I’ve never had a problem talking to people about my cancer.  Knowledge is power and I’ll answer any questions they have if I can, but seriously.  Sometimes you just gotta shake your head and walk away.

Her (she’s in her mid 20’s): How do you get Cancer?  Can I get it from hugging a stranger?
My inside voice with an internal eyeroll: Are you kidding me?!
Me:  No.  You can’t get it from hugging a stranger.
Me walking away…

Same person, different conversation.

Her: I read that severe stress can cause heart attacks, strokes, seizures and CANCER!
Me:  I don’t think it causes cancer…
Her:  But I read it on Facebook!
My inside voice:  So then it must be right!
Her:  What about the other things it said?
Me:  Maybe.  I can see it happening if you aren’t healthy.
Her:  What do you mean by healthy?
Me:  Diet, exercise…
Her:  Oh.  But I’m under severe stress ALL the time!
My inside voice:  Yelling at your 3 kids can do that to ya.
Her Mom:  What are other causes of cancer?
Me:  It’s usually environmental or genetic.
Her Mom:  What do you mean by environmental?
My inside voice:  Seriously?
Me:  Things like smoking, asbestos…
Her Mom:  What’s asbestos?
Me:  They used to use it in insulation…
Her Mom:  Oh

Me walking away…