How to respomd

bhd1

she. What's wrong w your arm?

Me. It's lymphedema

She. What's that?

I don't think it's my job to explain so what do i say?

Leah_S

"A condition that causes chronic swelling". I don't feel the obligation to tell casual acquaintances about the BC or my surgical history. If it's someone who knows then I tell them the chronic swelling is an SE of BC surgery.

If it's strangers I don't answer. I don't think I have any obligation to rude people.

BTW, I don't think it's rude when casual acquaintances ask, it's someone showing concern. I've had people at the bus stop, etc, ask.

Leah

Anonymous

I don't mind if its strangers who ask and do it out of genuine interest and whether they are trying to be sensitive about it. Obviously this depends on a few things like where this is and HOW they ask and the tone of their voice. If thats all good then if I dont mind I'll use it as an opportunity to educate. If Im not up to it, I say so.

It depends on the "leadup" but if "she" said word for word out of the bluewhat you've written I would rather think it a bit rude and be likely to just walk away.