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Life Through Lipstick Lenses: Angel Skin- A beautiful pinky-nude colored lipstick
If you grew up in the 80’s and 90’s you are familiar with the sitcom ‘Cheers’. The chorus of the theme song of the show went something like this, “Where everybody knows your name, and they’re always glad you came….” Well, I never thought that the place where everyone knew my name would be a hospital or doctor’s office, but here I am. I had a PET scan recently and the intake staff as well as the tech knew who I was, asked how I was doing, asked about the family, etc. and then I went to my laryngologist office and I’m not kidding, everyone knew my name from the check-in girl, to a few medical assistants, the check-out girl , and even some of the other doctors in the office.
It’s good and bad. It’s nice to have a place where people know you, have kept up with your health (by the nature of their jobs), and seem genuinely concerned about you. But then again, the bad part is they know my name and they’ve seen me so much because I’ve been sick for so long. I never thought that by the age of 41 I would have a medical chart that could rival a sickly senior citizen and my journey continues on because sadly, the PET scan still showed more cancer.
Well, so what. Hospital, doctor’s office, they still know me and they’re still people who are part of my story. Over the years I have gotten to know some of them and their stories too and it’s been great. Now that I’m getting to know them so well, I can focus on them instead of on me the whole time, we all know why I’m there. Consider that at your next appointment, look them in the eye, and ask about them, it makes the appointments more interesting and helps you realize they are people with their own issues too! Over the trials and tribulations of my health they’ve seen me cry, laugh, and essentially go crazy. I love them.
For them I wear Angel Skin lipstick because of two things, they have been angels along the way, but also because it’s a nude color; they’ve seen me at my most vulnerable. Thank you to all my caregivers, and thank you for knowing my name.
Written by, Anna Warner
Tags: Anna Warner, cancer awareness column, cancer health column, contending with doctors knowing your name more than your neighbors, doctors knowing your name, Life Through Lipstick Lenses: Angel Skin- A beautiful pinky-nude colored lipstick
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9 Responses to “Life Through Lipstick Lenses: Angel Skin- A beautiful pinky-nude colored lipstick”
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Anna,
I love your columns! I am sorry your journey of cancer continues, but with your attitude, it doesn’t stand a chance! I plan to wear Angel Skin lipstick when I go for my follow-up scans in early October. I am new to this journey, but I suppose at some point “everybody will know MY name”!
Joanne
Thank you Joanne! Good luck with your scans!
xoxo
Anna
you hang in there. I was diagnosed in 2001 with hurtle cell carcinoma, minimal capsule invasion(thyroid). Doctors were sketchy on my chances of survival. Some thought I would be “ok”( yeah that’s what I wanted to hear), others basically said, sucks to be you. 2 surgeries, 3 times in RAI and in 2006 I finally went into remission. Today’s my birthday, and I can tell you I am thrilled to still be here. And to the doctor who answered my question, “Is this going to kill me?, with “well, we all have to die of something someday.” kiss my a**!
Thank you for your encouragement. This fourth diagnosis has been hard. After three surgeries and RAI and external beam, they said I can no longer get any more radiation so surgery may be it. In the meantime, I already lost my right vocal cord and am hanging on to the left (of course the cancer is back on the left). After being clean for a year, this was devastating for me, but, one day at a time…it ain’t over till it’s over!
hi there,
I’m new to all this.
Have been told I have hurthle cell , but don’t know yet if it is cancerous. It 3×4 cm & well encapsulated & will be operated soon. I’m very scared & afraid . Any advice is appreciated
Hi Esther,
My advice is to always get more than one opinion and ask a lot of questions from your doctors. Different doctors treat thyroid cancer differently so it’s always good to ask what type of treatments you will be receiving and what to expect in terms of surgery and after. You should also go to thyca.org for info regarding your particular type of cancer (even if it’s not cancer, just for information). Also, if there is a support group near you, join! All I ever heard was thyroid cancer is easy and treatable, obviously for me it was not. Seek out support and take one day at a time!
Hugs and prayers,
Anna
I am so thankful to find your blog and FB page! Although I do not have cancer I have an autoimmune system disease that makes my journey to the VA quite like a Cheers show every time I go! How wonderful to find a kindred soul with a great attitude. Now I have to find this Angelskin lipstick!
Thank you Katie! Cancer…disease…yes, we’re all in this together! Sounds like you have an awesome spirit and positive attitude too!
Cheers!
thank you Anna for your kind words & support. I had 2nd opinion & I’m staying with second Dr in London. He seems to know what he is talking about. Feel much better now, although I’m still afraid of the outcome.
I hope things are going to work out for you.
Big hugs