My local friends and some family who used to be very supportive avoid me because I take care of my appearance by looking well and living life to the fullest even though I have had 2 lung surgeries and brain radiation this year. I travelled to europe by myself on holiday. They dont feel I am too sick. However I am stage 4 and have a recurrence in my brain. I just want a support group I can count on. Most of my friends I speak with on a dad to day are other cancer patients or friends from out of tow. Why have my close friends turned on me?
2006-08-22 17:41:09 · 4 answers · asked by Chachaha 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
Sorry but they were never your real friends or they would be there beside you doing things with you and supporting you, do you have a support forum or a therapist? If you need a support forum send mail and I will help you find one.. good luck
2006-08-22 17:46:01 · answer #1 · answered by ncgirl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all - good for you for living life to the fullest!
As for your friends - I don't know. A lot of people stopped calling my mom when she was diagnosed with cancer. I think part of it is fear...they don't know what to say or fear saying the wrong thing. Not saying it's the correct attitude to have, but...
Good luck to you. Remember - attitude counts for waaaay more than the docs ever tell you.
2006-08-23 00:47:37 · answer #2 · answered by Tish 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your friends are afraid. Cancer is scary to them and they feel ashamed to look at you or even talk to you because they don't understand very much about it. They fear getting a dread disease from even being close to you. I am a physician and I see this reaction often. They also are uncomfortable because they enjoy good health. Finally they are afraid to think about loosing you. It is hard for you but also hard for them too. They just don't know how to handle it. They don't hate you and they still are as fond or loving, but they haven't found how to fit you into their minds. You seem very positive and I wish best for you.
2006-08-23 02:01:37 · answer #3 · answered by Frank 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They may not know what to say to you without upsetting you. It may not be you at all!! They just may be afraid to say the wrong thing. Have you approached a close friend about this? One who you feel would give you an honest answer?
My best wishes to you!
2006-08-23 00:48:19 · answer #4 · answered by wotana02 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋