Gnu,

   I'm really sorry to hear about your friend. As someone who went through chemo last year I can tell you that it can kick your ass all over the place and make you feel like anything but yourself. I hate to say that I hope it's the chemo that is making him sound the way he does but I do hope it's the chemo and that he'll be ok.
   Did he tell you that there was nothing more they could do?

   You know what I wanted more than anything when I was going through all that? I wanted my life to be normal. I wanted people to talk to me about anything that was just about regular life. I wanted to talk about the cancer stuff too but mostly I wanted my friends to just treat me the same as they always had. A cancer diagnosis freaks out people far beyond the person with the cancer and it does a pretty good job of weeding out who your real friends are. Lots of folks back away. I don't know if they think they can catch it or they feel so awkward and don't know what to say or it if it just creates fear in them. Can't be mad at them really...it's a creepy thing and makes everybody feel bad.
   I'd say just be yourself, after all, that's why you are friends in the first place. And letting someone know that you love them is never, ever wrong. Love & friendship is what life is all about!!!!

    If it's really weird for you, just call and say hello. Your friend will lead you where he's comfortable.

Love to you.

Michelle