purposely posting this here as I know how volatile this board can be and I want all perspectives regardless!
known said friend for over 35 years. she was always a very sensitive soul and at that time I had to negotiate carefully in order not to offend. I frequently did. once by not telling her first that a mutual friend had had a baby. another time by not asking quickly enough if she was feeling better after being sent home ill the day before. both these occasions resulted in a lengthy period of not speaking to me. this is just my old friend and it's the way she's always been. telling you just so you get a picture of character. we always got over it but our friendship waned due to maybe a bit of that but also cos of marriage break ups and kids, grandkids etc.
fast forward 25 years and told yesterday she has terminal cancer. I don't know what to do. text? ring? write? visit? or nothing?
we send the occasional text now just on birthdays and Xmas, but I never managed to get her new address. even her sons weren't privy to it for a couple of years after her divorce, they always met on neutral ground.
I'm worried she'll think I'm only contacting her as she is very ill and I'm not genuine or if I don't she'll think I didn't care after all.
I know you'll pull no punches on this board, so please tell me what to do 
thanks in advance.