The overwhelming majority of things said to cancer patients are well intended. I know it without a doubt. In fact, I would hazard to say that most people with FBC (or any kind of f-bomb cancer for that matter) know it. However, what is well intended doesn’t always come across quite so well. As one of… Continue reading What to Say (or Not to Say) #7
Cancer
2nd Cancerversary
2nd Cancerversary Today, October 15th, marks the 2nd Anniversary of my FBC (f-bomb breast cancer) diagnosis. I can’t believe that I just wrote that. Any of it. The fact that I actually had FBC and the fact that it’s been 2 years since my life changed on a dime. Phew, what a difference two years… Continue reading 2nd Cancerversary
What to Say (or WTF Not to Say) #6
This week, I posted some of the What to Say (or Not to Say) graphics on The Huffington Post and boy oh boy did the comments fly! There were quite a few questions about why I focused on FBC (f-bomb breast cancer for new readers) rather than on cancer as a whole. Well, the simple… Continue reading What to Say (or WTF Not to Say) #6
World Hospice Day
As you may recall, for the past 12+ years, I have been both an adult and pediatric hospice nurse. Hospice is one of the great passions of my life because I truly believe that there is no greater or more sacred honor than being with a person at the end of his or her life.… Continue reading World Hospice Day
What to Say (or Not to Say) #5
While I was sitting with my girlfriend yesterday as she received her first infusion of chemotherapy, we were talking about all of the things that she has heard since her f-bomb diagnosis. The one that has been the most difficult (aggravating!!!) for her to hear is any reference to her being “fine.” I remembered having the… Continue reading What to Say (or Not to Say) #5
What to Say or (or Not to Say) #4
I know that the majority of things said to cancer patients are well intended. I really do. This is the reason that during this month dedicated to breast cancer awareness, I’m offering alternative (Silver Lining) things for people to say to/do for their friends and loved ones. So, next up in the series of What to… Continue reading What to Say or (or Not to Say) #4
Dr. Google
Upon my dear friend’s diagnosis of a very rare form of cancer my first reaction wasn’t, “Oh no!” or even an f-bomb. The first thing that I remember saying to her is, “Don’t Google.” (Well, actually, I probably dropped an f-bomb in there somewhere!) Now I am a stealth, rock star Googler. I love Google.… Continue reading Dr. Google
Breast Cancer Awareness Month: What to Say (or Not to Say) #3
Next up in the series of What to Say (or Not to Say) to someone with FBC revolves around chemo. I heard this line many times, “You only have — X #’s — of chemos left.” Now this was always well intended, as are the majority of the things that are said to cancer patients. I… Continue reading Breast Cancer Awareness Month: What to Say (or Not to Say) #3
Breast Cancer Awareness Month: What to Say (or Not to Say) #2
As I mentioned yesterday, I am frequently asked: What should I say (or not say) to my friend/sister/loved one who has been diagnosed with FBC (f-bomb breast cancer). FBC is a pickle (understatement of the year!) all the way around. People mean well, but when some things are said, they aren’t received quite as well… Continue reading Breast Cancer Awareness Month: What to Say (or Not to Say) #2
Breast Cancer Awareness Month: What to Say (or Not Say) #1
Because I’m seeing so much pink this week, I find myself thinking about all things related to FBC (f-bomb breast cancer). It’s amazing how a few (million) pink ribbons reactivate the memory of experiences (and f-bombs!). One of the things that comes to mind (that you dear readers discuss with me frequently!) is: What to… Continue reading Breast Cancer Awareness Month: What to Say (or Not Say) #1