Most of what David has said is correct. We all experience certain things but it is varying in degrees depending on you. If you have a high pain tolerance then it isn't as bad, but you still need to push yourself. Personally I relied on minimal pain meds... Only for a little over a week during the end of my treatment - I'm not typical - so plan for the worst hope for the best and make sure you have pain meds on hand. I know its daunting but you can an will get through it. Hopefully you have some support or care giver - it's not easy to go through alone. Try not to see the down side. I know reading here is scary it seems like there are a lot of recurrences, but truthfully we have just as many people who stay on through treatment and then move on. We have some regulars who stick around for support and of course we have recurrences it just seems like a lot because this is a forum for active cancers and cancer info. hugs. It's a doable thing. - not fun but doable.