Can you explain if it's true that people who have serious cancer often feel better at christmas before declining in january?

Yes: In the presence of cancer, the immune system is important in how in controls spread of disease. It is well known that music can effect the brain giving it a sense of well being and helping to heal the patient. It is shown also that the brain controls a good part of the immune function and that at holliday time the brain may have a stronger influence on the immume system.

CA& mood: I think this is true of the general population...often we do see the day or two before a terminal cancer dies he or she will have a great day. And of course everyone thinks the pt is getting better. Many terminal CA pts set dates to make it to...often a holiday, thinking it will be their last.