Jen,

I was 41 when I was diagnosed, unmarried with no kids, but a dental hygienist, so I has some professional knowledge and I work in the field and have contact with over 150 dental professionals every month. Talk about wanting to insulate myself! I also have a huge family and I put my sister in charge -- she had the list of my friends to call. My family made their own phone tree. People only came to visit if I asked them to. I turned off my voice mail and responded to e-mail when I felt like it. I did get literally hundreds of cards and letters in the mail which was nice. I can tell you that everyone basically understood that I had to deal with this illness my way -- some didn't like it but they understood.

The bottom line is stick to your guns and do what works for you -- this is about you -- not your mom. My mom wanted to take me to her house to recover. I thanked her for her offer to help but told her that I wanted to stay home for the first few weeks. She did come to stay with me at my home for part of the time and my sisters took turns for the other times. Make a plan that you think is going to make you comfortable -- people who really care about you will do it the way you want.

I am praying for you. I know that this is the scariest time -- you will get through it. We all have. You do have a long road ahead of you but there is life after treatment and somehow it is even sweeter.

Barb