Optune Gio™ in public: getting out there

No such thing as normal 

When I first started using Optune Gio, I was self-conscious about it. 

I used to feel awkward and uncomfortable. People would ask me what I was wearing on my head and for a while, I didn’t quite know what to tell them. 

It certainly looked unusual, almost like something from a movie. 

And before I started using Optune Gio, I’d had a full head of hair. My brothers were all bald, but for me, my hair gave me my “edge.” It wasn’t easy to shave my head and start using Optune Gio. My pride took a hit. I remember when I was in the barber shop, the barber asked me twice if I was sure I wanted to shave it all off. I laughed, but said, “Yes!” 

It wasn’t easy to get used to my new look, but what helped the most was my support system. Having my wife, daughters, and grandkids cheer me up meant a lot. The more I used Optune Gio and the more people stared and asked me about it, the less strange it eventually became. 

I became accustomed to going out in public with it. 

I remember thinking one day, So what if I don’t look the same? What’s wrong with being different? 

Of course, I know it’s not that simple for everyone. I certainly was uncomfortable at first. Especially when I was out and about alone. When I was with my wife or friends, I felt like people gawked less. 

But there are options out there for those who might feel differently, like hats or scarves that can cover Optune Gio. That being said, I don’t think anyone should feel like they have to hide it. Personally, I like to stand out a little.

A positive attitude 

Now, when strangers ask me about Optune Gio, I just explain what it is and what it is designed to do. Most of the time, that satisfies them and I get positive comments supporting my efforts to fight this disease. I even recognize it as a good opportunity to educate others about Optune Gio. And who better to talk about it than an Optune Gio user himself? 

Usually, I still wear a hat when I go out, but that’s to protect the arrays—not to avoid stares from people. I encourage other Optune Gio users to be comfortable and confident when using Optune Gio in public. A positive outlook is so important, but it will take a while to find it. It took me some time, too. But I learned from my family and friends that I don’t have to hide Optune Gio from the world. Instead of letting the confused looks get to me, I can use Optune Gio with pride—or, at least, set aside my pride to use it (for me, that meant losing my hair). 

I’ve also learned not to worry so much about how I look. Most of the time, other people are just curious and that’s okay. Before I was diagnosed with GBM, I’d never heard of Optune Gio either. 

So instead of fearing those questions and stares, use those moments to bring a little more awareness to your fight. You just might meet a fellow warrior—or maybe a new friend. 

Dennis