A buddy of mine is currently at M.D. Anderson, having had his esophagus removed after an endoscopy revealed a tumor. I went up there to visit him today and spent some time.
Before having cancer I probably wouldn't have gone and would not have known what to say if I had. I would probably have considered him a " dead man walking".
However now that I am an old cancer pro, I delighted in being there, bluntly discussed all the issues with my friend and joked around. When he wanted to take a walk around the hospital, I helped him unplug his IV stuff and even tied the gown on his hairy back and off we went, even cruising far away halls full of esoteric labs where his presence drew curious looks from the lab workers not used to seeing patients wandering so far.
So there you have it...having cancer put me in a position to understand what he is going through, to be nonplussed by the tube in his nose and the fact that he is sick, and hopefullly, to add a little good advice, hope and joy to his situation. It helped that he is a great guy who already has a wonderful attitude.

Danny G.

Danny...... Your post brought a smile to my face; your friend is lucky to have someone who is knowledgeable and kind. Thanks for sharing the story. Sincerely, Donna

What a great thing for you to do, Danny, and you are correct -- cancer changes us in more ways than just physically. In my case, for every little thing I lost, I gained others. You should know that Donna, who posted above me, is the woman who answered ALL of my many questions and by so doing, helped me sing and dance though treatment (only a slight exaggeration). Recently my ENT asked me to talk to a post-neck patient who was refusing radiation. I might have balked at arm twisting a stanger before, but this time I jumped in with both feet and after three days of phone calls and e-mails, he saw the light. I think the cancer experience must do something to make us more giving and accepting. Not a bad trade off. And Donna is correct - your friend is lucky to know you. Good going, Danny!
Joanna

ABSOLUTELY! way to go!

Danny I have felt compelled to help with the trials of other "C" people. Two months before my diagnosis another person at our church was diagnosed with lymphoma (probably spelled wrong). I didn't know of his problem untill he offered to help me when I was nearly a wreak with my diagnosis. He and I still remain vigilent in our support for each other and we both have sought to help several others. One of mine was a High school classmate that I heard had just recieved an Ovarian Cancer diagnosis. I called her out of the blue (we had not talked for 20+ years) we talked for a long time and I believe it was good for both of us. I would not have done that before my ordeal.
I have since done that for several near strangers and we now continue to stay in touch.

Thanks to every one! it helps.

Danny,

You hit the nail on the head - you couldn't have done this before - a little good from cancer!!!
Understatement - You probably made it a BIG good for someone else.

It's special thing you did that I am sure made a bit difference in someone's life.

You Go Guy,
Dinah

Danny's post shows that he has learned a valuable lesson and incorporated it into his life, as I see have many of the posters that followed his comment. In thinking of what makes a life complete, even whole, it is the incorporation of a simple process that returns more than it costs. And it is this

You guys have me blushing. All I did was take a little bit of my time to go visit a guy that I am very fond of.

Danny