How Does Friendship Heal You?

I was an independent, always in control, sometimes to the point of being annoying, person diagnosed with breast cancer almost 6 years ago. One friend was particularly pushy and domineering, so many others were there with whatever they thought I needed - food , rides, dinner invitations, phone calls, sometimes acting as a foil to my sense of black humor, other times as an ear to my rails and rants. I never questioned their sincerity; in fact, I'm still amazed at the concern and generosity of all those wonderful friends (including cousins) who caused me to re-evaluate not only their place in my life, but my importance in theirs. I can't imagine that period in my life without that support and friendship.

I'm not sure if there's anything friends could have done to help me when I was diagnosed. I didn't tell anyone about it until the day before my surgery. I wouldn't want anyone to feel obligated to spend more time with me than they would otherwise; why make them uncomfortable? Or maybe it's my own discomfort I was afraid of. I don't trust artificial cheeriness, even if the intentions are good.