This seems like a good spot to mention one aspect of cancer that has been a huge blessing to me: the overwhelming encouragement and support I've received from those around me. From the moment I started to tell people about my diagnosis, I received emails, phone calls, cards, and gifts. People who had been on the periphery of my life contacted me to ask if there was anything they could do to help. I had offers from cleaning my house to bringing meals to my family and going with me to doctor's appointments. So far, I haven't had to take anyone up on those offers, but I'm keeping them in mind in case I need them during my treatment phase. Telling my co-workers about having cancer seemed to knock down all of the social barriers and bring about an emotional intimacy that couldn't have happened any other way. I've had women tell me that they, too, had cancer years ago and they are doing fine now. I would have never known this about them if I hadn't told them about my situation first.