Actually, the mask fitting appointment turned out to be also the radiation planning appointment. I saw the radiation oncologist today and the chemo oncologist also. I found out there was positive margin in a small area which is news to me. All along I understood that the margin was tight but not positive. Since the margin is positive, I would have to take chemo. The chemo doc was telling me it was my decision. It was just very confusing.

In any event, they want to start chemo and rad as soon as my infection wound heals, now tentatively set in about 2 weeks. By then, it will be just over eight weeks after surgery.

the chemo will be 2 or 3 sessions of cisplatin and I will stay overnight for each.

I just want to get better, if chemo is what is needed, then it is OK. Will have to deal with the side effects later!

Joseph 59 male
pain in tongue strt 2/10/12, Dx SCC 3/19/12, confirmed Stg IV 4/5/12,
Total Glsctmy & recon w/ flap from L thigh, neck disct, trach 4/27/12
G-Tube 5/1/12
55 nodes all clear
completed 2 chemo 33 rad
non-smoker, non-drinker, exercise daily, mostly vegetarian diet...go figure