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

Weather or Not, That is the Question

La Nina, El Nino, Global Warming, Climate Change, and infernal rain

As a wee child I remember being amused when all the old folks sat around and cursed the weather (too wet, too hot, too dry, too windy, or too something else). The physical complaint of the day was rheumatism. Now I find myself doing the same thing, and worse yet my mental and physical health seem to wax and wane according to the temperature and precipitation. Rheumatism is no longer at the top of the list, but the process hasn’t changed. I have become my parents and grandparents. I’m not sure this is all bad but, like many people I know, I didn’t think it would ever happen to me.

I am sure that weather and climate don’t have all that much to do with my health and happiness but sometimes it sure seems that way. Once the weather changes I’ll be one of those complaining about 90 degree days, sunburn, and heatstroke (probably). Maybe I need to stay busier or get more creative or just get a life.

You’ve probably seen the research that points out how people are more depressed in the winter and drink more alcohol where the winter is longer. People generally live longer in warmer climates (I think diet and lifestyle may factor in there, too) and sunshine helps create Vitamin D3 that is supposedly good for all of us (what’s good or not good for us seems to change on a regular basis so don’t count too heavily on D3 forever). I can remember when large amounts selenium, iron, and vitamin C were also supposed to be good for you. And chocolate and coffee and wine were bad. We can all count on change.

So I’ll try to ignore the weather (pretend like it's warm and sunny), eat what seems to be good for me (or what I really like), and carry on as if the universe was unfolding as it should.

 axman