Hi Big Twin;

I have arrived a little late and don't know where your decision rests at the moment, but for what it is worth, I'll share with you my point of view which I believe is widely held and well validated through positive results. Take the most aggressive course that is recommended right from the outset, because you really only get one first shot at a cure.

I recall one radiation technician who was charged with educating me for the daily radiation regimen - you know, what to wear, what to expect, and so on - and he referred to my case as being a "serious cancer."

I knew what he meant, but to the lay person, any cancer is a serious one, especially if you're the patient. But I'll never forget the look on his face when he used that phrase; my prospects for survival were remote, and everyone had accepted that except me; realizing the seriousness of my situation was one of the scarier moments for me.

Ken went on to explain that they felt that my disease had advanced to the point where I had only one good shot at it, and they'd rather take an aggressive approach in the pursuit of a cure right from the beginning than be distracted with concerns about side effects or quality of life issues at that point in time. I didn't want to leave anything to chance - my survival in particular - and I couldn't wait to get started.

To me it was like getting on a roller coaster the first time; once that safety bar clicks closed, and the cars start to move, there is nothing you can do now but hold on and hope for the best. No sense in freaking out or worrying about the outcome because you will get there soon enough. May as well just set your mental attitude switch to "Full Persistance" and get ready for some heavy weather.

Anything less is like the fellow who smoked "light" cigarettes; did he believe he might only get "light" cancer ? Or what about the boater who questioned whether he should wear a life jacket or not. As a member of the Coast Guard Auxilliary at the time, my most frequent reply was "wear one only if you want to be found..."

Cancer plays by no rules and where no holds are barred. I believe you must fight fire with fire, and in order to give yourself the best possible chance of a cure you must put the pedal to the metal so to speak, full force, and keep it there for as long as you possibly can. Cancer is a disease you only want to battle once; trust me on that one.

But whatever your decision, I hope it will be on a fully informed basis and made only after much consideration of all the options and recommendation available to you. Once made, stick it out to the end being mindful of flexibility and adaptability along the way. When its all said and done, the decision you make will be for keeps, and hopefully it will be the one that works for you.

The cancer community is a phenomenal group of dedicated, caring professionals who have a genuine interest in your survival. That much you can take comfort in and be assured of in my opinion.

I wish you every success in your treatment, and while you're at it, be sure to kick this horrific disease in the butt for all of us!

All the best,
JT2