Do you have something that tells people that you are a cancer patient? Bald head, big bandage, anyth

GregP_WN

If so or even if not, have you found that people have treated you differently because of it? I had something new happen today. One of the things that I have had to get used to is I can't order at a drive-through window. It helps if you can actually talk into the little box. So I skip it often unless someone is riding with me that can order, or I will go inside and go through the routine of trying to see if anyone can understand me. Sometimes I win, sometimes I crash and burn. Today, I go into Taco Bell to order, I had a piece of paper and pen just in case. I tried using my electrolarynx first and the lady taking the order understood me, the manager was standing beside her and made sure everything was right. Then she looked at me and said very slowly and loudly, DO.....YOU.....WANT.....A......DRINK? I'm not deaf, I just can't speak. It's a learning curve. Then, they insisted that I go sit down and they would bring it out to me, at least 3 times the manager stopped to check on me.

GregP_WN

When I got my order and was sitting at the table thinking about this, I appreciate the effort they took to help a seemingly disabled person. I texted my wife and told her about it and said they think I'm disabled I guess. She said, well, you are. I guess I am in a way, but I'm learning to deal with it and work around things.

PaulineJ

My hairdresser for years now told me my hair is like wire/baby fine hair.lol! She still does great work though.

JaneA

Actually that was a beautiful and gracious gesture on the managers part, because some fast-food restaurants ask you to leave if you look different, have autism, or have a physical disfigurement. I saw Bravo to you for getting back into life, and Bravo to that manager for serving you with dignity and care.

Dkatsmeow

They either think I have cancer or I tangled with a serial killer since I have scar from ear to ear. Also at the beach, I have a scar on my leg from kne to hip bone & a feeding tube. Also the anatomy in my throat is so screwed up. I have alot of mucus. people do tend to avoid me. Though ordering food is not an issue for me, I can't eat.

LiveWithCancer

I'm with JaneA - bravo that you're continuing to live life, regardless of the hurdles. And kudos to the restaurant, too, for caring.

andreacha

Apparently the staff wasn't "put off" by your voice. And you were understood the first time. I agree with the others, most managers, particularly fast food, wouldn't take the time to be considerate and understanding. Not that they are not good people, just that it's a much faster pace than casual dining. I had been in Hotel Management, to include food and beverage, and if I saw that manager acting the way she did towards you, I'd scoop her up so fast she wouldn't have know what hit her. I've found that you either have the right disposition - or you don't. And she certainly did.

cllinda

Not now but seven years ago, I was bald from chemo. I wore pretty scarves out in public. One night, we went out for dinner to a local joint here in town. I was just starting to be able to go out with my scarves to something other than a doctor's office or the hospital. We ordered dinner and when the bill was given to us our server said it had been taken care of anonymously and it was just so sweet. I guess people do know what is under that pretty scarf. A bald head from chemo!

Bengal

When I was bald ( I generally wore a baseball cap in summer, a toque ( or two or three) in winter, I was afraid people would stare at me or, the opposite, turn away and pretend they hadn't noticed. Instead most people were very gracious, more polite than the average sales clerk, waitress, mechanic, etc... can normally be expected to be. It was kinda nice to inspire people to their best behaviour