Forum Discussion
MicheleR
5 years agoMember
Un pc thoughts
So im writing this just to get it out. I dont really expect a solution. Apologise in advance if the un pc nature of this is not nice. I am getting a counsellor soon.
Ive been aware all along that im somehow responsible for how others feel about my cancer but lately I've felt something doesn't quite work for me and I'm struggling to find any way to express it without crossing some taboo.
I get the impression im supposed to be selfless but the way people behave is not without consequences to me. In short .. here comes the un pc part, some people are emotionally retarded.
I have barely seen my brother since my diagnosis 3 months ago. Last year when he ruptured his Achilles and had 6 weeks off work I visited him 4 or 5 times despite being busy myself. I listened ( with my medical phobias) to his descriptions of what happened when he took the boot off. I know that he cares but somewhere outside of my understanding about his discomfort im a bit hurt that he can't move through it and make some effort. I saw him yesterday at my mums bday lunch and despite barely speaking to me at the end he said its good to see you. I thought really? At what point will it register that he could have helped me in some small way?
I had coffee with a more self aware person yesterday and she confessed that she was afraid I might look unhealthy. She said my eyes were bright and I looked good. I do not look good. I had made an effort and wore make-up a nice dress. I thought I looked alright. Photos after told me im deluded.
My hubby said as I was getting ready for coffee " so you will dress up for her but not me". On the weekend he asked if I could wear my scarf differently. I said I wasn't born with the knowledge of how to tie scarfs and I was struggling with my appearance. My hubby has always praised me for not wearing a lot of make-up. Do I have to wear make-up at home now to make him feel better? This is not something that requires an answer.
My sister was having a rough day. We chatted. At the end she said but its trivial in comparison to what you are dealing with I shouldn't complain. I said of course you should. Just because im unwell doesn't mean your life is less trivial. How many people are shutting me out of their life because I have cancer and their world is too trivial now? How many people are avoiding me because I look unwell?
These are difficult things. Sometimes I want things to be the same but sometimes I want some acknowledgement. I want people to understand a bit without all the social expectations. I dont want to have to protect people all the time and be understanding.
Ive been aware all along that im somehow responsible for how others feel about my cancer but lately I've felt something doesn't quite work for me and I'm struggling to find any way to express it without crossing some taboo.
I get the impression im supposed to be selfless but the way people behave is not without consequences to me. In short .. here comes the un pc part, some people are emotionally retarded.
I have barely seen my brother since my diagnosis 3 months ago. Last year when he ruptured his Achilles and had 6 weeks off work I visited him 4 or 5 times despite being busy myself. I listened ( with my medical phobias) to his descriptions of what happened when he took the boot off. I know that he cares but somewhere outside of my understanding about his discomfort im a bit hurt that he can't move through it and make some effort. I saw him yesterday at my mums bday lunch and despite barely speaking to me at the end he said its good to see you. I thought really? At what point will it register that he could have helped me in some small way?
I had coffee with a more self aware person yesterday and she confessed that she was afraid I might look unhealthy. She said my eyes were bright and I looked good. I do not look good. I had made an effort and wore make-up a nice dress. I thought I looked alright. Photos after told me im deluded.
My hubby said as I was getting ready for coffee " so you will dress up for her but not me". On the weekend he asked if I could wear my scarf differently. I said I wasn't born with the knowledge of how to tie scarfs and I was struggling with my appearance. My hubby has always praised me for not wearing a lot of make-up. Do I have to wear make-up at home now to make him feel better? This is not something that requires an answer.
My sister was having a rough day. We chatted. At the end she said but its trivial in comparison to what you are dealing with I shouldn't complain. I said of course you should. Just because im unwell doesn't mean your life is less trivial. How many people are shutting me out of their life because I have cancer and their world is too trivial now? How many people are avoiding me because I look unwell?
These are difficult things. Sometimes I want things to be the same but sometimes I want some acknowledgement. I want people to understand a bit without all the social expectations. I dont want to have to protect people all the time and be understanding.
108 Replies
- Cathyw_BCNAFFMemberYes I have lots of reasons to feel grateful. I’m grateful that it was caught early, I’m grateful I have supportive family, I’m grateful that I can work part time and not be financially impacted, I’m grateful my pathology came back with ER positive results which means I’m tied to AIS for the next few years so that a recurrence is very low. Maybe I’m arguing about semantics of the meaning of words, but I don’t feel lucky that I have cancer. And maybe I’m feeling a bit depressed/upset/emotional as part of the side effects of these magic pills that will give me my life back, I guess I’m just venting a bit, which is something I don’t normally do either. I wish you all the best with your recovery and hope all will be well for you.
- MicheleRMember@Cathyw, I'd feel lucky if someone told me I no longer had to complete another 8 rounds of chemo. That a magical pill had been developed and I could have my life back.
- Cathyw_BCNAFFMemberHhmmm I don’t feel very lucky, having breast cancer, outcomes might be better by comparison to other cancers, but I would feel lucky if I had also won a million dollars in lotto as well.
- ZoffielMember@Dory65 don't apologize, and welcome to the sweary club -- your debut performance gets 5 stars from me :)
There was a grand clutch of us a few years ago. Some folk got a bit 'thing' about our collective blue streak, but the advice to them was scroll on if offended. I quietly think sanctioning us all every few days might have become so exhausting it was easier to just let nature take its course...
@MicheleR , your poor face, that looks so sore. It's one bloody indignity after another isn't it? Keep plodding chick, every day that passes during the BC shitfight is one you don't have to do again. MXX
- LocksleyMemberDear @Michelle_R
I am sorry you are having such a shitty time. I will also check out the cream @Dory65 has recommended. Sending you hugs xxx - FLCloverMemberPlease don’t feel like that @Dory65. I have regular outbursts with more expletives than that. We’re allowed to. We’re going through major, unwanted and extremely uncomfortable changes to our whole being and lifestyle. I think we should be allowed to vent and release ♥️
- MicheleRMember@Dory65 everyone needs an outlet. Its bloody impossible to relate some things to people who aren't having the experience. Never apologise.
- Dory65MemberThanks @FLClover
- Dory65Member@Dear @MicheleR,
Sorry you are having such a crap time. I've tried a lot of skincare lately, and the brand that seems the best is CeraVe. https://www.cerave.com.au/ I do recommend it. It contains ceramides, which heal the skin barrier.
To be honest, I feel like a bit of a dickhead re my rant/winge above. I've never typed so many expletives before. :|
@arpie, thanks. x - FLCloverMemberI feel for you @Dory65.
I hope your onc can give you more answers, and if not maybe taking a break from them would be a good idea. I also believe in having a strong body to be able to handle anything it might need to. Sending you hugs ♥️