What is Cancer Like?

One of my oh-so-cute-and-innocent-to-the-point-they-sometimes-remind-me-of-muppets seventh graders asked me today, "What is cancer like?" I gave him some innocent answer that would make a lovely line in a musical, but it started the wheels in my head a-turnin. What is cancer like? I bet it's different for everyone, but here's 15 lovely examples of what cancer is like so far for me.

1. Cancer is constantly touching your hair because it has an expiration date sooner than the cereal you just bought.

2. Cancer is constantly waiting for appointments. And more appointments. And more appointments.

3. Cancer is wondering if everyone else in the waiting room is as lost as you feel.

4. Cancer is skipping over sad songs because you just can't deal.

5. Cancer is online shopping for chemo hats on Friday night.

6. Cancer is figuring out what your legacy would be. At 23.

7. Cancer is hugging people just because.

8. Cancer is crying in the grocery store.

9. Cancer is taking selfies of every hairstyle so you remember the hair you love.

10. Cancer is having your name repeated in the church announcements.

11. Cancer is realizing just how separate your mind and body can be.

12. Cancer is crying in the car. And at church. And at school.

13. Cancer is listening to old country music that reminds you of those long summer afternoons growing up.

14. Cancer is reassuring your seventh graders that lymphoma is not, in fact, contagious.

15. Cancer is smiling at others more because "what if they just found out they have cancer?"