Looking back on this last year I can remember people not really knowing what to say to me. They certainly meant well, and I am so grateful for all the love and positive comments I received. But here is a list of the Top 10 Things Not to Say to Someone Newly Diagnosed with Breast Cancer:
10. What do you think caused it? (If I knew that, we wouldn’t be having this conversation.)
9. How are you feeling? You look good. (I am not dying today and the shirt I am wearing has a stain on the front. Did you miss that?)
8. How big is your tumor? (Really- big enough- ok?)
7. You’re having both removed- wow- I could never do that. (You’d be surprised what you’ll do when your life is threatened!)
6. God never gives you something bigger than you can handle. (So not true- God didn’t “give me breast cancer.” He allowed it. And He wants me to be completely dependent on Him because He knows I can’t handle it without Him.)
5. My mother had breast cancer. She died. (Oh my- did you actually just say THAT to me?)
4. Are you getting nipples too? (Wow- that seems just a tad on the personal side…..)
3. Is it in your lymph nodes? (We don’t know that for sure yet and I’m trying not to hyper-focus on this uncertainty. )
2. Let me know if you need anything. (Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm)
1. Your new breasts will never sag- they’ll always be perky! (I love the breasts God gave me. I nursed my three babies with them, my husband loves them, and I’m totally okay with them sagging. 🙂
Well said. I’m sure I’ve been guilty of some of those so it’s especially nice to hear it from your perspective. You are quite humorous, too!