Hello,

I have posted on this forum before regarding my father's ongoing batter with Oral Cancer. Below is a short summary:

55 y/o male from Toronto, Canada. Being treatment Sunnybrook Hospital, Odette Cancer Center
diagnosed in Feb 2013, underwent surgery in April 29
Cancer came back before rad treatments could start.
35 rad treatments and 2 chemo treatments concurrently. Last treatment on aug.29th.

We recently met with his team of doctors for a follow up after radiation and unfortunately, he did not respond to the treatment as the tumour seems to have grown and they are suspecting it has spread to his lungs. He only did an MRI from neck up so their doubts are not confirmed and he will have CT Scan but they have given us the dreaded news that it is not curable and referred us to palliative care. It is all too much for him and my family as we were really hoping to high dose of radiation will work. The doctors have told him on average he has months to live. We do not want to give up and have requested to have a second opinion at Princess Margaret Hospital. My question is, what other options do I have apart from the conventional therapy? His doctors have said they do not have any more treatments they can give him as they have exhausted all their options. I have been researching into alternative cancer treatments but they all seem promising and have their share of bad reviews and not to mention, they are very expensive. I don't know if I am posting it in the right section but any help from the wonderful members here would be truly appreciated.

Thank You

Go to Pmh ask for dr. Jonathan Irish he is the BEST. They will likely have clinical trials. Best of luck

Hi G:
Boy I wish there was something positive I could tell you, but I am not familiar with your dad's type of cancer.

I think Cheryld's prompt response might be the best thing you could hope for in a situation like this.

Stay strong, don't give up, you never know when that next step or that next telephone call is the one that might work.

We will be thinking of you.

Tony

***UPDATE***

So my father is scheduled to meet the doctors at PMH for a second opinion. Not sure what to expect but the doctor that we are seeing (Dr. Lilian Siu) does a lot of clinicals. Any specific questions we should keep in mind for tomorrow? Any help would be appreciated. Thank you everyone for kind wishes and help

Please make a signature so its easier for us to help you. Ive sent you all the info you need to add one. Look towards the top for a tiny flashing envelope and click on it. Take some time to go thru the link and add your signature.

Thank you!

Dr. Siu was my chemo dr.- she's very nice - If there is a possibility of surgery ask to be seen by dr. Irish (ENT) as well. First you need to confirm exactly where the cancer is. If it's not in his lungs I would push for a surgical approach. Hugs.