Hi,

I met with my "team" yesterday, most importantly the radiation oncologist.

Here's what he said:

--Radiation in tonsil area, one side only (tonsil area and neck). Expect to occure 2-3 weeks into treatment and to last 2-3 weeks after treatment.

--Expect severe sore throat.

--Expect 1/2 of jaw salivary gland function to be compromised--other side will be ok. (Note: other salivary gland on this side was removed during right neck dissection). Said I will lead a normal life with salivary gland function.

--Expect partial loss of taste, but will return.

--Expect facial burn (similar to sunburn), loss of facial hair in area (although may come back gray).

--Does not expect fatigue problems.

--He expects good results, but cannot guarantee complete "cure".

--No chemo required, as there was no extracapsular spread. He mentioned that this was great news.

This doctor appears excellent and I fully trust him.

One thing I have learned early on:
All cases are different--everyone please note that Staging is nothing more than a way doctors and researchers catagorize the disease...as such, DO NOT USE IT IN ANY WAY TO DETERMINE YOUR PROGNOSIS!!! LISTEN TO YOUR TEAM, QUESTION THEM ALONG THE WAY, GAIN AS MUCH KNOWLEDGE AS POSSIBLE, WORK WITH THEM AS A TEAM MEMBER, BUT QUESTION, QUESTION, QUESTION. ONLY PROCEED AHEAD WITH WHEN YOU ARE COMFORTABLE...BUT, AS BRIAN HILL STATED, THIS DISEASE IS VERY UNFORGIVING OF MAKING THE WRONG MOVES--EITHER WAITING TOO LONG TO GET CHECKED OUT OR BY NOT GOING TO THE RIGHT DOCTORS--AS SUCH, DO NOT WASTE TIME!!!

Treatment will begin in a few weeks after a dental exam and the CT scan for set up.

I am fortunate, but I still have a tough way to go...thanks again to all; your concerns and hope are priceless.

Oscar

Stage II Tonsil cancer, T1N2AM0..right neck dissection Oct '07. RT pending. (Note: If you go by the book, I really am a Stage IVa...however, the tumor board Staged me as II based on my case. Again, Stage is a relative, subjective, and sometimes inaccurate method of evaluating a prognosis).

Daer Oscar, your rad Doc. sounds right on EXCEPT for the part about "fatigue". If I were you, I would anticipate and prepare for fatigue to rear it's ugly head during the radiation. [if you plan to continue working, make some plans for help if needed]. Otherwise, you are on course- keep it up:)! Amy in the Ozarks

Oscar it is great that you have a plan, which is a big part of the battle. However, do not underestimate the side effects, I am with Amy re fatique. The radiation may knock you on your ass (even more so if you have concurrent chemotherapy).
Make sure that you keep nutrition and liquid uptake up.

Best of luck

M

Oscar - Everyone is different. I am finishing up week 6 of Rad and also doing Chemo. Driving 1 1/2 hrs. each way every day for treatments and the days I get done early I go to work. Also able to walk, mow and do stuff around the house. I realize I have been bleesed and in the minority...just my 2 cents worth. Best of luck. Sounds like you have a plan and a great attitude...you will get through this.

Bill

Oscar,I did great with my rads until the 3rd week and all hell came crashing in. Throat went sore, taste went south with all my energy. I continued to work but I will admit, there were several days I really had to make myself go. I did not miss any days of work and I had no peg tube for feeding and drinking. I wish you the best but expect the worst, If the worst does not happen than it is that much easier. May I suggest that you ask your RO any and all questions you have about any long term side effects. Keep in touch.