Thank you Christine. I think it's Beth Israel that does Brach therapy. I asked about it during a consultation at Mt. Sinai, but they do not do it, and said he believes it woud would not be good in my case. I think I recall Brach therapy having less toxicity, but is more direct to a smaller area, like prostrate, but it is being used for H&N. Then they also can do additional RT. I plan on calling them tomorow. They are well respected for H&N, as well as two others I didn't contact yet. I'm working on borrowed time since I was supper to let the hospital know by this week, if I was proceeding.

Hi:

I had Brachytherapy done at Beth Israel Hospital in NYC by Dr. Louis Harrison. I have been told he is one of the best in the country.

Brachytherapy is a form of radiation where tiny rods are placed at the site and radioactive material is placed into those rods for a few days and left there, or it can also be done as a daily outpatient treatment for some. I was inpatient.

I was a third time re-occurrance and was stage IV.

My cancer was to my tongue and base of tongue. Had surgery, radiation to left neck (it was actually re-irradiation since I had the right neck done 2 years ago).

I then had brachytherapy to my tongue and base.

Maybe you could first call Beth Israel and get that that department to see if brachytherapy is done to lymph nodes. If so,I would advise to have Dr.Harrison review your records to see if you would be a candidate.

If you are a candidate for brachytherapy, I will be as helpful as I can with my experience, should you have any questions.
It was not anywhere near as bad as I thought it might be.

I've read articles now where this is becoming another treatment option for breast cancer and prostate patients and is on the rise.

Believe it or not, brachy was invented in the early 1900's and is now becoming more popular again as another treatment option.

Best to you! Sending positive thoughts!

Cindy

Thank you Cindy. I will call Beth Israel tomorrow. Did you have IMRT or Tomo in addition to the Brach treatment? It was actually not my Lymoh nodes, they were all taken out from the neck dissection in October. It was "free form" Cancer that came from nowhere. Basically metastised from the primary or unknown regions. That surgery in October revealed Cancer in my neck muscle, which was removed by chance being it was twisted around the lymphs, so I had a RND, instead of a MND.

I just called. I spoke with John, and will have someone call me tomorrow to set up an appt with dr Harrison or Dr. Hu. Thanks again,

Best of luck, Paul. I'm so sorry that you are having to go through all of this. You must be a fighter to still be with us! Keep coming back and keep fighting! I hope things start to go your way.

Be well,
Kerri

Thanks Kerri. I have an appt on Monday to see about Brachytherapy. Two Ro's said they may not be able to do it, but to check it out. I have two offers, one locally and other 1-2 hrs away, each, darn traffic in nyc, to do Erbitux 1x a week, concurrently with IMRT at 50Gy. My local oncologist, was verym upset with he path findings, I go to a major hospital in addition, believes this Cancer will not go away and will kill me, so controlling it is the key to survival. Said I may need to be on Ernitux indefinitely and or at least 6 months, then spoke briefly about a clinical or off trisl drug. At least I still have a few options. My ENT, told me Wednesday, that his leaving the hospital for private practice in another state, and was the last time I would see him they have someone else, but he did all my surgeries, and was with him for 2.8 years.

Hi Paul:


Sorry I did not respond sooner. My Father just had a pacemaker placed yesterday and I also just returned back to work so I am juggling a bit.

I had IMRT and Erbitux simultanously.

3 weeks later I had the brachy. The rods were in place for 5 days then I was all finished. It healed up quickly for me.

If you see Dr. Harrison or his Fellow, Dr. Berlach please give them my regards.

Please let me know how your appointments go and stay positive.

All the best,
Cindy

Thank you Cindy. I'm supposed to see Dr Harrison. I thought I heard of IMRT or TOMO being used in addition too, Brachytherapy. I had IMRT already, so I'll see what the doctor says. I heard fom another RO that he is an expert in H&N cancer. I'll let you know tomorrow how it goes.

Hi Cindy.

I met with Dr. Harrison on Monday thinking about the Brachytheraoy. He is brilliant man. Met with one of the assistants first, gave my huge him volume of paperwork, and finally met with Dr. Harrison. You can tell he is an intellect, and thought deep when speaking. Dr Harrison immedistely said I have a comsituated there is only one thing, and one thing only that can be done, and done safely! He would explain it to me first, and then it would be for me to decide, and was unprepared what he said.

It's a four part process. 1. Do surgery again, clean up any reaming cancer. 2. While the neck is open, do external beam radistion 3. Do a flap with a chest muscle to have fresh tissue on the neck 4. Once healed, do Reirridation, and maybe Eributuc, on the fresh tissue.

As discussed, Reirridation without this is too risky for the carotid artery, and the dosage wanted to be done elsewhere at 50Gy will not be enough.

This is called Intra-Operative Radiation Therapy (IORT) and only done in a few places. Dr. Harrison is a pioneer with this, invented some devises being used, and an expert in this, having done many studies at Beth Usrael and while at MSK.

He also chided me having a network of doctors all overvthecfity, and said I need a multidisciplinary team with everything done at one place, not all over.

I like Dr. Harrisin and have confidence in him. I met with Dr Jacobson yesterday, ENT, who doesctjiscsurgety with Dr, Harrison. I plan on doing this, and lookng into Mid August for surgery.

Thanks for all your help!

Awesome!