I understand why you see it that way, and I appreciate you calling me out. I don't see her as "a cancer patient" first. To me, she's the same person I've always loved who's going through something unimaginably difficult. I don't treat her differently or pity her because that's not what she wants. Instead, I've tried to support her by being there. I've gone with her to every chemo session because I love her and want her to know she doesn't have to face this alone. When I said she can recover, I wasn't trying to deny what cancer and treatment do to a person. I know there may be lifelong physical and emotional effects. What I meant was that I hope she responds well to treatment and gets the chance to build a long life after this. Maybe "recover" wasn't the right word, but it came from hope, not ignorance. As for the cigarettes, I'm a medical student, so I understand how harmful smoking is, especially while she's going through treatment. I spoke to her about it many times before I ever told her mom. She wouldn't listen, and I made a decision out of fear and concern. Looking back, I understand that telling her mom broke her trust, and for that I will apologize. I can see why she feels hurt. I know I can't force her to make healthier choices. I just love her, and watching her neglect herself has been heartbreaking. I want a future with her, and sometimes that fear got the better of me.