When I picked Alan up from work, I asked if he had heard the news, and he said, “Yes. And I don’t really want to talk about a guy who died from cancer.” We switched topics and talked about something else the rest of the way home.
In this week’s My (Mildly) Roaring 20s post, I’d like to talk about what life with Alan has been like after his own battle with cancer and the one lingering thing I thought would go away but never did.
For all the preparation we received, there was one thing that no one ever mentioned: that after it was all over (the chemo, the radiation, the deep-seated fear, the blood tests, the scans), it would never really be all over. Of course, some of it is long gone, but the fear, the thing that I assumed would disappear when he got better, never went away.
It’s gotten better over time, but for a while, every week there’d be a new crisis: this weird pain in his left shoulder, this dull ache in his leg. To him, they all signaled the return of his cancer. It seemed that the better things got in life, the more he had to lose and the more paranoid he became of his body’s impending betrayal. When he’d start to worry, it would be intense, keeping him up at night and weighing him down.
When friends and family ask me how Alan’s doing these days, I say he’s doing great — because he is — but I never tell them about the fear. For the longest time, I couldn’t really explain it. I didn’t know how to put it into words that wouldn’t sound silly. Then my friend Irene sent me this xkcd comic (above) with a note “thought you should see this” and it was like ah ha! This explains it exactly.
When the fear sets in, all I can do is reassure him that that weird pain — a pain that would simply be a nuisance to anyone else — is probably nothing and that he’s going to be okay. And, also, to not talk about Steve Jobs.
I'm so sorry about your experience with cancer and fear – I grew up in and around hospitals, so I kind of know what that's like (not really, but I saw an awful lot of scared people).
And yes, that XKCD is so good!
windeater.blogspot.com
thanks, bronwyn 🙂
I love this post. Thank you for your honesty and vulnerability.
I have tears in my eyes from your description, "It seemed that the better things got in life, the more he had to lose and the more paranoid he became of his body’s impending betrayal".
It is such a powerful statement and something that those of us who have not experienced wouldn't be able to fully comprehend.
Thank you, Stace, for your sweet comment and for being you.
*tears*
My last chemo treatment was February 4, 1992. It DOES get easier, but no – it doesn't ever go away. At least not for me. But then again, neither did the heightened appreciation for things other people take for granted.
I'm glad that Alan is doing "great" though!
I lost my aunt in 2005, she died from cancer. I can totally relate to your experience and feelings. Stay healthy and vigilant.
Sobrina, This post took it to a new level. I love your beautiful photography, pretty and delicious treats that come from your kitchen and great design style. But, this vulnerability and love–true, messy, painful and difficult love is absolutely amazing. Alan is so blessed to have you in his life. This post was beautiful and amazing–just like you. 🙂
Lyndsay, thank you for your encouragement. That is awesome to hear that it does get easier and awesome that your last chemo treatment was many years ago!
deefifteen, I'm so sorry for your loss. The last few lines in the comic are so true.
Sarah, thank you!! I'm glad this didn't come out too mushy. Alan said he would throw up if this post was about the lessons he learned or something like that, haha.
Great post!
Now I'm crying at work… great post.
I think I began reading your blog in mid-2009 so right around the time all of this was going on. I've always admired yours and Alan's strength in dealing with the evil that is cancer. I am sure you both have your more difficult days but you always seem to come out on the positive side (at least on the blog). I really admire how much love and support you've shown Alan throughout all of this. He is really lucky to have you in his life! Not everyone would be able to handle it.
Thank you for continuing to share your life with us!
i would very much love to hear about alan getting completely healed. please tell him not to get stressed about it as cancer feeds on stress. i also love that you've gone back to posting like this. 🙂