Hear you @Sister! I ended up almost resenting being told how well I was coping and how positive I was etc etc. Even though I knew it was well meaning and meant as encouragement I started to feel I always had to present myself in the strongest possible light. Yes there were times when I did feel stoic or brave or lucky or whatever but there were also times when I was so resentful or scared or feeling absolutely shitty but I ended up not giving an honest response even when what I really wanted was a shoulder to cry it all out on because I didn’t want to seen as weak or not coping. I have learnt that reactions are complex and at times contradictory when dealing with such long treatments and side effects etc and I agree with the others that until you are in a situation you can’t truly understand no matter how hard you try to emphasise. It is such a blessing to have this place where there is no barrier to laying it all out in the open knowing you are surrounded by those who offer nothing but understanding and support with no judgement so get out there and to hell with other people’s opinions or judgements. 😘