My father initially had cancer in 2008, stage IV, at the base of his tongue. Chemo and Radiation, went into remission, returned last year on his epiglottis, had surgery, chemo, and radiation again. NOW, found at the base of his tongue, epiglottis, and larynx. Doctors are recommending a lengthy surgery, where he will need a skin graft from his leg to replace some of what they would remove, also he would end up with a trach and feeding tube. My father is leaning towards just trying the chemo again (doubt they will allow more radiation) just to have a better quality of life (vs living with a trach and feeding tube.) Any thoughts, info, advice would be appreciated. My whole family is at a loss for words. I think we are all still in shock.

Welcome to OCF!

There are several members who have had radiation twice, a couple here have done it 3 times. The decision to re-radiate is done on a case by case basis.

Chemo alone would only be used for palliative care. Time is of the essence in recurrence cases. I suggest to make certain he is being treated at one of the country's top comprehensive cancer centers (CCC). It really does make a difference! Even if your father is happy with his current doctors, at least go to a CCC for a second opinion. At a CCC a whole team of specialists will discuss each individual case at a meeting to all decide what the best treatment plan would be. Please talk to your family and get them to see the importance of immediately getting your father to a CCC so he can get thru this.

Many survivors live good lives with a feeding tube and/or trach. It is NOT the end of the world to live with these things, of course its different and at times challenging but its still a life worth living. To someone who has been healthy it appears to be a horrible life but I think its so much better to have a life even if the patient has a couple of issues. I almost quit before I was treated for my third round of OC but because of the wonderful people here I persevered and underwent a huge operation. They convinced me not to quit before I even tried to get well. Here it is almost 4 years later and even with my limitations, I have a great life. I hope your father and family can see the end result and at least try to have your father treated.

Best wishes!!!

CCC list

Hello, so sorry you have to be here.
My husband had a recurrence involving the BOT and extending down to the larynx.
He had " salvage " surgery 14 months ago which included a total glossectomy and laryngectomy , among other things.
His initial reaction was that he would not do this surgery. Really, surgery was the only option for a cure. We were told he would die within 12 months if he refused . So, here is. Alive and well 14 months later. It has been difficult, very difficult at times. But otherwise Kris was well with no other diseases, so physically he was able to deal with this difficult surgery.
Would we do this surgery again? Absolutely. Life is good. Very different, not without challenges, but good. Kris is enjoying his life.
You don't say how old your Dad is, or if he is otherwise well. In my opinion I would think that general wellness is necessary to successfully recover from this life altering surgery.
I agree with Christine. Get another opinion on options for treatment, but most importantly, get to a CCC. Don't delay.
Please let us know what Dad decides and know we are here to help.
Tammy

Sorry for your troubles. I had 5 recurrences and radiation 3x. Doing reirridstion depends on many factors, including the dose already given, the field of radiation the toxicity level of vital structures, the doctors experience, and other matters. Maybe look into High dose intraoperative radiation treatment aka HD-IORT or Brachytherapy, which go directly on or in the tumor, and protects vital structures, and IORT is a one dose treatment during surgery after removeing the tumors. Sime had cyberknife for recurrences. What CCC is your father being treated at. Good luck.

Thank you all for your responses. My father is 74 years old, but does not have any other health issues besides the cancer. He is not at a CCC. My dad lives in Louisiana and I believe his doctor is affiliated with MD Anderson in Houston, which is a CCC. Not sure if an affiliation is equivalent to actually going to a CCC though. As of now, he doesn't want to do the surgery. He meets with a speech therapist and the surgeon again tomorrow though to learn more about the surgery and post surgical changes.

It's not the same - if being treated at mdanderson is possible I would push him to do it... Best of luck.