Let's face it, it totally sucks to have cancer, that's just a basic truth. Having people around you to help in various ways is really essential, whether it's family or friends or both. As I mentioned in the episode with Laura and Melissa, there are different types of friends that get you through an experience like this. Not necessarily better or worse friends, just different.
I had friends that went through a similar experience, whether it was breast cancer or some other type of cancer, who I could call for certain things, like to complain about my specific mouth problems or bitch about how tired I was. Or, I'd call them to ask how they handled certain things, or what doctor they really liked.
My other friends would do things text me jokes, send me flowers, drop off baskets with cozy blankets and special hard candies to suck on, or a funny book or magazine. Some even dropped off a bottle of whiskey for my husband, which honestly both of us appreciated. Poor guy, he really needed a break.
Point being, you have to let people in. Folks that haven't been through something like this are often just unsure of what to do. And I say, it's OK to tell them what you need. Sure it feels weird, but it's better to communicate than not. I'm providing a link to two pages from the "how to have cancer book" that I mentioned in the episode - it's basically a list of things to mention to friends and family that you think will or will not help you. If you feel uncomfortable asking directly for help, or letting someone know that they're actually doing the opposite of helping, try copying this page and just sending it on.