Lots of good questions, Mike. You will, no doubt, get lots of different answers.
As to the one about waiting so long for chemo\rad., it's because you have to heal from surgery before they will start the next round.
There is a ton of info on different chemo protocols and many times it boils down to where you are being treated and the preference there. I think learning about the potential side effects of diferent forms of chemo would be important to you.Stop reading statistics- you are an individual-not a number. As to staying positive, some folks just get into the mindset of "I'm gonna beat this thing" and others need some help in the form of anti-anxiety meds, etc. We are all different in that regard. And you are correct, having a good outlook will serve you well during the next months. Good luck, Amy in the Ozarks