Betty,

As Debbie states, the treatment plan could be the same or different than others but even the exact same treatment may not have the exact same side effects on two different people. I have a friend that was diagnosed with esophageal cancer and they removed most of his stomach plus he had 6 weeks of radiation. He had Cisplatin every 3rd week and 5FU nonstop for the entire 6 weeks. He had very little in terms of bad side effects and went with us to the Eric Clapton concert for 8 hours because we puposely went late to be able to stay awake long enough to see the end. His radiation just finished two weeks ago. He has a scar down the middle of his front that looks to be at least 30" plus about a 20" scar around his side and back. He never says anything about being sick or feeling bad. I am amazed at how well he did.

There is a lot of information available here to research treatment options and what to expect. You could find the info for your sister and direct her to the reading. The doctors also will prep her on potential issues around the treatment plan they develop for her. The key is to keep on top of all the nutrition and blood work. Don't let the blood counts get so low that they have to stop the treatment if you can help it. Don't drag it out any longer than it needs to be.

Just keep telling her she can do this. Many people have and many more will. As the problems develop, work on the worst one first and have her help to determine what is the main thing bothering her all along the treatment and recovery. If you focus on the one thing to correct, soon your list will be smaller and smaller and she will be well on the road to recovery.

I wish you both the best and if you need anything we are all here for support.

Ed