Welcome, Tom.

There is ALWAYS hope! Every morning that we wake up is a good day if only for that reason. I have consciously chosen to believe I am cured. I finished treatment for a srage IV tumor with mets in 2002 and although I go for recommended checkups, I am much more a regular person than a former cancer patient. Although I will be more surprised than anyone if I have a recurrence, I will not regret the fact that I wasted not one minute worrying about it. During treatment and recovery is a great time to focus on oneself, but afterward the world awaits! There are treatments and side effect remedies available now that were not heard of when I was treated. The longer we enjoy life, the better the chances of there being something new if we have a recurrence. If you cannot see the wide open possibilities available to those of us who have slain the dragon, it is very advisable to be screened for depression, which seems to be a very common after effect. I have recently seen a good friend, who has never been sick, stuggle with every day, until being put on a very low dose antidepressant. The difference is amazing and she is enjoying life again. There are times when being a drug user is a good thing (grin).

Joanna