For what my 2p is worth, don't psych yourself out too much reading other people's experiences. I've only started about 10 days ago and I've had some rough days myself, but I am getting through them and nothing, NOTHING I worried about would have changed those days.

Lots of people seem to have a pretty tolerable time of it. It's not fun for anyone, I'm sure, but I have talked to other survivors and it is possible to get through this without experiencing all of the horrors you might see other people go through.

Be strong, be yourself, and ride out each problem as it arises. Ask for advice when you need it and don't be afraid to get help, but don't go in assuming the worst will happen to you. Already In my treatment, I saw some things happen and dodged a couple of others. At the very least, remember that you can and will do this, no matter what happens and in doing so, you will get through it.

For myself, that's been the one part I've handled well. I did the reading, did the worrying, then realized it DIDN'T CHANGE ANYTHING and have gotten on with the work. I think waiting to start is extra tough and scary, so until you start, it may be tough not to let your imagination run riot. There are a LOT of people here who would tell you this more eloquntly than I will, I'll just say again, plan to fight your fight and no one else's. What comes, comes -- stay strong and beat this thing!!

My apologies if this is a bit out of place. I hope others will be able to tell you about treatment cycles that were nothing like horror stories -- I know those stories exist. I just wanted to share my recent perspective. I just came off of the waiting, worrying game and started treatment and I can say that the pre-treatment journey was its own special brand of difficult. Get through that journey, though, because the real journey -- the treatment and cure journey-- begins soon and I wish you all strength and luck on that journey.

Most of all, take care of you,

The Hellion