I’m writing about the fact that though I may have survived cancer (it was diagnosed and treated fairly early), I don’t consider it as defining or as traumatic as people seem to think it is. I’m wondering if it might be offensive to people who have struggled a lot with cancer, i.e. lost a close family member.
PM Me?
I’m too swamped right now to read another essay.
But here’s my objection: you say it’s not what defines you, but it’s the focus of your college essay. So isn’t it what you’re choosing to put out there as who you are? I think it’s sending a mixed message-- I’m not defined by my cancer, but I want you to know about it… know what I mean???
Perhaps it reads differently than I’m interpreting it, but just keep that in mind, OK?
But, for what it’s worth, I have a bit of experience in this and absolutely would not be offended. My medical history is part of who I am today, but it doesn’t define me. It’s simply one part of the puzzle.
Best wishes for your continued good health.
My essay mentions a time when I told people I once had cancer. I basically talk about how I wish I had used other words to talk about it, minimizing it and joking about it so that I wouldn’t be the “Girl who used to have cancer.”
I’d say the main point of my essay is that I love words and using different words could have changed how people perceived me while still conveying the same message. The cancer is only a part of the essay.
Thank you for taking the time to answer my question.
Honestly, to no one I know am I “the woman who had cancer.”