One thing you do not get told and is not featured in any booklets you are given when you are diagnosed with cancer is that you will meet wonderful people who wont make it.
I don't think I will ever get used to that.
Sometimes you might only speak to these people via the internet, over the phone or if you are lucky enough face to face but no matter how the relationship is forged you have met a new friend.
Since my diagnosis in June 2010 I have lost 3 people who became friends very quickly and sadly were not as fortunate as me and lost their life to cervical cancer. All were younger than 40 and two of them left behind children. So sad.
My coping mechanism is to remember how lucky I am to still be here and try to make every day count.
Despite the sadness and the feeling of heartbreak for their families that these wonderful ladies lost their fight I would never stop making friends. The joy, support and friendship now matter how short is always worth it.
Lou
