A Funny Thing Happened…

Or could have happened, should have happened, or didn’t happen

 

About half of all of us with incurable cancer (incurable means that it likely will kill us someday) also have to deal with depression and anxiety. Actually, it’s not so surprising.

In many cases there is a predictable progression of events and often it doesn’t end well:

·        Doctor: You have cancer.

·        You: OMG, I’m going to die!

·        Doctor: Maybe not, there are treatments and possibly a cure!

·        You: Oh boy, I’m going to be cured!

·        Doctor: Whoops, the treatment didn’t work completely and the cancer came back. This time it’s not curable.

·        You: OMG, I’m going to die!

·        Doctor: Maybe, but there are treatments to slow cancer growth and give you a better quality of life.

·        You: What’s the use? I’ll just wait for the inevitable…, or

·        You: Then it’s time to finish off my bucket list, visit friends, and write that memoir…

When it seems hopeless there is professional help, medications, counseling, and support groups—but you have to make the choice whether or not to get assistance.

How we react to a bad situation varies a lot. Nobody knows how they will do it until it happens to them. We all have good days and bad days—I definitely hope I have more good days. My approach for the past dozen years with incurable prostate cancer has been to spend time with family and friends, laugh a lot, stay very, very busy, write blogs and books (often humorous—hopefully), and draw and publish hundreds of cancer-related cartoons. I have tried not to offend anyone with cancer—but, I maybe take a shot or two at doctors and drug companies—and bring a smile or little laughter into some lives.

Some have thanked me and even asked to borrow the articles and cartoons for use in other publications. A few others have become angry with me and told me how inappropriate humor is when dealing with cancer. One person, with late stage cancer, told me, “Cancer is not funny!” And suggested I not use humor in communicating with others who have cancer, ever. Of course I know cancer is not funny but I believe a sense of humor can help—it has helped me. Being able to laugh at the ironies of growing old, the strange side effects from medications, those body parts that don’t work very well anymore, and becoming more and more dependent on doctors, pills, injections, and even Depends, makes me smile—at least a little! I know that won’t be the case for everybody. 

Nobody knows if the meds will stop working or we’ll get hit by a bus or the big 9.5 earthquake will hit or…. So I’m trying to enjoy every day and maybe help some others enjoy their days a little bit more. What works best is probably different for each person‑‑find what works best for you. There are many sources of information out there. There are numerous cancer organizations, blogs, support groups, and publications. Find those that fit your needs, beliefs, and comfort levels.

axman