Hi Cblair,

Welcome to this friendly forum. I would suggest you just act as normal and if your friend wants to talk about cancer thats okay. It's been my experiance that most people like to keep some semblance of normality in their lives and not let cancer take over. For instance if you like sharing a laugh together keep on doing it for it will take your friends mind of the cancer.. I hope other will be along shortly to give their ytake on what you've written.

Best wishes to you and your friend, Brian.

Hi and welcome to the forum..  Some years ago I was in the same position whilst supporting a friend in her early thirties (three children) with breast cancer.  Like Brian has said her main concern was not to be treated differently and I took my lead from her.  She liked nothing better than hearing all the gossip as she rested during her lengthy treatments.  My friend was very open about her illness and I did not need to second guess how she felt or what she needed as she shared everything with family and friends.  Her immediate family took care of most practical matters and we had an understanding that she would ring me when she felt up to a visit (her chemo was pretty gruelling first time round).  If you are close then she will feel comfortable if perhaps you offer to have her little girl once in a while so she can rest but my friend wanted family close to  her during difficult periods as it helped her cope emotionally.  I also spoke to her husband and the boys (I was godmother to the youngest) to find out the best way of supporting them as a family and the overwhelming consideration was to 'keep it as it has always been'.

All the  best and  hope your friends responds well to the treatment she has to undergo. Jules54

My biggest help ever was meals for the freezer!  When you are feeling poorly, there is nothing better than knowing you havent got to cook a meal for the family.  And ironing and shopping! x