Hey Deb,

We all know what you're going to go thru and it's really not as bad as we all feared.

Look the first 2 to 3 weeks of rad are almost a non issue and then you will have to deal with about 6 weeks of being uncomfortable to miserable but there are many things that you can do to make that period go better like eating/drinking 2000 to 3000 calories each and every day and drinking at least 48 ozs of water each and every day. DON'T MISS ONE DAY...THAT'S AN ORDER!!! It's best if you can do that by swallowing but if you go the Peg route you still need to swallow each and every day so those muscles won't forget how to work.

Keep on top of the pain. There are millions of different pain combinations so if at first you don't find something that works keep buggin them until you get relief. Everyone's pain threshold is different so don't hesitate to ask if you are in pain. This is not a competition to see who is tougher. This is more like the PE coach from hell and we just want to finish the class anyway we can.

Re the swelling post Tx we call it our Turkey chin and it's not that big a deal and it does reduce itself over time.

I have always maintained that this cancer thing is 50% mental and it can really make things go better if you just keep a positive attitude and know that your trip through the dark tunnel will be a short one and you will emerge cancer free and you will reclaim your life back again as if nothing much happened.

Hang tough and ask any question you may have and bitch to us as well. We will be there every step of the way. We are your internet caregiver.