Cancer Research Articles

Everyone around me expects me to be just like a normal person - that is, one without cancer. But I'm NOT. I never will be that person again. These are the feelings of one with cancer of any kind.

I always have to be positive for everyone. I know that in some fashion, my lymphoma will probably appear again, probably sooner than later, but no one wants to hear me say that. It is not negative thinking, just being realistic. This patient has suffered with the disease and now suffers the rejection of her friends and family.

A new lump is reason to panic. She stopped looking and feeling but one of her doctors had to go looking and found lumps in her neck and armpit and now she is trying not to worry. Thus the PET scan and all that follows. She has a PET scan scheduled for next week, a ton of lab tests and then the appointment with the oncologist. Horrible anxiety appears every time this has to be done. Again, the outside world is missing and not understanding. This is the most important time for the family and friends to step up and be as supportive as ever. This is a frightening time for the patient and the not knowing is terrible. She really needs love and understanding at this time.

She's tired of not being able to express the fear and anxiety to people around her. They don't want to hear it, it's too frightening for them. She does NEED to say it though. She is fragile emotionally, feeling unable at times to cope with normal life (even small things like no phone calls get to her). She doesn't NEED the stress of anything right now. She needs support and understanding, take over her responsibilities, go out to lunch, anything - just be there. It's enough dealing with the cancer. Her patience with trivia and annoying people has worn thin. People don't seem to understand that she is struggling every day to remain upbeat and get on with her life knowing she has cancer inside ...and to learn to live with this disease is an ongoing struggle.

As she is through with treatment for now, and is starting to look more "normal" again, people want her to be "OK" all the time - and she"s NOT. It's has changed her and her life forever, she will never be the same person again.

This is so important for the friends and family to understand and acknowledge. She needs all of the support and love that is there for her. Now and forrever because there will be down days, bad days, scary days and she needs YOU! Please remember this story next time you have a close family member or friend with cancer or any other life threatening disease