When Linda first got cancer, we went to our long-standing family therapist, who cautioned us not to expect a cure; she told us that, while cancer might not kill Linda, we should see it as a chronic disease and expect to live with it forever. Linda’s new-age friends told her she must accept her cancer, own it, and even love it, in order to continue her life. Here’s what she wrote in response to similar advice to her breast cancer discussion group on America Online:

Subject: Breast Cancer and Anger

I received a post from a friend last night, advising me that perhaps, in this time of my surprise second dance with the beast, my attitude should be totally realigned, that at this time it's important for me to extend love and peace to every cell in my body.... Embrace them all!

Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't my little cancer "pal" spring from one of my own body's cells? And I've never thought of this struggle as one that relies on Ghandiesque philosophies of peace and non-violence.... Now do you suppose that she might accept me loving the little thing and hugging tight until it's dead?

How can we not be angry? Yes, positive's good, but the anger's still there, for me at least, and if I don't deal with it I believe it just feeds the beast. Better to keep the anger for myself, and let the beast forage on its own!! Anger is strong. Anger can heal. I plan to use mine!

Be well!

Linda