Gordon,

These posts are all so wonderful. I just wanted to add that I've had my own struggles with family members wanting to avoid the impact of my illness--and in one case uleashing a boatload of resentment about how I wasn't thinking of their needs when I was going through radiation and chemo (actually, no, I wasn't thinking of their needs too much--they are an adult and it was all I could do to take care of my own needs)but I have also run into wonderful unexpected love and support from other folks.

I know how the rejection or avoidance from family members can hurt--there isn't any way it won't because you have a big heart-- but when you are fighting this disease, you can't let yourself wade in that pain too much--turn towards the blessings you have in life--we all have blessings, even if they are small ones--and take "the kindness of strangers" when it's offered. There is definitely as much good this brings out in people as bad.

Nelie