DEAR ABBY: I have a problem that I don't know how to deal with and I'm hoping you can come up with a solution.
I'm undergoing chemotherapy for colon cancer. I'm happy to say that I'm doing well. I have a chemo session every two weeks, and afterward there is a bag I wear for two more days that pumps additional medicine into me. I do what I can to keep the bag out of sight, but it isn't easy. Sometimes the tubing works itself loose and hangs down a bit.
My problem is people seem to feel free to ask me what it's for, and it's really embarrassing. I don't know these people, and for heaven's sake, why would they feel they have the right to ask such a personal question? Some of them have approached me and asked loudly, "Hey! What's that for?" Then they stand there waiting for me to answer the question.
Going through chemo is hard enough physically and psychologically. I don't need some ignorant clod asking me about something so personal. Some won't take no for an answer. Do you have any ideas on how to deal with this? Every time it happens I feel depressed and upset. -- TRYING TO COPE
DEAR TRYING TO COPE: Say, "I'm being treated for a medical condition." And if the person then asks what it is, say, "It's personal. And if it was any of your business, you'd already know the answer to that question."