Thanks for commenting Mona. Yes I know what you mean about on one hand wishing friends/family would raise the issue but then also not wanting to burden them. And I also think they don't know what to say.... I had a new job last year and I had to tell them that I'd just finished cancer treatment (which you will know is a little traumatic to say the least!) - and then all my colleagues (2 females) did was kinda nod and then changed the subject and they never brought it up again in the whole six months I worked there! I realised then that I wouldn't just tell anyone about by cancer in the future because I think its such a personal thing and that others don't really know what to say and think it just makes them feel uncomfortable with you.