Feel like a real cow bringing this up.

Hi Helen, I have to agree with all thats been said previously! I too was totally surprised at the reaction of some people who i expected to be there for me, but weren't. On the otherhand other people who I didn't expect to support me were wonderful. I have a neighbour who used to smile and wave and chat to me every time she saw me outside..... until I got sick. Suddenly, when I lost my hair and was outside in the garden or walking to my car, she'd scurry away inside the house. She withdrew contact with me. Finally when my hair grew back and I was out in the garden one day, she came over to me and said "Hello Celeste, are you ok now? I heard from the other neighbours that you had cancer, and saw you lost your hair. I must apologise because I just felt so uncomfortable and didn't know what to say to you. I'm sorry I wasn't able to handle it...I just didn't know what to say". She was genuinely upset and sad that she wasn't able to be there for me. I realised at that moment it was her problem, not mine. She was the one with the "issues", not me. She felt guilty and miserable, and was seeking my forgiveness. I responded with kindness and told her that I understood her fear...she was not being malicious...she just couldn't cope with my illness. A BC diagnosis affects everyone differently, and although its hard, we must accept that. Surround yourself with positive, supportive people and leave the rest behind, even if only temporarily. My neighbour and I are back to our friendly ways now and all is good. Take care, Celeste x