I've watched this thread and have not wanted to weigh in on it as I believe there are others more tactful and knowledgeable then myself in these matters.

I've been involved on these boards for over a year now and I've noticed trends, recurring themes of posters. What I've noticed is that people starting their journey with this disease are afraid, terrified by the possibilities of what may happen from cancer and treatment. I've been emailed by new posters in frantic states needing clarification and a person to vent and relate to where they are going and what they are to expect.

My advice is always the same, 1) Don't let fear keep you from doing what needs to be done to fight this disease. 2) Keep yourself strong by filling your mind and heart with positive things, music, movies of hope and books of inspiration. 3) Keep away from the thoughts and images that will break your spirit and will to fight. 4) Get the absolute best medical advice available to you and follow it.

So yes, radiation can have devastating effects, especially if not administered correctly. I look at the many instances though of people who chose not to have radiation treatment and have seen the disease recurr and some die...and it reinforces the decision I made do everything in my power to knock this disease out before it killed me.

Courage is doing what needs to be done in the face of fear, not the absence of it. I'm currently having to comfort my best friend watch his mother die from uteran cancer. The cancer was caught early however she was too afraid of going through treatment and decided to rely on her faith in God to heal her. She has 6 months to a year to live, and after getting seen at the Mayo Clinic there are no other options for her.

"F" cancer

Eric