dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2819929/Cancer-not-called-battle-say-language-experts.html
A few years ago my treatment involved seeing one or other of two Onc doctors every month. Both were caring, friendly doctors. But even when my markers had risen or times were not so great one of the doctors, with carefully chosen words, always managed to leave me feeling ok with the situation, life was still good.
Interesting article. I have to say I’ve personally never found the battle metaphor helpful. I remember listening to a comedian a few years ago. - think it was Jeremy Hardy - saying he didn’t understand it either, suggesting it was the wrong word and hoping that his own obituary would read ‘died after a brief battle with a tiger’ as a more appropriate context for the word!!
It’s the implication that if you are strong and determined enough you will get better that I can’t relate to. Don’t think I’ve heard it used in hospital though. xx
Me too!
The language used when talking about this disease, is really important and it can help or hinder…
‘Battle’, ‘you have to stay positive’, ‘you must be strong’ etc. don’t help me personally. Dont tell me to be strong or stay positive -you live with this for a week and see how you do!! :)
We are all coping, sometimes well, and sometimes understandably, not so well, and trying to live our lives as best and as fully as we can for as long as we can. Thats it. The treatment does the fighting.
We are all just trying to ge through this. Give us empathy and support, not make us feel guilty for not being ‘strong’ enough, or ‘positive’ enough.
Rant over!! Have a good day ladies!!
Mowser xxx