10,477
Motto: Live your life like it's going to be a long one, because it just might, and then you'll be glad you did.