I really enjoyed this one. Thanks for writing it. Was any of it from experience? I'm not usually a fan of AH (tho' it sure seems I'm catching up on more than my share of them currently, LOL)-- anyway, but this one caught my attention in particular, because back in the dark ages, ie the mid-1980's, I was a young nurse just out of nursing school, working most of the time through several agencies, and 90% of my patients were cancer patients. Mostly Terminally ill cancer patients, often in the last 3 mos of their life; and it was best (at least for me, and in my opinion for them) when they were patients who, and whose doctors also, were involved with Hospice care. Also, many of my patients/clients were Private duty cases, most often through an agency, again, patients with cancer, usually but not always terminal, but that was indeed in the dark ages, back when people actually HAD insurance that would PAY for private duty care... At any rate, your tale of Buffy as this sad but determined girl caught my eye. I was afraid it was going to be a losing battle for her, a sad ending, and I was determined to stick it through to the tissue-needing end. But I should've known this Buffy was stronger. And I was surprised and delighted that your Spike ended up being made of tougher stuff as well. It was a lovely ending chapter. At first I thought it WAS Spike and Buffy's wedding. But it of course was a great attestment to the two couples deep friendship that Xander & Anya would move their lives to be with friends so dear, and for them to stand up next to them in their wedding. Tara had a wonderful role in the tale, and she has seemed to be cast several times in this type of role easily. She fits it well. I also can always see Giles in the role of a doctor or psychiatrist.
You did a great job, with the mindset of the patient, the family, & the caregivers on this one, including Buffy's body-consciousness. A great job all around! I hope to see more fics from you in the near future!

Author's Response: Thank you! I'm so glad you liked it. It was not taken from personal experience but I have friends (as sadly, most of us do) that have lived through breast cancer and so some of the ideas came from them. It is very sad what has happened to the medical system today. I did a lot of research both on Breast Cancer as well as Alcoholism and AA and I tried to stick to a realistic view of both. I struggled for quite a while on whether to have her survive or not as you could see from the amount of time it took me to post the last few chapters. In the end I knew that the Buffy on the show would be strong enough to survive this, so mine should too. Thanks so much for reading and your wonderful review.

Your story has really kept my interest and has such an interesting plot. I'm looking forward to more updates!

Author's Response: Thank you! I'm glad you like it. There is more to come I promise!

More, more...Please update soon.

Author's Response: There's more to come. Promise!

No don't let him drink!!! Oh I just love this story!!

Really glad how the tumor has shrunk in size and Buffy is in a more positive frame of mind. It’s nice that she and Anya have come to an understanding. I hope she will admit to William how much she cares for him before too much longer. Thanks for this great chapter.

Author's Response: You're welcome and thanks for your review! Buffy's a bit of a stubborn mule so it may take her a bit to admit her feelings.

Good chapter. I hope that Will does not start drinking again because he is freaking out, but it seems he is on solid footing. I hope the surgery goes well. As for lumpectomy vs mastectomy I don't know what I would do. I would have probably had the mastectomy since they had to remove her lymph nodes too

Author's Response: I'm glad you liked it. I was torn between the mastectomy and lumpectomy but decided that Buffy might be in a hurry to be done with her illness. She wants to get on with her life especially now that she's been able to break down her walls. I would have personally gone with the mastectomy in my opinion it's the better way to be absolutely sure the cancer won't come back. At least not breast cancer.

I'm not sure I've left a review yet as my keyboard was broken but I've invested in a new one and this story is AMAZING. I love it! Can't wait to see what happens next. And I really like that you didn't drag out the cheating scene and just used it as a tiny flashback. I just like this story a lot.

Author's Response: Thank you so much! I had a hard time figuring out how to write the cheating scene. I wanted to show how good a man he turned into first before I revealed the jerk that he had been before. More to come soon. I promise!

It's really too bad that Buffy and Anya couldn't have been better friends in the series. It probably didn't help that Anya and Spike found solace in each other and that Buffy tried to kill Anya when she went on that frat house rampage, but at least on human terms they have a chance

I liked this chapter and I liked Anya's conversation with Buffy. It was needed and Anya was the only person who could have said it.

Author's Response: I agree. I was just afraid it was too much too soon, but I think they've been working toward this moment. Thanks for your review!

I think it was a good chapter. I am glad to know what happened with them. I am also happy they talked. I only hope they will continue to do so.

I really really he doesn't. It was a great chapter. What Spike did to her was really horrible, no wonder it took her so long to forgive him.

Author's Response: I dirdn't get your first sentence. I think you missed a word. But yes, Spike was an ass and I hope that revelation will get readers to understand why she has been so emotionally stunted.

Hi, just to say am loving this tale. I can't wait to see how it ends. Hopefully not too sadly.

Author's Response: Thanks! Its good to see I have supportive readers!

I know she’s trying but I still find Anya extremely irksome. After Tara’s concern about a sexual relationship instead of being happy for the Spuffyness I’m very worried. Thanks for another great chapter to a wonderful fic.

Author's Response: I'm god you liked it! Anya is still a work in progress. Don't worry about the sexual issues. I had to write it because it is a fact about the side effects of chemotherapy. However, things will be okay between Spike and Buffy :)