What The Heck Radiation and Chemo? What to do and the side effects, are freaking me out.

Hi. All the best with exploring the options and hope it works out for you.  Have you had any contact with Choices at the Wesley hospital? A great support service and they do offer some online programs if you can't get there. 

HiKoncon25​ I am really sorry to hear about your diagnosis -  sending a big virtual hug your way.
What a talent you have,  your wry humour and musings on effective alternatives, had me crying/laughing. 
Turning to the question about treatment- My breast cancer was treated with chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, and then a bit more chemo immunotherapy again, 17 doses over a fourteen month timeframe and now, like a lot of people, I take a hormone blocker.  
It was very annoying having to pause some of the plans and to change gear. 
Although it is no cake walk, having chemotherapy, was, for me, “doable” although I had a lot of tedious and unwelcome side effects. I think it helped me once I knew it was working;  I had the first 6 doses prior to surgery to shrink the tumour and after dose 3 I had ab Ultrasound and there was evidence it was very effective. My radiation after surgery was tiring but not (in my case) painful. The treatments did however have a cumulative effect. I didn’t have much in the tank by the end. 
I think the big thing that helped me get through a long haul year was participating in an oncology  exercise rehabilitation program. At my most depleted it helped me feel like being strong again was a possibility. 
Yes, telling people is an interesting thing. Definitely no one size fits all script. I didn’t mind sharing the news face to face, or even have my friends share it with others in a non sensational way -  99% of my family and friends were supportive and sensitive.
I spent a lot of time sending texts and on reflection I wish I had asked my husband or a friend to be the person who sent out a brief bulletin on WhatsApp.
It might not be a source of exhaustion for you, but I was surprised how taxing dealing with any large group of people became (more than 4!) during the chemo and radiation treatment.  
I am sending you all good wishes :-) 

Thankyou for joining our community and very sorry to hear of your recent diagnoses of breast and colorectal cancers. We hope you have a great support network around you.

We appreciate the thought-provoking discussion about different treatment paths and everyone would agree it would be wonderful to have a permanent cure for cancer that is not as invasive. 

We felt it was also good time to remind people about the very distinguished differences between complementary and alternative therapies, especially when it comes to serious conditions like cancer.

Complementary therapies—such as acupuncture, massage, or meditation—are used alongside conventional treatments to help manage symptoms and improve wellbeing. These can be beneficial when used safely and in consultation with your medical team. Learn more here: Complementary Therapies and Breast Cancer – BCNA

Alternative therapies, on the other hand, are used instead of proven medical treatments. This can be dangerous, as these therapies are often unproven and may delay or replace effective care. BCNA strongly advises caution and encourages people to speak with their healthcare providers before considering such approaches: Alternative Therapies – BCNA

For a full overview of both types and how they may interact with conventional treatments, this article is a great resource: Complementary and Alternative Medicines and Therapies – BCNA

The final word on this topic would be to remind everyone to consult your medical team before starting any new therapy or supplement. Some can interfere with treatments like chemotherapy or hormone therapy, even if they seem harmless. Please feel free to reach out to discuss further Helpline 1800 500 258.

Koncon25​ When you find that goat please let me know. I am on a lifetime subscription to chemo and would love to stop. However, until they find something better.....

I just had one treatment off chemo due to a colonoscopy and polyp removal (unrelated to BC) and it has been nice to start feeling normal again but tomorrow I start back on due to my BC being very aggressive. Hang in there, the time goes quicker than you think. Get out and about when you feel like it and stock up on your home based hobbies for when going out is beyond doable. Craft, reading, television show catch up, jigsaws, puzzles. Cooking if you are up to it.

Sending big hugs. We are here for you so please feel free to rant away. And remember, I get first dibs on your goat.

Condolences - yes, it's all confusing and unfair and no-one needs it. My partner has just been diagnosed with cancer of the tongue (no, he doesn't smoke). The treatment is utterly fascinating, complex, technologically brilliant if it was happening to someone you don't know at all, but will leave him speechless (unknown for how long) and having to relearn how to swallow. Like you, his 'option' is not really an option at all. A great many skilled people are doing a remarkable job, explained in careful (if excruciating) and patient detail, in a serious attempt to extend his life and provide some quality to it. This simply could not have happened a comparatively short time ago. So yes, we do have something better. Just not perfect.

Unfortunately, as you doubtless know, the things that pop up on your social media are not real. Nor are doctors and 'Big Pharma' all over the world conspiring to keep easy cures from us. Hope springs eternal and we would love to believe there is some easier path. Or at least not something as overwhelming. How people react is different - even for people with the same kind of cancer (or even two). I've never had radiation and can't speak of that (although I will at second hand soon perhaps), but chemo does vary a lot. I was one of the 'no nausea, no fatigue, go to work' brigade - keeping life as normal as possible worked for me. I also found that asking questions was useful - the more I understood about what was happening, the better I could cope. Not brilliantly or even always effectively, but a bit better is not to be sneezed at. 

Treatment passes - you don't think it ever will but it does. And fingers crossed, so do your cancers. You may find talking to a counsellor helpful - I certainly did. Your oncologist is focussed on your body, and if a successful outcome is possible, will want you to grasp it NOW but your emotions and mind take a licking through this too. A professional who is not a friend or family member can provide a welcome outlet for your rants and may even be able to clear the confusion and frustration sufficiently to let some light and some insights in.

Keep breathing. Deal as much as possible with day to day, not next week. Small steps can cover a hell of a lot of ground, ultimately. Very best wishes.