Wow...
At the time everything is supposed to be happy and carefree, it truly bites when friends and acquaintences face bad things.
Tay Stevens, please hang in there. I cannot begin to imagine how scared you must be, whether about what the diagnosis will be, the prognosis, the treatment, or just how long it will be before you are back to feeling like you, and when you can be back to doing what you love. Whether you believe in Him Her or It, trust that you'll have thoughts and prayers going out for you.
It isn't fair that you have to face this, but as you so eloquently put in your note, your spirit and attitude are going to see you through... aided by your support system of friends/ family. Presently bald by choice to show support for a friend dealing with the ravages of chemotherapy for breast CA, i'll include you in my daily meditations.
And the next time anyone chases after you with a needle, remind them you're the one who knows if there's pain, and don't just grit your teeth-- ask for more pain meds! If it hurts, they haven't gotten enough numbing agent in yet.
Hopefully the staff at your home hospital will remember that you and the other patients didn't choose to be there, & will make an effort to brighten your holiday a bit. And next year, sitting by the tree, you'll be able to smile that 2011 is a much better holiday season, and the fears and anger that you struggled with this year are behind you.
Best,
RA