That reminded me that the machine I was treated on starting breaking down in the end of treatment also. It added a week to the treatment duration due to downtime. At the facility I was treated at the machines (8 of them) ran 12 hours a day. It adds one more dimension of frustration to the process. I missed a few treatment days also due to extreme sickness or rehydration at the ER. I was thirty miles from the hospital, one way, myself so I know exactly how frustrating it can - you just want to get it over with.

How long will she think about cancer? Good question. I am a year out now and think about it. I am better than I was. It's like getting jilted by someone you really love - it takes a long time (if ever) to get it out of your system. The bimonthly followups and scans don't help a lot either. How long will you think about cancer? I think we are all tainted to some degree once touched. My mother had breast cancer and melanoma and I don't remember thinking about it too much. Although the melanoma scar was huge.

Stay in the "now" the future doesn't belong to you and it can only serve to drive you crazy.

You said your mom is coming over to take care of your daughter? - who's taking care of your mom? When I was at her stage of treatment I was extremely ill - I couldn't imagine taking care of anybody - I could barely take care of myself! The latter part of treatment also compromises the immune system so DO NOT allow your mother exposure to sick persons. She can easily get pneumonia and various potentially life threatening secondary infections.