Arizona,

Does she have a family member or friend that can accompany her to her appointments? It's overwhelming to go through the treatment planning process. It took a month of appointments before my husband started treatment. How close is she to starting treatment?

My husband wasn't in any pain and was mentally alert. I wasn't the patient and was also able minded. However, the doctors appointments were daunting and exhausting for both of us.

There's a whole new terminology to learn for those who have not been exposed to radiation and chemo before. Plus, emotionally, it's tough to hear about what you may or may not experience in the upcoming months. So, the one thing I would say is to never go to an appointment alone if you don't have to...and, never go without a notebook and pen.

And, I hope you have invited her to join our forum. We're a pretty helpful, supportive group of people. I don't know how my husband and I would have gotten through the summer without the support of family, friends and this OCF board.