Yes, there are people who have said that to those of us who have Lyme. Now, before you get all upset and start leaving comments about how cancer is so bad, you can save it. My mom was diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer almost 5 years ago. Now, she is dealing with her 4th bout of skin cancer. Also, my paternal grandmother had breast cancer that was treated and metastasized 17 years later, ultimately taking her life. You only truly understand something if you're close to it personally. I can say I've been close to cancer. I haven't had it myself, but immediate family members are as close as you can get. It's difficult to see someone you love go through something so terrible. I get it. I truly do. People die from cancer, but people also die from Lyme.
Here's something that might take you by surprise. I saw a post on Facebook a couple of weeks ago in one of my Lyme support groups. Someone had said, "How many of you wish you had Stage 1 cancer instead of Lyme?" Out of everyone who responded, guess how many said "no." You're right. Not a single one. One of those who commented was a former oncology nurse.
You may think that's terrible, but here's why we would rather have cancer than Lyme.
1. Doctors believe you have it because the cancer markers or biopsies say you do.
2. They will treat it immediately without judgment.
That's pretty much it.
So, at least it isn't cancer. You're right, because if it was cancer Lyme patients:
1. wouldn't end up with pyschiatry, rheumatology, neurology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, infectious diseases, cardiology, ophthalmology, internal medicine, gynecology, pulmonology, immunology, urology, dermatology, allergy, & surgical referrals.
2. wouldn't have to see an average of 8-10 doctors in 8-10 years until diagnosed.
3. wouldn't lose friends and family because they never believed you were sick.
4. wouldn't be labeled hypochondriacs, drug seekers, or looking for attention.
5. wouldn't have been misdiagnosed (for years) with a myriad of different diseases.
6. wouldn't have their providers face prosecution for their treatment protocols.
7. wouldn't be judged by anyone...family, friends, or medical professionals.
8. wouldn't have to explain why they're being treated when the test was negative.
9. wouldn't have to keep the names of their providers a secret.
10. wouldn't have to be afraid to go to the ER when they needed to.
11. wouldn't have to be afraid to tell ER staff they have a PICC line for Lyme treatment.
12. wouldn't have to explain how bad Lyme is because people already knew.
13. wouldn't be laughed at or yelled at by doctors.
14. wouldn't have to make a case for brain fog since chemo brain is the same.
15. wouldn't have to be so vocal on social media to disseminate information/awareness.
16. would have insurance pay for treatment.
17. would be believed by their doctors no matter what crazy symptoms they have.
18. would have the CDC acknowledge what they have actually exists in late-stage form.
19. would easily be able to find an LLMD because there's one in every hospital.
20. would have people listen when they tell them you can die from Lyme.
BUT...