I had an interesting, yet not surprising, thing happen to me while out for a fun night a couple of weeks ago. My husband and I had gone out to listen to a live band and have a few drinks and enjoy a cool breeze on the lake. I went with my bandana under a baseball hat combo and was really enjoying the music and night out. The band had finished it's first set and my husband got up to use the restroom while I sat at the table taking in the fresh air. I looked around and noticed a man walking towards me, looking directly at me, which startled me a bit since I did not know this man; he bent over to say something in my ear (there was radio music playing so it was hard to hear) and so I leaned in to hear the words that followed "YOU CAN BEAT THIS". Well, my first reaction was to say "excuse me?" and he went on to explain that he'd had cancer three years ago and he went through chemo and his 6'3" frame got down to 119 lbs...I didn't want to interrupt, since this is a sensitive matter and I didn't want to seem uninterested in his story, I listened until he finished. I gently placed my hand on his arm and replied "Honey, I don't have cancer, I have alopecia...it's an auto-immune disease that results in my hair falling out" and I went on to say "Congratulations on your victory, I am fortunate enough not to be sick; but thank you for your kind words anyway". I don't really think he knew what to say but he thanked me and went on back to his table. NOW, why did I feel guilt for NOT being sick...it's like I have to say "I'm sorry I'm not sick" or "it's ONLY alopecia"...well, I've come to terms with my Alopecia but I still feel like a victim of it and even though (thank God) I'm not sick with a life threatening disease, it IS a disease to me and I hate that I feel like I need to downplay it to other people who've assumed I had cancer, just so they won't be embarrased for their assumption. I felt happy about the way I handled it but I'd be lying if I said it didn't make me a bit self conscious the rest of the evening.

Views: 19

Comment by Mary on September 23, 2009 at 12:22pm
This happens to me frequently. You handled it beautifully. I have the same mixed feelings when it happens, but I think the way you dealt with it is the best way - thank them, be sympathetic and appreciative of their concern, then tell them about AA. For what it's worth...it doesn't bother me as much as it did a year ago.

Mary
Comment by Dominique Cleopatra on September 23, 2009 at 3:15pm
Us and Cancer Patients have both faced health challenges, and share some of the same struggles. If and when this happens to most of us, maybe we should explain our unique situation while focusing on the similarities we share and not our differences.
Comment by Drakes on January 14, 2010 at 11:32pm
happened to me a few times... you dealt with it well.. for me.. a pool hall..late night.. some guy who had a few drinks..

Comment

You need to be a member of Alopecia World to add comments!

Join Alopecia World

Disclaimer

Any mention of products and services on Alopecia World is for informational purposes only; it does not imply a recommendation or endorsement by Alopecia World. Nor should any statement or representation on this site be construed as professional, medical or expert advice, or as pre-screened or endorsed by Alopecia World. Alopecia World is not responsible or liable for any of the views, opinions or conduct, online or offline, of any user or member of Alopecia World.

© 2024   Created by Alopecia World.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service