Typical reactions

Hello Heastaic63 and welcome to a group you hoped you’d never need

yes! But remember you are a statistic of one; you! The main thing to tell (well meaning but ill informed) people that treatment for breast cancer these days is tailored for the individual, and cannot be compared with others, even if they are famous! 

Hugs xxx

Maybe people feel that beautiful people - eg Kylie Minogue are excellent role models, and have championed the cause, encouraging younger people to take action and check their breasts, go to see G.P. etc etc Also demonstrates that cancer hits indiscrimately, however much money or fame a person has. I think they're very brave to be so open. They could have kept it secret but see themselves as good role models for others. I'm sure they just want to encourage people and show the good results that can be obtained. I read an excellent book by the Oxo lady - helped me understand a lot about cancer, otherwise I'd never have known what it actually is like.

Hi Heastaic63 I think you've just answered your own question, just tell them. In the same sentence and in one go say 'I have breast cancer but please don't tell me about the famous people who also have/had it as it makes me feel worse/annoys me etc'.

It's a stressful time for you right now and you shouldn't have to also put up with things that add to your stress.  What annoys you might be a comfort to someone else but your friends and family won't know what helps you and what doesn't unless you tell them.  

Wishing you all the best on your cancer journey.

There may be something these famous people are doing, which benefits all people who have cancer of course.....Victoria Derbyshire has some excellent videos of how she got through all the stages of treatment, I found them really beneficial. Made cancer treatment real and not nearly so scary for me.

Hi Heastaic63 

I can understand how you feel . I don't like it when people find out I have breast cancer and then say " you got this , or you can win this battle" as far as I'm concerned it's not a battle that those who have died lost. It's just a disease that needs treating like any other .  Most people survive and a few don't.  

Cheers Jayne 

I don't know why a smiley face with  sunglasses has come up? Yesterday it was a cat ? 

Oh yeah I’m fact I started a thread on stupid things people say to us all! Drove me nuts in the beginning!!

community.macmillan.org.uk/.../starting-to-avoid-people-because-of-the-silly-things-they-say

I turned to complete strangers also suffering from cancer to get comfort rather than members of my own family or friends. It became a game of I know someone with worse cancer than you, which I didn't want to play.

Yes Venicelagoon

I have found that too. 

This site has kept me going X 

Jayne 

Yes I agree, it’s a disease that is treated with many wonderful drugs etc. I hate it when people give you the sympathy look! My own sisters do it to me. One of them asked me if I was applying for a blue badge and I just about stopped myself from thumping her!! Ibe no doubt some people do need this help but it’s the way she said it, I’m going back to work soon too. Anyway, I’m sure she didn’t meaany harm. My neighbour has now started to add honey at the end of her texts. How are you bearing up honey… how are you today honey  I ignore those texts. Sorry but I don’t do the sympathy talk. My colleagues (nurses) have good banter and make me laugh