In my fantasy game of Jeopardy, I choose Diseases No One Wants for $200. The clue reads, Cancer. I buzz in immediately. What is the disease caused by an uncontrolled division of abnormal cells? Alex Trebek knowingly nods his head as he replies Correct. I move onto Side Effects for $400. The clue pops up: Nausea, Fatigue and Anxiety. I buzz in again. What are common side effects of chemotherapy?
Next up Stupid Platitudes for $600. Ive hit on the daily double and must decide how much Im willing to wager. What do I have to lose? Ive already come this far. I put it all on the line. The clue: Youll beat this thing because you are a fighter. I smile at the inanity of the remark, What is a ridiculous cliche most cancer patients will hear from a well-meaning friend or relative?
I have good cause for feeling as if this episode of Jeopardy is a rerun. Eighteen years ago, I had breast cancer. This time around it is lung cancer. Might this qualify me as a contestant for Double Jeopardy?