Hi Toenailbiter,

Please don't blame yourself and fault yourself and don't let anyone else blame or fault you either! It's something that happened. Smoking contributed as other factors, some of which no one will ever know. Be kind to yourself as much as you can right now and insist in a good way that others be kind to you, too. There is such a thing as lung cancer stigma.

The best thing you can do for your situation is to be as loving to yourself as you can and ask others for that same support. Of course, everyone is upset! That is a normal reaction and response. Tell your family what you need in terms of support and set the boundaries you need from others' judgements. That will really help in your process.

Sending hugs,
BPB