How long have you been dx, Jules?

I know how to shut them up . . . just say "My bladder and bowels are no longer functioning, but otherwise I am doing quite well, thanks. "

Say it even if it isn't true.

If they have the guts to ask any more, just say it's "private".

Most people don't really want to know, it is just a habit to say "How are you?". What they really want is for you to tell them "I'm fine . . . but did you hear about the local highschool girl who commited suicide last week?".

It's like when they say "Have a nice day" . . . it's programmed manners, not a genuine interest in whether you are doing ok, or will have a nice day.

I tend to respond in blocks of time. If someone asks "How are you?", I will say "I had a rough couple of months", or "Last year was bad" . . . but "I've been doing relatively well lately...".

Cherie