Jack had his second set of PET/CT scans following his second surgery on Sept. 23. We met with his surgeon right afterward. We were devastated to hear, "The cancer is back with a vengeance." This time it is on the left side of the neck and not contained enough to be operable.

We met with his medical oncologist on Oct. 1. He was much more optimistic with us. One big plus is that the cancer has not moved out of the head and neck, especially not being in his chest or lungs. He is going to start Jack on chemo on Oct. 12 using taxol and carboplatin. He has also set up a meeting with the radiation oncologist that gave Jack his treatments 17 months ago. There may be areas out of the field of the last radiation treatments that can be irradiated now. We see him Oct. 7.

Some of you have no doubt been in similar circumstances and can pass on some advise based on your experience. We sure have appreciated what you said when we had the last recurrence. The first few days after the getting the news the cancer was back, I felt like Brett Favre looked after geting his bell rung. I'm thinking more clearly now. I want to be sure we are crossing all the t's and dotting the i's when it comes to a treatment plan.

The oncologists we are seeing are part of the University of Wisconsin Comprehensive Cancer Center staff even though they are located in Wausau. They do consut with the Madison doctors and are able to put their patients into clinical trials used in Madison. Do we need more opinions?

Lowanne

We saw the radiation oncologist yesterday. He was also optimistic that he can at least slow things down. The mask-making and simulation will be on the same day as the first chemo. We also met with a surgeon who will put in a port for the chemo. The surgeon turned out to be one of Jack's former students. Now the student is helping the teacher out.

I'm surprised not to find a zillion suggestions here. Does this mean we are probably doing things about right??? Am I reading enough postings to be on top of things?

Lowanne

Lowanne, I, too, am surprised this group has not replied en masse, so I will jump in. From where I sit, you seem to be in very good hands. My experience with taxol and carboplatin was easy to take, although I did lose my hair. I did not experience any of the nausea that came with the cisplatin I was started on. I can also state with great certainty that everyone who reads your posts is wishing you the very best results possible, as do I. Keep us posted, please.

Joanna

Lowanne,
Not having chemotherapy, I can't add much in the way of advice. I do think, generally, that a second opinion is always the right thing to do. I don't know how much of a hassle it would be for you to get one, but if it confirms what your doctors are telling you, you can be more comfortable with the treatment regimen.
Good luck and best wishes, Sheldon

Lowanne,
So sorry to hear you're both going to have to face this monster down again. My prayers will be with you.
I went thru Taxol and Carboplatin therapy last year. Mine consisted of a dose of taxol and carbo the first week, and just the taxol on weeks 2 and 3, one week off and then repeat the cycle. Though I lost a good deal of my hair, I managed to work 40 hours a week through the treatments. I had some pretty nasty bodyaches during the carbo week for about 48 hours. Realize that everyone will respond differently, but there's a good chance it won't be too very toxic. My own response to the treatment was 'Complete". The primary and secondary tumors shrunk down to be not detectable by palpation, and barely distinguishable by CT. The radiation apparently took care of the rest, as I've had clear biopsies and scans since February. Next scan scheduled for next week.
Best wishes for success.

Chuck

Lowanne & Jack, Lord knows you did not need this. I am so so sorry to even read this post. Enough is enough. Please tell Jack that I am praying and praying for him. You must be just devastated by this. GOD BLESS YOU BOTH. For CANCER doesn't just hurt one person, oh no it has to take a piece of us all with it. My thoughts and prayers are with you both and your families at this time.....Always Miss Vicki

Dear Lowanne & Jack,

I am so sorry to hear of Jack's latest setback. Is the UW Medical hospital a leading center for Head & neck cancers? If not thats where I would suggest you go. MD Anderson is the one i'm trying to get in for a second opinion. They come highly recommended from several board members. The Mayo clinic is another option thats much closer to you. You want to throw everything at this recurrance including possible clinnical trials. The larger Cancer centers have access
to more trials than your smaller local ones.

I have been receiving Taxol & Carboplatin for the last 12 weeks. The first mri taken after one round showed a noticable reduction in the tumor.
Hoping the next mri scheduled for 10/18/04 shows the same. This was for tonsil cancer.

Take care and hoping for the best, Danny Boy

Lowanne and Jack,

I am sorry to hear of your news. I would suggest a second opinion always if it is possible. MD Anderson has a process of doctors speaking with doctors to determine best course of treatment and it is usually done quickly. Ask your doctor about it and call MD Anderson to ask about it. It could give you peace of mind and save the time and expense of travel for you. I am hoping and praying God will provide the wisdom and guidance to the entire medical team to provide the best possible treatment plan for Jack.

God Bless,

Ed

Thanks all for the advise. Jack had his portacath put in on Monday and was supposed to start the chemo on Tuesday. They always do blood tests first. All of his blood counts (red cells, white cells, and platelets) dropped so much in the last two weeks that they didn't start the chemo. They now don't think they can use the taxol and carboplatin...too potent. They are now suggesting just cisplatin along with radiaion. Jack tried to talk the oncologist into trying it anyway. He wrote on his board, "If you don't kill the cancer, I'll die anyway." He did have his mask made and the simulation done Tuesday. They are going to hurry things along as much as possibe to get the radiation started. Jack is also going to have a sample of bone marrow extracted tomorrow to see if there is anything they can find there that would explain the drop in the blood counts. I am thinking of all kinds of not good things. Then I remember what our Danny Boy always says about it not being the C word until they say it is. I am sure glad the test is tomorrow and the results should be back soon. I don't want to wait.

We are considering getting a second opinion as lots of you suggested. We are both retired, so going places for a period of time is no big deal. I even think that several of the recommended place like M. D. Anderson are part of our PPO so insurance wouldn't be a problem.

What a roller coaster this is.

Lowanne