What a wonderful idea, Mr. Sievers. Cookies for the chemo nurses. I make a mean chocolate chip cookie called, of all things, Cowboy Cookies. I shall make a batch for the nurses but Nurse Ratchett isn't going to get any! Seriously, pay it forward is a terrific idea. Thank you.

Sent by Brenda Y. Lynch | 9:44 AM ET | 12-06-2006

Beautifully said.

Sent by Tom Clarke | 9:46 AM ET | 12-06-2006

For the more adventurous, giving blood and platelets is always helpful. I was on a recent tour of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (I was there 24 years ago for treatment), and they mentioned the importance of giving. Here is some more info.

They have a Wall of Fame for people who donate a lot. Some individuals go several times a week to give platelets.

Sent by Greg | 12:14 PM ET | 12-06-2006

I was too sick to make cookies for my radiation techs when I was finished with my treatments... so my friends all pitched in, happily, and made them for me. My husband and I gave them to the techs as well as to the other patients and their families in the waiting room. Nothing like watching a sick little kid, away from home while receiving treatment, light up like a Christmas tree when being offered a homemade cookie... or the look of gratitude on the tired moms face. I was grateful to my friends for making the cookie-giving possible, and you know how friends are—they always want to know what they can do to help. They felt terrific, knowing that they were making a big difference in the day of many cancer-tired folks.

Sent by Jennifer Haan | 2:36 PM ET | 12-06-2006

Thanks so much for your blog. I read it everyday. I've seen you at the Cancer Center in Baltimore on some of my own visits. You're quite an inspiration and from my family to yours, we wish you all the best, not only this holiday season, but throughout the year.

After two sessions of chemo, I had a CT scan (the Monday before Thanksgiving) and am responding to treatment. (I have stage IV lung cancer - nonsmoker but am feeling great.) This was quite a surprise and it pleased us very much! Were so grateful!

A few of my co-workers and I adopted a family for the holiday instead of buying each other gifts. A mother and her three children recently became "homeless." The four of us set a limit on what to spend and each of us has now exceeded that limit. It's been a very rewarding feeling to know that this family will have something to look forward to.

Please take care. You inspire me to never give up hope!

Sent by Sandy Lathe | 2:38 PM ET | 12-06-2006

As a practicing pathologist I found that confirming the cancer pathology diagnosis is extremely crucial due to the average error rate of six percent when these cases are reviewed by a second pathologist. Many published medical papers report between five and seven percent error rate that would significantly affect patient's management outcome. Unfortunately insurance companies don't always pay for such service. Up to six percent error rate is extremely a high rate for such an important distinction "cancer" versus "no cancer."

Sent by Gus | 1:39 PM ET | 12-07-2006

A friend who takes pride in his grouchy exterior takes pride in bringing all his hospitalized friends a big box of peppermint kisses. "Give these to the nurses," he commands in an unusual whisper.

I've gotten to be like Brenda Lynch in passing out rewards. Good thoughtful friendly service gets rewarded. Thoughtless routine (waking you up every hour or less for another routine procedure instead grouping them together with 4-5 undisturbed hours in between) deserves nothing.

I've gotten so I now make sure a couple of boxes of those Lames (SIC?) kisses are on a shelf in my room during my stay(s). I pass them out on my way home... and even down to the folks in "room service" if they've been good about getting your meal order right and being friendly on the phone.

It's amazing how the service improves from one visit to the next. And a couple of $20 boxes of candy are a drop in the bucket compared to what a weeks stay costs you, even if you have good insurance.

Sent by John Hays | 2:01 PM ET | 12-07-2006

There are many nonprofits and national organizations that help people with cancer and their families. I might suggest a donation to one of these organizations. Housing can be a particular problem for lengthy family stays away from home. The VA system has Fisher Houses at some facilities. Ronald McDonald House is another nonprofit that provides this service. An organization that provides a full listing of "home away from home" while receiving cancer care is Joe's House.

Sent by Ellen Ballard | 3:44 PM ET | 12-07-2006

What a great idea. Thank you!

Sent by Nancy Oliveri | 4:41 PM ET | 12-07-2006

I am sending these touching words on to you, in the hope that you may derive some comfort.

I do not myself have cancer, but my best friend of 40 years does. I thought through reading your daily words (thank you!), I may gain some insight that could allow me to help my friend.

She has fought cancer for 10 years now, in various parts of her body, and is presently undergoing radiation for lesions that have spread to her brain.

Even though she has a strong fighting spirit, she has chosen to exclude some of the people closest to her, including me. The pain this causes is indescribable, and I am searching for understanding and compassion as to why. I now just write to her, never accusing, always supportive, but it is so hard.

Sincerely,

Marion

Here's to T-bone steaks, yellow roses and friendship.

READ THIS and then reread it. Especially the last part...

I walked into the grocery store not particularly interested in buying groceries. I wasn't hungry. The pain of losing my husband of 7 years was still too raw. And this grocery store held so many sweet memories.

He often came with me and almost every time he'd pretend to go off and look for something special. I knew what he was up to. I'd always spot him walking down the aisle with the three yellow roses in his hands.

He knew I loved yellow roses. With a heart filled with grief, I only wanted to buy my few items and leave, but even grocery shopping was different since he had passed on.

Shopping for one took time, a little more thought than it had for two.

Standing by the meat, I searched for the perfect small steak and remembered how he had loved his steak.

Suddenly a woman came beside me. She was blonde, slim and lovely in a soft green pantsuit. I watched as she picked up a large package of T-bones, dropped them in her basket.. Hesitated, and then put them back. She turned to go and once again reached for the pack of steaks.

She saw me watching her and she smiled. "My husband loves T-bones, but honestly, at these prices, I don't know."

I swallowed the emotion down my throat and met her pale blue eyes.

"My husband passed away eight days ago," I told her. Glancing at the package in her hands, I fought to control the tremble in my voice. "Buy him the steaks. And cherish every moment you have together."

She shook her head and I saw the emotion in her eyes as she placed the package in her basket and wheeled away.

I turned and pushed my cart across the length of the store to the dairy products. There I stood, trying to decide which size milk I should buy. A Quart, I finally decided and moved on to the ice cream. If nothing else, I could always fix myself an ice cream cone.

I placed the ice cream in my cart and looked down the aisle toward the front. I sa w first the green suit, then recognized the pretty lady coming towards me. In her arms she carried a package. On her face was the brightest smile I had ever seen. I would swear a soft halo encircled her blonde hair as she kept walking toward me, her eyes holding mine.

As she came closer, I saw what she held and tears began misting in my eyes. "These are for you," she said and placed three beautiful long stemmed yellow roses in my arms. "When you go through the line, they will know these are paid for." She leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on my cheek, then smiled again. I wanted to tell her what shed done, what the roses meant, but still unable to speak, I watched as she walked away as tears clouded my vision.

I looked down at the beautiful roses nestled in the green tissue wrapping and found it almost unreal. How did she know? Suddenly the answer seemed so clear. I wasn't alone.

Oh, you haven't forgotten me, have you? I whispered, with tears in my eyes. He was still with me, and she was his angel.

Every day be thankful for what you have and who you are.

(Please read all of this, it is really nice)

This is a simple request. If you appreciate life, send this to your friends, including the person that sent it to you.

Even though I clutch my blanket and growl when the alarm rings. Thank you, Lord, that I can hear. There are many who are deaf.

Even though I keep my eyes closed against the morning light as long as possible. Thank you, Lord, that I can see. Many are blind.

Even though I huddle in my bed and put off rising. Thank you, Lord, that I have the strength to rise. There are m any who are bedridden.

Even though the first hour of my day is hectic, when socks are lost, toast is burned, tempers are short, and my children are so loud.

Thank you, Lord, for my family. There are many who are lonely.

Even though our breakfast table never looks like the picture in magazines and the menu is at times unbalanced.

Thank you, Lord, for the food we have. There are many who are hungry.

Even though the routine of my job often is monotonous. Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to work. There are many who have no job.

Even though I grumble and bemoan my fate from day to day and wish my circumstances were not so modest.

Thank you, Lord, for life.

Pass this on to the friends you know. It might help a bit to make this world a better place to live, right? A friend is someone we turn to when our spirits need a lift. A friend is someone to treasure.

For friendship is a gift. A friend is someone who fills our lives with Beauty, Joy and Grace and makes the world we live in a better and happier place.

Sent by Marion | 1:11 PM ET | 12-11-2006