Dear Judy,
My sister got a diagnosis of breast cancer when she was only 30. She had a mastectomy, some chemo. That was 10 years ago, and every checkup since has been fine.
So she’s lucky, right? Not according to her!
Every time something bad happens to anyone — and some very bad things have happened (we have an uncle with Alzheimer’s and our father has prostate cancer which isn’t doing well, even with radiation), I have to listen to another chapter of her life: her fears, her concerns, her last mammogram. Also: since she’s experienced breast cancer, there’s a fair chance I might get it too — a subject I don’t mention to her.
Frankly, I’m tired of it. We all have problems. Hers seem to be over. Can I say something? So far I’ve kept my mouth shut, or switched the subject.
Carol
Dear Carol,
So far you’ve been very smart. Why break a perfect record?
I know what you’re going to reply: “Because my sister is a broken record!”
Okay, she is. But look at it another way. Yes, she’s self-obsessed. And scared. And no, the chances are you’re not going to change her.
Want to keep the peace? Keep up the good work!
Thank you for writing
Judy
