What do you say?

jtebo1955
jtebo1955 Member Posts: 46
in Esophageal Cancer #1
I was wondering what you say when you see people you know that don't know you are fighting cancer. I've been fighting stage III EC since last Jan. I'm doing very well now but not sure what to say when I see friends. The first reaction is usually WOW! You look great, you've lost a lot of weight and I love the new hair do. Kinda nice to hear, but hate to burst there bubble and tell them I have or had cancer. Just not sure what is the proper thing to do..any advice

Comments

  • GerryS
    GerryS Member Posts: 227 Member
    #2
    I just say............
    I've had some health challenges. And leave it at that unless they want more info. I usually keep it positive. Good luck and God Bless.... and remember to be honest, people can tell.

    Gerry
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #3
    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • jgwright
    jgwright Member Posts: 242
    #4
    You Look Great...
    I say, "Well, I used to weigh over 300 pounds, and after losing this weight my diabetes has gone away, my cholesterol is at 155, my sleep apnea is gone, but I wouldn't recommend this method of weight loss. I have esophageal cancer and I couldn't eat hardly anything for a while. We seem to have it under control for the time being, but you never know. Of course, I could walk outside tomorrow and get run over by a bus, So I'm just keepin' on, keepin' on."

    The college where I teach has been incredibly supportive, and they are impressed that I'm back to work. I love it here and wouldn't have it any other way, as long as I can do the job!

    --Jerry
  • jtebo1955
    jtebo1955 Member Posts: 46
    #5
    Thanks for the advice
    Thanks to all. I do tell people what's going on, Even strangers sometimes. It's funny I think I was just so dumbfounded when I had cancer the 1st time. This is not my 1st time around with cancer. It's hard to believe, at least for me, The Dr found I had kidney cancer in 2008. Talk about a shock! I had went in for menopause symptoms and a test showed I had kidney cancer, Within a week they removed my right kidney. Lucky I guess, they preformed CT scans every 6 months all along saying 97 percent chance of NO reaccurrance. They were right this is a different cancer. My EC is stage 3 . I try to think positive but it's hard sometimes. Other days I feel very lucky to have been here for 3 years. It's been a real roller coaster ride but it's nice to have found this sight and be able to chat with others who know.

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