I have endometrial uterine cancer and did not have chemo just
radiation for six weeks after two surgeries. In the beginning not
bad except that you normally go everyday except weekends. The people
are awesome and I met a lot of really neat people and shared
experiences.

Radiation is not painful, for me it was exhausting toward the end,
but glad to get my certificate. Took more time for me to get dressed
and undressed then it did for the actual radiation. I had to
continue working through radiation as I was (not anymore) the sole
provider for my two kids which I think added to my exhaustion. Still
have some problems from the radiation, but I believe that for many
there are no problems a year or later, depends on where the radiation
is. My upside was losing 50 pounds - that I could afford to lose.

Take as much support as is offered, as friends and family really do
want to help. I think more than anything I just wanted to talk to
others that had gone through what I had.

This is the one group of people that I continue (after two years) to
still read and respond at times. The encouragement is awesome!

I am still going to see my oncologist every three months as they want
to make sure the cancer is not returning - I just look forward to the
day I won't be seeing a doctor every three months. I am a survior
not a victim which is what I feel that this group is all about - at
times comiseration and just "it will be ok" and other times "hope you
are doing all right".

Having been self-sufficient for many years it was difficult for me to
reach out and ask for help as I did not want to be a burden to anyone
else. What I realized is that people "want to help" and they don't
offer unless they do. Just make sure to ask for what you need! I
wish you the best of luck! Laurie

--- In cancer_survivors_gathering_place@yahoogroups.com, "g.buffkin"
<g.buffkin@...> wrote:
>
> I'd like to talk to someone who has taken the radiation and can
tell me
> about it. I'd also like to hear about any alternate treatment.
>