Nicki,
I agree with much of what Eric told you although I am not the prayerful type. Unfortunately the worst time for a lot of us came soon after we finished the radiation treatments. It is a long road and requires patience, but things do get better. I went from around 170 lbs. to around 150 lbs. and did have a PEG tube. Although my treatments ended almost two years ago, I don't swallow as well as I would like, but I do get enough down me that I am now back to my original weight. Once I got back up to around 165, I was enjoying being more slender, but now I am back a little over 170lbs. and the waists in my pants are getting tight again. So, things do get better...it just takes time.

I too started out thinking I was bulletproof, but the results of six weeks of radiation along with chemo brought me lots of humility. I do have once recommendation. I used to take a nice long walk every day, especially when treatment ended and I found myself getting depressed. It really helped.

Best wishes,
Danny G.