Humor, Hurt, and Healing: Finding Language That Fits Your Cancer Experience

Cancer and Comedy: Coping with Cancer with Hope and Humor

In this episode, Deb Krier and Dr. Brad Miller discuss the language used to describe cancer experiences, emphasizing the importance of personal terminology. Deb identifies as a warrior and survivor, while Brad prefers "coping" and "impacted." They critique terms like "patient" and "battle," noting individual preferences and the need for respectful language. Deb shares her use of "Arty" for humor, and Brad mentions others' creative approaches, highlighting the significance of language in shaping perceptions and experiences, advocating for terms that resonate with the individual's journey and comfort level. The conversation underscores the importance of authenticity and sensitivity in discussing cancer.

Personal perspectives on cancer language, Dr. Brad Miller shares his struggle with identifying as a patient, survivor, or battler. He introduces the term "cope" as a way to describe his experience with cancer. At the same time, Deb Krier recounts a story where she corrected a medical staff member for referring to her as a "thyroid cancer patient" in which they discuss the importance of being seen and heard as individuals, not just as patients.

The impact of cancer language on individuals as they discuss the varying perspectives on cancer language, such as "warrior" being a triggering word for some, suggests using terms like "journey" or "dealing with health issues" to avoid labeling. At the same time, Dr. Brad shares a personal anecdote about the word "cancer" being associated with his zodiac sign. They both agree on the importance of using language that resonates with the individual's experience.

As we explore alternative cancer language. They discuss the use of terms like "living with cancer" and "going through the cancer process." Dr. Brad Miller shares examples of personal language used by others, such as "firing my partner" (cancer) and "turning grim into a grin.". In contrast, Deb shares her experience of calling her cancer "Arty" and creating a cartoon character to humorously represent it. Dr. Brad emphasizes the need for personal language that helps individuals cope with their cancer journey.

Dr. Brad and Deb agree on the importance of respecting individual preferences in cancer language, highlighting the need for language that helps people live life to the fullest, regardless of their cancer experience. Deb reiterates the importance of using terms that are comfortable and supportive for the individual, as Dr. Brad concludes by emphasizing the role of hope and humor in the Cancer and Comedy community.

Brad Miller’s Links:

Website: https://cancerandcomedy.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfP2JvmMDeBzbj3mziVGJUw

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertbradleymiller/