I created this postcard in 2007 to express my feelings. I intended to share it anonymously at PostSecret.com, but I was inspired to share it publicly after a post in the Endometriosis Research Center’s Yahoo group struck close to home.
The question was “What should people know, what do people (wrongly) think?” One of the responses was made by a mother about her daughter. Someone had said to her daughter, “Well I know people with cancer that make it to school everyday!” which was crushing.
As if dealing with a disease that has no cure and whose treatment options are dangerous and damaging wasn’t enough, the lack of understanding is that much worse. I consider myself to be blessed that so many try to understand, but I see them struggle with it everyday like I’m supposed to magically get better. I watch as they can’t help but become frustrated with me when I say that I am not okay, but appear fine.
My dad has been fighting cancer for about five years now. When I tell anyone about my dad the response is always something to the effect of, “Oh I’m so sorry, I’ll pray for him!” or something of similar ilk. While they may not understand fully what it means to have cancer or watch someone you love deal with it, it is common knowledge that it is a horrible thing to have to go through and scary to boot.
Endometriosis is scary, too.
