Dear Amy and SusanLaura1,
I had the surgery, healed, and just about ran to get the radiation and chemo. My perspective was that I do nothing half way, and if I was going to fight this awful disease, by golly I was going to throw everything available at it! Yes, it is not fun. However, I learned that there need be no pain. Fortunately, the prevailing philosophy is that pain serves no purpose and hinders the healing process, so I had the drugs I needed. Yes, I was out of it from time to time from the chemo, and yes, I lost my hair, and yes, I had a day of nausea, and yes, I had burns on my neck, HOWEVER, in the grand scheme of things, these are all very small and temporary discomforts, which greatly increase my chance at a long and happy life. Would I do it again? In a New York minute! Am I some kind of super person? No way. If I can get through this and come out smiling, you can too. I will be glad to help you, SusanLaura, and you, Amy, every step of the way. Feel free to contact me. Bottom line: It makes no sense not to avail yourself of a better chance at staying alive. That's all there is to consider.
Joanna