Humor's Ability to Heal

Humor can instantly a smile to someone’s face, but finding laughter in times of shock, sadness, grief and anger can be challenging. Some individuals may even find it insensitive.

Yet one woman found her sense of humor offered the best way to cope with a cancer diagnosis. After learning that she had diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, Diana Bosse began to share her humorous takes on cancer, such as treatment-related hair loss, taste changes, constipation and pill organization, with friends on Facebook. Bosse quickly discovered that her friends looked forward to her messages as much as she found comfort in writing them.

Positive feedback led Bosse to fulfilling her lifelong dream of becoming a published author. She

would never have accomplished that, she believes, had it not been for her diagnosis. Her book, “The Perks of Having Cancer: An Inspirational, Positive and Humorous View of a Not-So-Inspirational, Positive or Humorous Situation,” depicts her life and thoughts through cartoon. Within these pages of Heal®, you’ll learn more about how Bosse laughed through lymphoma as she transitioned from patient to survivor.

In this issue, we also explore the risk of diabetes after cancer and its treatment. Research links the two diseases, with some findings suggesting that the incidence of diabetes is six times greater among people with cancer compared with those who don’t have cancer. Two survivors share how they confronted diabetes, and we also offer tips for preventing this life-changing condition.

In addition, world champion figure skater Scott Hamilton pens a personal note to the readers of Heal®. After facing a mysterious illness that caused him to stop growing as a child and battling testicular cancer followed by three brain tumors as an adult, Hamilton understands overcoming health adversities. Read on as he discusses the blessings behind survivorship.

Also inside: targeted intervention for sexual health, advice on mentoring others after cancer, and easy-to-make sides and snacks. We hope you find both practical information and everyday inspiration, and, as always, thank you for reading.