Cancer Survivors Network

Hello everyone. I have been reading some of your posts, and I think this is such a great website. I am so happy for all of you who are cancer survivors, and to those of you who still have cancer... keep fighting! I also wanted to say that for those of you having dating trouble because of your new outlook on life, you will find the person who is right for you, who really appreciates who you are. Anyway, I am one of the people who can not possibly understand what you have all gone through because I have not had cancer, but I would like some help in trying. My cousin is 21, just a year younger than me, and has had a cancerous tumor removed from her neck. She will be having another tumor removed from her tongue as well as all of the lymph nodes from her jaw to her collar bone. She will then have radiation treatment. If possible, I would like your help in telling me some of the stories of support you received during your cancers that really helped you through it. The things that I think as a person who has not actually had cancer are that if I was in her situation, I would be very scared, and I would become much more appreciative of every moment in my life. Right now everyone in the family feels pretty helpless and just wants to send their love and support, which is probably the most important and helpful thing we can all do. We all of course think that it is so unfair for people to get cancer, especially so young, but thinking these things does not help my cousin get better. Is there anything else that I, or others in my family can do to make her feel better or take her mind off being sick without just getting in the way? What sorts of things did you do during your treatments and recovery? Did you like to read books or try to go out places? I think with only radiation therapy and no chemotherapy, she shouldn't be feeling too sick, but again I have never experienced this. Is there something in particular that someone did for you of gave to you that really encouraged you to fight your cancer and beat it? Thanks for any help you can give. I am sure that everyone's cases are very different, but the more I can learn from people who have actually gone through this, the better I can start to understand how to be supportive without really knowing what it's like. I really appreciate your time and help. - Steph