Dear Free2bemi,

I'm sorry you and your family are having to confront this -- it can be particularly difficult if you're trying to come to grips with it from a distance, as you are right now. You're not being selfish -- you're doing what you need to do to help your sister.

She is probably very frustrated not only by the pain but also by the impact on her ability to eat. Please try to find out what advice she is getting about nutrition, because sudden weight loss is a major risk in this situation and it's critical to start combating it early and throughout treatment.

You mentioned that she is in Woodstock, VT -- how far is she going for medical care? Is she being treated at a major cancer center? Is there a "primary" oncologist who is coordinating all aspects of her care at this point? Please try to find out what her doctors have told her thus far about their findings in the lymph nodes, about the extent of radiation that they expect to do, and what medications she has or will have to help her get through this.

Don't be afraid to keep asking questions -- as you continue on this site you will find more and more to help you and your family.

Cathy