DEAR ABBY: My husband is undergoing a yearlong cancer treatment. Recently, his brother told him he had two friends who have died of the same cancer that he has. My husband, who is already depressed from the medication he's on, became even more depressed.
One day, we ran into another friend of ours, who shared in great detail her nephew's long and traumatic battle with cancer. When she left we felt shattered.
Abby, please remind people to be sensitive to those who are dealing with an illness and to refrain from sharing horror stories. We need hope and encouragement. -- DISGUSTED IN PHOENIX
DEAR DISGUSTED: I'm glad to help you spread your commonsense message. All it takes is a moment to think before you speak.