Laughing at Cancer!!

So my doctor - the stylish Dr. D - is now a cancer comedian!  Yes!  We all need to laugh at cancer sometimes.  Dr. D. remembered the time I had called about a lump and a pain in my abdomen.  I didn't want to travel to Bean town if I didn't have to, so he asked for a picture.  I sent him a headshot - wasn't sure why he wanted a picture of me, but, hey, he is my doctor.  Actually he wanted a picture of my abdomen!  We definitely laughed together.  Dr. D wrote this about humor and cancer:

"In general, laughter and humor do not come to mind when one talks about cancer. Oncology is a serious endeavor aimed at treating a life-threatening condition. Our profession and our patients compel us to stay abreast of new findings and new treatments, to engage in a conscious and thoughtful discussion about next steps, and to always be honest. Indeed, as I look back, nowhere in my training or practice has anyone ever said, “But remember to laugh.”

In reality, patients want to be treated as people, not a condition, and part of the way we can do that is to engage them beyond the realm of cancer. We do it already when we ask about how a spouse or a child is doing, what plans are in place for a weekend, or just a simple “how are you?” But we can do more, especially for patients we have known for a long time. Sharing a joke, an anecdote, and a laugh are as human as holding one’s hand. In addition, as this small paper reminded me, at times, laughter can also be the best medicine."  (from the "ASCO Connection")    Hey - we all need a chuckle!  Who among us doesn't pull out the "cancer card" on occassion (helps to get to the front of the line...)

So I get all the laughs I can - and having a doc who shares my comedic sensibility is grand.   I do think my hearing isn't that bad yet....