“I have cancer.”
I was sitting on her yellow, flower-patterned couch when Skye said those words to me.
She’d been home for about five minutes and we’d been chatting about our days, gossiping about our friends, considering dinner, and I had been completely unprepared for the announcement.
Sure, she’d told me about the lump her doctor found in her neck, and the resulting scan and biopsy. But if you’ve known Skye for any amount of time, doctor visits are commonplace. Between her asthma, her nut allergy, her knee’s tendency to pop out of joint, and that period of time in college when her spleen kept hurting, I’ve become somewhat immune to health scares.
“I have cancer.”
I can’t remember my exact response.
In my head I immediately starting gauging my own reaction, mentally scolding myself to not overreact or freak out or showcase my emotions.
I’m not sure why that seemed so important at the time.
(But considering it’s me, really I’m lucky I didn’t just start laughing.)
(That luck didn’t hold up later on that week when we told my dad.)
(Or the following week, when we told Meredith. During which we were both laughing so hard that it took a few times to convince her we were serious.)
(There are very good reasons we’re best friends.)
(Which, I swear, are only 60% that most people won’t put up with us.)
But as a result, I’m pretty sure I stared back at her and replied something like, “okay.”
She explained it was her thyroid.
(Stupid thyroid.)
We talked about how strange it was that the pathologist had broken the news and how he’d urged her to study more about it online.
‘Cause apparently we’ve reached the stage when doctors feel comfortable deferring advice to Yahoo! answers.
(Though some of those contributors can be quite chuckle-inducing.)
(And they do say laughter is the best medicine.)
(Well played, doctor, well played.)
Before you ask
Skye is doing fabulously
And get excited now
‘Cause there are sexy surgery photos coming your way,
Megan
Things That Suck (Cancer Edition)
{ 90 comments… read them below or add one }
← Previous Comments
I know quite a few people who used to have cancer. Most of them used to go to church with me. Back when I used to go to church. I think that’s a prerequisite for being a church member. That being said, I’ll go ahead and waft well wishes, strength, and the healing power of Jesus in her direction. ::wafting::
Hmmm. Are you sure that was church and not some sort of support group you kept accidentally attending? ‘Cause I feel there were signs.
A support group for people who were healed of cancer by the power of Jesus? (Or claimed to be, rather… it was uncanny how many of them there were.)
Megan, I’m so sorry to hear about Skye.
Boo! I’m glad to hear she’s doing well, though.
So sorry you’ve had to go through that experience. There’s way too much cancer in the world. Wish it would just leave all of us alone. Hope she keeps doing well.
I know not many people who already commented will see this, but I want to thank everyone so much for your thoughtful comments!!!
I just had to leave this comment because I saw somebody said they had a going away party for their breasts: I had a tumor (contained, benign) a few years ago, and before I knew whether or not it was benign my sister encouraged me to make light of it and do something stupid like name it. So I named it. Its name was Ophelia (as in, Hamlet). Every time it hurt or I looked at it, I growled or screamed at it (not weird at all, no). DARN YOU OPHELIA was quite common in my journals. She met her death via surgical extraction, but there was no party, she didn’t deserve one
I’m pretty sure you know how much I detest cancer. However. She’s your best friend and for her you can do anything. Including photo ops along the way.
Oh I am so sorry. Oh I hate cancer and I know I am not alone in that one. I await the day it is wiped off this earth. I am tired of watching the ones I love have to go through this.
Laughter is the best medicine so Skye You are so lucky to have a crazy funny best friend that will keep you in stitches:)
It is very weird that you get to Google thyroid and cancer this world is getting very strange indeed.
Take care Skye keep laughing and my prayers are with you. Hold tight that hand beside you who will make you laugh. B
Fuck cancer.
Fuck it.
Skye, you’re going to kick this in the giant taco. I know you will.
Sending love and strength your way.
And a ninja chicken…because it’s funny and I know you could use a smile. And a chicken
Thank you- I would LOVE a ninja chicken! Especially if, in addition to bodyguard duties, it also knows how to do my laundry, errands, and homework.
And have no fear – Skye’s a vegetarian, so your chicken should be relatively safe in her hands. Though I suppose it can defend itself, so maybe that’s not a strong concern.
I am so sorry your friend has cancer. But I am really glad she has your support and positive attitude. The thing is, this can be beaten. I had 90% of my thyroid removed when I was 25 years old. I had severe hyper-thyroid and while it was not fun to deal with, it was managed. This is the kind of thing that scares people because of the word cancer. Skye should be fine with treatment. Best of luck to her and thank you for being her true friend when she needs one.
← Previous Comments