So you were in Santa Cruz in the early 80s? Were you a local or were you in town for treatment?
I ask because I also spent a lot of time in Santa Cruz/Aptos in the early 80s as well, and The Police were there all throughout.
I always felt that "Regatta de Blanc" was their most "timeless" album, one that made me feel the most 'taken away', as it were, and was the only album that did so, until U2's "Unforgettable Fire" came out in 1985 (which hasn't lost any of it's ghostly quality). "Regatta" was always the tape I'd play the most, in my little Sony Walkman knockoff, in my early high school years.
As far as your battle with the C, you know that you can come here and talk/vent/cry, etc. and you will find support. About ten years ago, I had a loved one successfully go through chemo and radiation at an early age (22) for non-H Lymphoma, and music was there thoughout. It *can* be a vital part of therapy. I'm glad it worked for you.
Life has its bumps, but keep your chin up, and keep up posted if need be.