Four Things You Can Always Say to Someone Who Is Sick

You Look Great, And Other Lies

Having been diagnosed with Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma in January, better known as one of the many forms of breast cancer, and dealing with the comments that come from loved ones when they are faced with a sick friend or relative, I really enjoyed listening to this great article on the radio a few weeks back when returning from one of my appointments. It so hit home to me, as apparently it does to so many who have been in my shoes, or sick for some other reason. I thought, "So it isn't just me who is a bit put off when someone says, "You look great", while you are undergoing chemotherapy." I think they meant to say, you look great considering what you are going through, in spite of having no hair anywhere on your body, and even though your face is grey and lacking color and you have very dark circles around your eye. I know they mean well, but it just is not something you enjoy hearing at that moment in time.

But now, now that the color has returned to my face, I have a hint of eyebrows and a flurry of tiny eyelashes, I have energy and feel almost normal even though there is just a tiny bit of fuzz covering my head.... Now I enjoy hearing, "You look great".

Some gestures are just more helpful than others, and a few are downright annoying. So at the risk of offending some well-meaning people, here is the New York Times article with... 

Six Things You Should Never Say to a Friend (or Relative or Colleague) Who’s Sick. 

And Four Things You Can Always Say.

Hugs,

Debbie... aka the cancer warrior ... AND SURVIVOR!!!
Sonoma Relay for Life Team (8/6/11) ~  Debbie's Blasting Crew.