Hi Terri! Im happy to hear your husband is doing well. I read every single post thats been put on this forum. Ive been doing that for 7 years as admin and 2 1/2 more years since I first joined OCF. In all that time I can not think of any other patient who has discussed this situation.

I would be very apprehensive if it were me making that type of decision! Is this being done at a CCC? I would suggest before making any type of change like this to get at the very least a second opinion at a CCC. If you can take your husband for a third opinion I would suggest doing it.

To me, it sounds a overly risky especially if his voice is already pretty good. My biggest concern is if a recurrence happened and not being able to be treated all due to improving his voice. Also not being able to get a thorough check up would make me pretty nervous.

I would wait until after getting more opinions before making this decision. I guess you and your husband will have to together weigh everything out and see if the benefit outweighs the risk. You may also want to throw in that he has not yet hit his 5 year cancer free milestone which is when the odds for recurrence drop significantly.

Please keep us posted about this! Im sure other members/patients will one day get this same type of offer and need help deciding. Thank you and best wishes!!!



Christine
SCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44
2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07
-65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr
Clear PET 1/08
4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I
surg 4/16/08 clr marg
215 HBO dives
3/09 teeth out, trismus
7/2/09 recur, Stg IV
8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy
3wks medicly inducd coma
2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit
PICC line IV antibx 8 mo
10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg
OC 3x in 3 years
very happy to be alive smile