My thoughts and 'good vibes' (and prayers) go out to them. I've had all my guts taken aside, and the lymph nodes in the back of my abdomen removed... and I have had lymph nodes near my windpipe poked at (but not touched thankfully). I have had to deal with some of the more potent chemo drugs (BEP), and I have much respect for people that fight bigger battles than I had to.
The thing to keep in the forefront of ones mind is, in this day and age, many many cancers are curable. It is a hard mental and physical battle. Sometimes, more mental than physical, and for everyone, it is different.
My heart goes out to anyone dealing with cancer.
~ Jaraeth