There are words I intensely dislike, and so I don’t use them. But, that’s not what’s happening here in this title. What I really mean to say is that cancer stinks, yup it smells really bad. When I was the most ill, everything that came out of me (in any way) smelled REALLY awful. My breath, my sweat, my flatulence, … everything. Not that body odors are usually sweet smelling, but I’ve never been a particularly stinky person. (Well, the me before cancer I mean.)
This all came rushing back to me this weekend when I was ill. I’m much better now, but I had some virus going around with everything from body aches to diarrhea. And back came the stink full force! I know it wasn’t my imagination, it was the same odor, the cancer stink. Now I’m not saying my illness this weekend was cancer related, but it smelled the same. Probably no research on this and now that I’m better I smell better!
One cancer stink doesn’t really go away – the flatulence one. I know everyone’s toots stink, but cancer toots top ’em all. Don’t believe me? You could ask Dan or my grandkids, but they might be too polite or kindhearted to answer (even though we joke about it). Just ask my dogs. Especially the two that sleep under the covers, against me. You get the picture. My dogs are very forgiving. cancer stinks.
When I was first diagnosed I remember apologizing to Dr. Gandhi for my exceptionally stinky sweat. She was the one who confirmed for me that it was cancer stink. On that day I was too busy trying to stay alive to spend more time on the topic with her, but I wish I could. (She has since left Dana Farber.)
I know I’ve read that dogs have smelled their owner’s cancer before diagnosis. I’m quite sure my dog Rusty diagnosed me way before anyone else – he knew how sick I was before we realized it – maybe it was the cancer stink. He was very attentive this weekend, so maybe he smelled the cancer stink too.
All I know for sure on this one is that cancer STINKS!
polepole ~ breathe 