 Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 | Many people here have been through what it sounds like you have. As you can see by my signature line, I had BOT (base of tongue) with mets to 2 lymph nodes almost 2 years ago. I was told by Moffitt, a CCC (comprehensive cancer center) that they did not recommend a neck dissection first but wanted to try the chemo and radiation. If I needed a ND afterwards it was still possible. Mind you I had already been to see 4 other docs and 3 of them recommended a ND. My point is if I were you I would consider another opinion before I went with surgery. The radiation is the only effective way to kill the cancer so many now believe there is no point to delay the radiation while you heal from surgery.
Where are you being seen?
Exactly what type of cancer do you have?
Did they tell you what Stage it is?
How big is the node(s)
Did they mention any chemo?
David
Age 58 at Dx, HPV16+ SCC, Stage IV BOT+2 nodes, non smoker, casual drinker, exercise nut, Cisplatin x 3 & concurrent IMRT x 35,(70 Gy), no surgery, no Peg, Tx at Moffitt over Aug 06. Jun 07, back to riding my bike 100 miles a wk. Now doing 12 Spin classes and 60 outdoor miles per wk. Nov 13 completed Hilly Century ride for Cancer, 104 miles, 1st Place in my age group. Apr 2014 & 15, Spun for 9 straight hrs to raise $$ for YMCA's Livestrong Program. Certified Spin Instructor Jun 2014.
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