As the holiday season swings into gear -- Thanksgiving behind us, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Winter Solstice, and the New Year ahead -- I often ask patients, caregivers, and colleagues to share their thoughts about cancer and the holidays.
These conversations range from the profound to the ridiculous. I thought that I'd share just a few one-liners (OK, maybe some are a bit longer) that I've collected over the years...
If I could be anywhere for Christmas, I wouldn't change a thing, no way, I would be right here, just like I am, here in this bed with my favorite IV pole, the world's smallest TV, the best catheter any guy's ever had, yeah, right here with all of you lovely people (long pause)... Almost had ya, didn't I? Ha, get real!
52-year-old prostate cancer patient
The best thing about cancer and Thanksgiving is that I can eat all of the pie I want, guilt free. I love pumpkin pie!
69-year-old pancreatic patient
I'd rather eat my foot than the stuff they serve here, especially for Thanksgiving!
32-year-old nurse working overnight on Thanksgiving
Well, since she's been so sick, I'll celebrate anything, really, any holiday you've got, throw it at me, just as long as I can drink to it!
49-year-old caregiver
We don't really believe in anything, but this year we've decided to believe in Santa. I've already posted a letter asking for a donor match. I just hope I'm on the "nice list," it would suck to get a lump of coal!
53-year-old multiple myeloma patient
We asked Santa for Viagra!
56-year-old prostate cancer patient and his wife
I'm on-call. I'll be drinking Martinelli's at midnight in the staff lounge, want to come?
28-year-old resident on New Year's Eve
The best thing about the holidays is that all of the family drama gives me a break from thinking about my cancer!
24-year-old leukemia patient
Happy Holidays to everyone on TheONC!
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