New to forum. Diagnosed squamous cell carcinoma under tongue in 1990. Removed surgically. No radiation or chemo needed. Reoccurence in 2005 under tongue much deeper. Surgery completed and did not do free flap but were close margins. Three lymph nodes positive for squamous cell carcinoma. 31 doses of high radiation given. Cannot taste anything and mouth very dry. Reoccurence in 2009 squamous cell carcinoma of tongue and left jaw. Radical neck resection completed. Titanium bar put in to rebuild jaw. Free flap surgery. Trach and feeding tube after surgery. Fall 2009 started carboplatin every three week Sept thru Nov. February 2011 started on Erbitux and Taxol weekly. Went off Taxol in May2011. Second week of Jun 2011. Severe pain in jaw.
Went to different doctor was put on Erbitux weekly starting July 2011 to see how it would work.Not responding so added Taxolto the weekly treatment of Erbitus. Have had three treatments. Experiencing ear pain and severe jaw pain. Last pet scan showed little increase while cat scan showed cancer spreading deteriation of bone and implant hardware. Fistula has developed at sight cancer metasticized on skin. Fistula is getting larger and opening is larger than the size of your thumb nail. Opening looks angry and is constatntly draining. Am keeping it packed w gause. Through previous surgeries Ted rarely took any pain medication. He is taking his pain medication regularly just to be able to try and eat. It is getting more difficult for him to open his mouth and harder to come up with things he can eat. He has no taste as the radiation six years ago killed any taste buds. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. His last surgery was April 12,2009, on his birthday. It will be two years in April 2012.

Thanks
Debbie C