My insurance won't say ahead of time if they'll cover my PET scans so I just have to have it done and HOPE they will or I'm out $5000.00. And you're absolutely right Eric, we already have death panels.

While I'm on here, this doesn't really rise to the "don't you just hate it" level as I really wasn't offended but it just shows how little people understand the long lasting effects of oral cancer. Last week the dispatcher at work asked if I could work on my day off but I told her I had to have bloodwork done, an xray and a visit with my oncologist. She asked "why are you still doing all that, aren't you all better?". As I say, not offensive, just an honest question from her to fill in a gap in her knowledge.

Why does the waitress feel the need to be overly solicitous and VERY LOUD when Clark orders our lunch? He is NOT DEAF, you loon! She might have said "THERE'S SOMETHING WRONG WITH THIS GUY'S FACE" so that the other patrons could get a good look. I wanted to slap her face.

I had forgotten this incident that happened at a family gathering the summer following my husband's cancer surgery. A cousin (not mine) approached Clark and after they said hello to each other, the cousin says, "Did you have a stroke or something?"

This was almost 2 years ago but the pain inflicted is still raw. My husband is still concerned that this is how others see him. We are blindsided by comments like this. I promised myself that when I hear an insensitive remark, I am going to confront the person by asking why he/she would say something so insensitive and cruel. Or maybe I'll just opt for a good slap in the face. Either way, it will NOT go unnoticed.

I feeling pretty tough. Bring it on.

I really just hate it when people talk slower to me because they think I must have a mental handicap to go along with my facial disfigurement.

Or when we are having a discussion on healthcare and they begin with "I just hate that you got cancer Eric but..." like that somehow makes up for the ignorant statement they are about to make.

Next time that happens tell them u are so sorry about their speach impediment. if they ask what u mean. Tell them, well u speak so slow.

Anita

I hear you loud and clear. I've always lived by the motto that the best defense is a good offense and since the scenario you described is so commonplace and happens so often, I make a point of working into such new meetings that as a result of the cancer surgery, I sound like Dick Clark on the New Year's eve TV shows. People are going to be curious and as you have found out, some are also stupid and thoughtless. And while you can slap someone silly, you can't slap them smart.
Charm

Charm,

Nice strategy, thanks!

Anita

My husband always says "you can't fix stupid" always makes me laugh...

There is a 2006 movie called Idiocracy that pretty well explains why there seem to be more and more stupid people in the world. You only need to watch the first 5-10 minutes after that the movie is too stupid to watch.