@justwow I was stunned when I was first diagnosed via CT scan and biopsy as I was asymptomatic. It took almost a month for me to see a local radiology oncologist. During that time my emotions were a roller coaster. The oncologist was very blunt about his treatment plan which included a prophylactic feeding tube. Something did not sit right with me after that. I shifted from being upset about my diagnosis and treatment to being proactive in doing research to choose the best treatment and care team for me. I switched insurance to a PPO that allowed me to be treated out of town. I set up consultations with 5 top cancer centers and found out about proton therapy. My focus became on how treatable and curable this cancer is. I know the side effects are pretty miserable, but there is a positive end to focus on. You get through treatment day by day. It will end and you will improve.

Many folks on here went through treatment before the advances we can now take advantage of.

If you are a person of faith lean into that. If not, take comfort in the science. Don't focus on the short term pain and discomfort. It is truly doable. I expected worse. My goals were to go to treatment, follow my care team's instructions and rest as much as possible. I ultimately went out of town for treatment and stayed in a hotel for 2 months.

Just get your final diagnosis and treatment plan settled to your satisfaction and move forward. We are all here to provide what support we can
God bless!