I was getting overwhelmed with phone calls from family and friends every day. They always asked the same question “how are you feeling today” I just asked them to stop asking me just ring me up and have a chat about anything else and I would send them text message about my progress as I got news. They were feeling sorry for me and it was getting me down. Tell them you are under the best care and your in for a battle, sound positive as it puts their minds at ease. Try to get them to make you laugh. One friend sends me funny jokes others talk about our plans for family trip when I’ve finished chemo. Gives you something to research while your going on your journey

I had a talk with my family that doesn't live with me. I sent them a premade video and let them know the diagnosis. I also reminded them that 1 in 8 women get cancer and survive for 10,20,30+ years. I remind them that I am still me and I am strong, courageous and will beat this like I do everything else.. with hope, faith and a little bit of pixie dust. I named my 'lump' Lumpy Louie and make jokes about it. NO it isn't a laughing matter but if I start acting like I am dying they will treat me that way. I am the same person I was before and will be that same person when this is all over.. just need a little time to get through the rough patches. I said.. when I lose my hair I expect loads of scarves and wigs in the mail so I can be a different cool chick every day.... Loud colors welcome.. shoot if I'm gonna go crazy colors I might as well do it now !! I told them not to treat me like I am sick.... I am the same just have seen a LOT more of me INSIDES than I every have ( I send them the MRIs to make them laugh.. and they find it all fascinating !!) and have flashed my boobs at so many people i'm starting to ask for Mardi Gras beads. LOL. I told my household family.. LET ME DO THINGS... Don't let me lay around in bed and wait on me hand and foot. Ask me for your favorite food if you think i'm up to it, ask me to take a walk with you or to run to the store with you. Treat me normal and let me do things b/c if you don't I will feel like I am not able to do things and will go into a depression either feeling like you don't need me or want me around and I will not get better that way. I'm a caregiver.. I NEED to feel Needed... OK. Speech over.. If this helps ONE person... Just smile and have faith.... You WILL get through this...

Ask me how I'm doing if you're interested. Treat me like you've always treated me. Don't let my disease define how you treat me. I'm still me. Include me in your life, your stories. Joke with me, laugh with me, cry with me. Tell me what is going on in your life. Let me forget what I'm going through if only for a little while.

In agreement with everyone else just treat me as me, include me in things and allow me to make my own choice and say no if I can’t make it don’t just assume that I can’t go because I’m sick which happens a lot to me. As stated no pity, no asking how I’m feeling every time we talk, no conversations centered around the Cancer all of the time. All in all I guess what I’m saying is just to go about the normality as best as possible