Letter to GL

Just a quick note regarding the current breast cancer storyline on GL. First let me say that Kim Zimmer is a wonderful actress and that her portrayal is honest and moving as always.

That being said, I'm very disappointed in how the storyline has been presented. While I understand that soap operas are dramatic in nature, I also know that these programs pride themselves in informing their audiences about important topics.

Being a cancer survivor myself I'm really quite appalled that Reva is taking this journey on by herself. She has loved ones in her life -- people she can count on to be there. This is not the time to push one's family and friends away and deal with it on one's own. From my own experience I can tell you that the support I got from them was crucial for me. Having cancer alone is dramatic enough -- there was no need to keep Josh in the dark so he could turn to his sister-in-law instead. Leave that storyline for another, more appropriate time.

I found the similar storyline on GL's sister-show As The World Turns equally as distressing. Yes, both Reva and Lucinda are strong, independent women, but I have to wonder if this was a missed opportunity to show that it IS all right to lean on one's loved ones in a time of crisis. It's neither a sign of weakness nor a blemish on one's character to do so. It might also have given both characters some oft-needed soft edges. Both have done stupid things in the name of looking out for their children -- it would've been nice to see them do something smart for a change to bring their families closer together.

As for the hair-losing scene, I would've preferred a more positive way of dealing with its falling out. I know this gives the actresses a much more dramatic scene to work with, however, I was rather taken aback by it. I literally turned to my mother to reassure that I did no such overly-dramatic wailing and gnashing of teeth when my hair started to fall out! My doctor had been up front, told me what would happen and I prepared for it in advance. I cut my hair short before chemo, decided on headwear that I felt was as flattering as possible under the circumstances and then when it did start coming out I made a beeline to the salon to shave it off rather than watch it come out in clumps. Frankly it felt gross and dead, and I refused to have it any longer. I knew it would grow back -- and it has and looks even healthier than before the chemo. I just think the writers at both GL & ATWT have missed the boat in providing what could have been an even more courageous, positive storyline by bogging it down with old and tired clichés.

I've been a huge fan of both shows for many years, and plan to be in the future as well. Yet, I couldn't let my disappointment sit idle. Cancer has unfortunately touched so many people's lives -- and will so many more. I just wish both programs could have presented the storylines in a more positive and dignified light.