# “At least I haven't got cancer”

- Teacher: Ajahn Brahm
- Type: Joke
- URL: https://beingmindfulstories.com/stories/brahm-joke-cancer-and-alzheimers
- Themes: humour, illness
- Life situations: serious diagnosis, needing a laugh

## Synopsis (editorial summary)

A doctor tells a man he has terminal cancer — and Alzheimer's. “Alzheimer's? Oh, that's not so bad. At least I haven't got cancer.”

## The story, as told by Ajahn Brahm (verbatim captions)

Guy goes to goes to the doctor and the doctor said, "Sorry, sir. You got terminal cancer." Oh, gee, that's bad news. But the doctor says, "But I found another disease you have as well. You've also got Alzheimer's disease." Alzheimer's? Oh, that's not so bad. At least I haven't got cancer.

## Teaching point

(Told 'out of context'; a bright, energised mind remembers jokes and enjoys life.)

## Reflection (in the spirit of Ajahn Brahm's talk)

Told he has terminal cancer and Alzheimer's, a man brightens: at least I haven't got cancer. A dark joke that dawns slowly. Ajahn Brahm finds a rested, energised mind enjoys life more and sees deeper. Find out about life for yourself. And give yourself a break while you work hard.

## Source

- [Building a House of Peace | Ajahn Brahm | 13-04-2007](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxK7iqG2XQA) (Buddhist Society of Western Australia) — watch from 50:33 to 50:54: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxK7iqG2XQA&t=3033s