Shut up about the brain cancer, already

I told myself I wasn't going to talk about brain cancer for an entire month (starting May 2). And then at work today I mentioned my brain cancer three times to a close co-worker (all within one half hour)!To me, talking about brain cancer is as easy as talking about a sore throat. I feel like it is no big deal mentioning it around people who already know about it.But that is beside the point. I wanted to take a break from talking about it for me -- partly because I want to see if I can do it out of sheer will, and partly because I think there may be a moral to the end of the story.So here is my dilemma:The local brain tumor support group meets on the first Thursday of each month, and the next meeting is in two days. I haven't been to the group since January and I would like to go, but if I do that means I would be talking about brain cancer for two hours. (Well, I'd be mainly listening to other people talk. But still.)When I told myself I wouldn't talk about brain cancer for an entire month I did give myself an exception for dealing with medical professionals, and technically this support group could count since it is moderated by a neuro-surgery nurse practitioner.Should I go, or not?If I do go, am I cheating? Or does the support group not count?Feel free to weigh in.

Liz Salmi

Liz Salmi is Communications & Patient Initiatives Director for OpenNotes at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. Over the last 15 years Liz has been: a research subject; an advisor in patient stakeholder groups; a leader in “patient engagement” research initiatives; and an innovator, educator and investigator in national educational and research projects. Today her work focuses on involving patients and care partners in the co-design of research and research dissemination. It is rumored Liz was the drummer in a punk rock band.

https://thelizarmy.com
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