Cancer Survivors
Coping with Cancer
Redefining ‘Survivor’
by Nicole Malato
There are different definitions of “survivor.” Until recently, I had always thought it was someone who “beat cancer” and went on to remission for many years. Now I am learning that using that definition minimizes the experiences of other survivors and prevents those who have earned the title from rightfully using it. I am embracing the fact that I am indeed a survivor already. I have overcome the many obstacles to earn this honorable distinction.
Jumpers, Minimizers, and Fixers
by Craig T. Pynn
Scattered among the hundreds of thoughtful and caring responses I received to my prostate cancer diagnosis from my family, friends, and colleagues, there were a few reactions that were difficult to handle. After listening to several people attempt to say the right thing while assiduously avoiding the idea of cancer itself, I sorted their deflective responses to my bad news into one of three categories: jumpers, minimizers, and fixers.
Daily Reminders
by David Kelley
Tinnitus is the correct medical term for it. What I call it is one of my daily reminders that at least I am alive and able to, literally, live with such things as the constant, sometimes louder, sometimes quieter but always present tinnitus. It’s that ringing, buzzing, droning, no longer annoying, always there side effect of my cancer treatment last year. Actually, it’s just one of the side effects of the cancer treatment.
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