Bob Riter

A Cancer Pity Party

Posted May 15th, 2014

A woman with cancer recently told me that she was planning a pity party. She explained that, “Cancer just sucks and I want to get together with my friends to acknowledge that it sucks.” Sounds reasonable. Those of us with cancer tend to put on brave faces. But there are times that we grieve for […]


What to Say When Cancer Returns

Posted June 12th, 2013

When cancer returns, the focus usually shifts from curing the cancer to controlling the cancer. It’s an entirely different situation from the initial diagnosis, and both patient and health professionals know it.


Advice For Those Newly Diagnosed

Posted August 8th, 2012

The first few days following a cancer diagnosis are like riding on top of a speeding train. You’re hanging on for dear life and can’t quite see what’s ahead.


I Have Cancer. What’s New With You?

Posted March 23rd, 2012

Should I tell this anonymous person that I have cancer? Will she write “Bob Riter has cancer” in some computerized database? Can people with cancer give blood?