I'm not a caregiver, but a patient.  Some people deal with the diagnosis very slowly and some not at all.  I was at a support group recently where it was mentioned that some people want nothing to do with a cancer diagnosis, they want it in no way to be attached to their name.  I'm not sure what can be done if they're not willing to accept it.  I went through a period of depression for about 2 weeks and there was nothing anyone could say to help.  I feel very lonely at times, even though I know there are other going through the same thing.  Be steadfast in your encouragement to this person.
  Lynn        
Stage 3, N0, M0 oral tongue cancer survivor, 85-90% of tongue removed, neck disection, left tonsil removed, chemo/radiation treatments, surgery 11/03, raditation ended 1/04, lung mets discovered 4/04,
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