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As you will appreciate I have been in a similar position to yours for many more years (twelve now) than you have, with my position complicated somewhat by the fact that until recently I had no conventional treatment.
My take on this is that although folk are often polite and kind enough to enquire as to how I’m doing, they’re not really interested in the detail of what is a pretty complex subject. So my response generally to the question “How are you doing?” is to say “Have a look, how do you think I am?” Since I look pretty healthy, that usually is enough for us to go onto another subject, but occasionally I’ll get another question along the lines of “No, seriously, what’s happening with your health?” [bearing in mind I’ve got a heart condition as well as the prostate cancer.] To that I say “Well, the cardiologist gave me a clean bill of health at the last meeting and the cancer seems to have responded to treatment. I’ll know a bit more after my next PSA test which I’m having – and I tell them when that’ll be”
That seems to be what they want to know and I believe is an honest portrayal of my situation.
Hi Pat,
If you feel uncomfortable answering questions directed to you, answer briefly, then ask questions about that person (who asked the question in the first place). If they and you can enter into a polite discussion, both give and listen, then perhaps you can provide more detail as you feel comfortable with sharing. If the conversation goes to other topics, then enough said about your health.
As we come out and away from our health issues, people generally want to hear that you are healing and trying to get back into a normal life (if that is at all possible). Give plenty of thanks for all the prayers, and if you are a member of a church, they are your family, and they just want to know that you are OK.
As I think back about some of my older friends, the ones I do not like to be around are still reliving their pain and still want you to share it with them.
Think about now, how good you feel, and share that with your friends.
Joe
