Radiation and Chemotherapy

[honeychile]

Carnation, I am so sorry to hear about your father-in-law.

I am very fortunate that my knowledge of cancer is from work, not my immediate family. What I've noticed (as a geriatric counselor) is not whether or the cancer patient selects radiation or chemo or both - it's their attitude. If the patient has a positive attitude, a need and desire to survive, he will do MUCH better than others. When negative people are around, it's harder to maintain that attitude.

Crazy as it may seem, I really do feel that some people in this situation chose when to die. "I'm going to dance at my daughter's wedding!" or "I'll be 60 in two more months," or whatever - many clients have asked me the date, as if they're counting out their days.

I'm sure your family will be do their best to keep your fil comfortable. I truly hope that they can prolong his quality of life!