[chekmark]

I had people coming out of the woodwork with gifts, cards, literature, food etc. I personally did want not want anything associated with cancer especially literature and cd's. I could not eat cuz I was a nervous wreck and lost 30 lbs before I even started any treatment. I found that I could only tolerate the people that had a happy story not a bad one. (You all know who they are). Why would people even tell you such a story. The things I got the most use out of was a lady I had just met recently was a 5 and 10 yr survivor and was very encouraging to speak to, she brought me a basket with thank you cards, pens, socks, chap stick, johnsons baby soap since our skin is so sensitive during chemo, headbands for after chemo etc. It was great, I used the thank you cards but of course sent her a special one. I still wear the socks and the chapstick is gone. Everyone is different. I also received not 1 but 2 prayer shawls which I cherish. I hated the pink ribbons and such. I am the first in my family to have breast cancer and I have always donated for breast cancer and did walks. I was all for a cure but when I got it I did not want to be constantly reminded of it. I was struggling enough. This is my personal outlook of course, some people just want to be so caught up in it. I panicked cuz I read so much. Hope all goes well with your cousin. Please keep us informed. It is fortunate that she has someone that has been there done that to talk to. God bless. Darlene