Now that I have a two-week respite from chemotherapy and they have stopped dropping the atomic bomb on my esophagus, I have time to reflect on things philosophical like what terminology does one use when discussing cancer.  If you have never had cancer you probably never thought about what words to use to tell people you are cancerous.  (No, you wouldn't use that word which makes it sound like you're infectious. "Watch it! I'm cancerous!)  The most acceptable declaration is, "I've got (or have) cancer."  This is generic and can apply to anything from a common cold, the flu, small pox or leprosy."  It is the all-purpose sickness response.  You can't say, for example: "I've come down with a cancer."  "Well, I caught a cancer last week."  "Oh, I've got a touch of cancer." My preferred answer is "I have been diagnosed with cancer."  That sounds more classy and dignified.  It implies somebody extremely smart and well paid, based on scientific evidence has established that some of your cells have gone berserk and are unmercifully destroying your body from within. Now, that's class. You would never say "I have been diagnosed with dandruff." So you see, not only do you have to put up with all the miserable crap cancer bestows upon you, you also have to figure out a way to talk about it.  (More about this when I discuss the "war" on cancer in a future blog.)