Please know that it’s perfectly okay to talk about cancer around me…
And it’s also perfectly okay to say the word “cancer” around me.
The sound of… and topic of… “the c-word” causes me no distress at all… as I processed the emotional gut punch and harsh realities that come with an advanced cancer diagnosis a long time ago.
Please know that it’s okay for you to ask me: “Frank, I don’t want to invade your privacy or anything, but I heard through the grapevine that you have cancer. So, how are you doing, man?”
In fact, broaching the subject is more than okay; it’s quite welcome… for at least three huge reasons:
- Such an overture alleviates any worries I have about being a downer or burden on anyone.
- Your willingness to engage with such a heavy subject opens a door that allows me to be comfortable sharing what’s really going on with me.
- Most important, such reaching out is a powerful medicine for the utter isolation and loneliness of it all.
