Betty,
Everyone responds differently to treatment. Some have a very difficult time and some don't. Attitude is everything. An attitude of acceptance will go a long way. There can be many complications from radiation and chemo but with a good team they are manageable. It's good to have an idea what to anticipate because having too high an expectations can cause a lot of fear and uncertainty down the road. This is a fight for your life and it can be a hard road.

Many of us have fought the good fight and are enjoying life again, and in many cases treasuring life in a whole new perspective. I look upon every day now as a gift. Like all good sailors know, it is important to stay focused on the horizon.

What got me through it was my faith in God and a belief that I would be healed no matter what -I never wavered from that no matter how hard it got (that was my horizon). I spent a lot of time talking to (and listening) to God during radiation. I brought my own custom CD which was mostly gospel and other "up" Christian music. It made the treatment times zip by and relieved my fear of getting sick while in the mask (never happened). It also helped me to complete treatment on schedule which is very important I am told. It also gave me something positive to focus on because the committee in my head sure didn't want to go down that road. Probably drove the techs nuts because I played the same CD every day! I stopped in to give them a hug last week and they remembered me from the music.

I am not trying to preach or proselytize here, I am merely sharing my story of what worked for me. We all have to find our own path in the journey.

The "bread of adversity" exists to develop our character and refine our weaknesses.

The Navy Seals use the saying "That which doesn't kill you only makes you stronger".

I have already had another year of life that I might not otherwise have had and certainly one of the most meaningful.