When Carmen Anderson was diagnosed with metastatic thyroid cancer for the second time, she did what came naturally – write jokes.
"That's my personality," she told The Skanner. "Some people cry, some get depressed, some search for second opinions. I started writing jokes about my experience."
Anderson, a Portland State University graduate student will be performing her mostly one-woman show "Hellooooo Cancer!" at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 6 at PSU's Multicultural Center in the Smith Memorial Student Union, 1825 SW Broadway.
Despite getting a grim diagnosis from her doctors – she's been given two years – Anderson is committed to finishing the two terms left on her degree. She says she's been praying a lot and wants to continue on, despite the cancer's "gentle presence."
"I have two children, I can't just let it kill me," she says. "When you're asking the lord to save your life, you need to be living one."
This will be Anderson's first stage performance, aside from her reputation on campus as an engaging public speaker. The performance is free. You can visit Anderson's blog on Facebook under "Hellooooo Cancer."
