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Dealing with Comparisons

Yolanda Brunson-Sarrabo

How and have you dealt with anyone comparing your blood cancer with something else...perhaps less life-threatening?

I recall explaining multiple myeloma, but one individual had the audacity to compare it to a foot spur (blink blink).
You can't make this stuff up.

Do you have any gems to share?

Dennis Golden Moderator
Had someone ask ...if my blood cancer was just confined to one spot in my body. I replied YES ... It is just in my veins. The reply was " thank goodness it has not spread " ..... I was lost for words... Dennis(Blood-Cancer.com TEAM)
1. Ann Harper Moderator & Contributor
  All I can say is, 'WOW"!! Ann (Blood-Cancer.com Team member)
2. crazydogshock Member
  I find that most people don’t have any idea what you are going through. They will not understand or care to understand unless it hits close to home. I just try to be clear with an explanation when they ask. I was diagnosed in 2003. It’s a journey!! Stay positive!!
Angie Netterville Moderator & Contributor
It just shows that people really don't understand. I have to say that I didn't know much about leukemia until I was diagnosed.
My comparison has not been with the blood cancer itself, but when I have talked about brain fog or fatigue, a healthy friend of mine has said several times that she feels that all the time. Yes, we all get tired and sometimes forgetful, but I don't think it's the same thing.
1. Yolanda Brunson-Sarrabo Moderator & Contributor
  Yep, it can be hard to explain and I believe it is quite different; brain fog, it's caused by medications. It can seem to be the same but it is like comparing apples with nectarines.
Dennis Golden Moderator
Angie Netterville I politely smiled, nodded, said thanks and walked away - I suspect unless something impacts you directly it is hard for folks to "get it" on a deeper level. We have all know people who have faced issues and who we have tried to offer comfort but yet not really understanding what they are going through.

While not always successful at this point in my life I try to accept people for where they are in life and ... move on vs trying to figure out what is going on in their heads - I have enough challenges trying to figure out my own thoughts these days LOL. Dennis (Blood-Cancer.com TEAM)
Ronniejohn46 Member
I just say "I have blood cancer." That seems to be more definitive for most people. Sometimes I just say that I'm dealing with cancer. However, most folks are uncomfortable asking for more details
1. Yolanda Brunson-Sarrabo Moderator & Contributor
  Good example Ronnie of meeting people where they are. I suppose the more technical we get the more it can become stressful in explaining further. Best!