Pat, Minnie, and Cathy,
First let me say hello and hope all is well today. I also had XRT and everyones side effects that a typical survivor goes thru I have and they have not improved. That is O.K. with me because that is the price we unfortunately pay for survival. I was wondering if rad dr.s today give choices to newly dx. patients or do they just recommend tx. regimen and move forward. Or has IMRT proven to keep pace or increase long term survival. In a self comforting way I tell myself that all the lousy side effects we have long after tx.reminds me that radiation is a very powerful tool to DESTROY cancer cells. If I ever woke up and saw hair growing on my face where it used to I think it would scare me more. I think it is wonderful that we have choices today and Pat is right when she says 20 yrs. ago we would not have as many weopons at our disposal and Cathy and Minnea are walking and talking proof that QOL can be achieved regardless of tx. regimen. Sharing stories is one way of helping those behind us make difficult decisions and to raise awareness for a Cancr who's death rate is much to high.