I'm ok with people I haven't seen for a while telling me I seem much healthier than they expected.

I've worked my a** off the last 3 years to get here (from hospital bed to wheelchair to walker to cane to being able to pass as non-disabled during long walks), so I choose to take it as an acknowledgement of my hard work rather than a dismissal of my illness.

Sure, I'm dealing with a lot of challenges they can't see, but disabled ≠ unable, and stage 4 cancer doesn't have to look like the patronising pity stereotypes on TV shows. Dealing with this disease is a sign of strength, not helplessness. 💪