Your comments remind me of a song by Simon and Garfunkel. Part of it goes like this:
In a clearing stands a boxer, and a fighter by his trade,
And he carries a reminder of every glove that laid him down,
Or cut him until he cried out in his anger and his pain,
I am leaving, I am leaving. But the fighter still remains.

I have my first appointment with an oncologist tomorrow morning. The comments from members of this support group have been both alarming, and hopeful. I appreciate each one of you, and pray for you as I pray for myself.