After my first surgery, 11/08 and Tx, I pretty much went on about my daily business. Went back to work and attending monthly ENT check ups. No big deal, I seemed to have been doing well until recurrence popped up last visit 10/15/09. Looks like I'm starting all over again, beginning with surgery 11/2/09. Also, looks like Tx will be more aggressive to include both Rt and chemo.

Second time around I want to go at this cancer more proactively with 110% of everything I've got to prevent recurrence.

I would greatly appreciate any and all inputs, diets, nutrician, excersise, both the DOs and DON'Ts, any help to
assist would be great.......thanks in advance...Barry

Barry,

Consume a ton of calories and water each and every day.

Get fluoride trays and use them.

Stay on top of the swallowing.

Stay on top of the pain.

Try not to get depressed.

Rest Rest Rest and don't push your body during Tx or recovery.

Don't listen to any of the non traditional suggestions your friends will give you and stick to the proven Tx.

David,
I wish I'd gotten such advice my first time around.

My biggest fault here is that I probably went back to work to soon (not enough rest), wasn't proactive in Tx process (probably should have insisted on chemo together with RT).

Thanks David....

Barry

Hi, Barry,

I am so sorry you are dealing with going through treatment again. The chemo is a good idea as it augments the effects of the radiation (also gives you more side effects so follow David's recommendations). Without knowing more about the extent of your original tumor and the current area that is showing up, you might look at some of the posts from people who have had induction chemo. Our understanding was that it would shrink the tumor and perhaps prevent distant metastisis. Perhaps this is sometimes used when someone has already received radiation and may be able to only have a limited amount of more radiation? Another poster had cyberknife the second time around which might be an option for you. He posts under Charm.


My thoughts are with you- Sophie

Barry, sorry you have to go through this again. What kind of surgery did you have the first time around?
They'll hit you with the heavy guns to get rid of this thing.
Eat really well, get your body physically and mentally ready for battle.
keep us posted
Nancy

Sorry you are going through this again. We can go through it together. I do not know when I will begin my treatments as my first visit with the oncologist is Thursday.

Hi Barry,

I'm having surgery tomorrow for a recurrence to remove 6 new cancers in my jaw and neck (they are mets from a recurrence of tongue cancer that was removed in early August). After that I'll be having RT and Chemo as an inpatient at my local CCC. They will be treating both sides of my neck including the left side which has already received 70 gray. Reradiating this side of my neck and jaw is not without risk but better some more collaterol damage than losing my life. I think that my RO intends to give me about 40% of my previous dose in the already radiated areas and maximum grays on the right side.

I'm preparing for all this by maintaing a normal healthy diet with the addition of things like pomegranite juice and other juices plus multi-vitamins and vitamin C supplements. I have put on weight and am going into this in the best physical and mental shape that I can.

I'm also hoping to do a retreat in the New Year which teaches meditation,has an anti-cancer diet and will allow me to take on board ideas which I believe may enhance my chances of staying cancer free in the future.

Good luck to both you and Angelia as we start this battle...again!

Sue

Best wishes to all 3 of you going through the battle again.
Will be thinking about you all and watching for your next posts.
Love
Gabriele

I'm with Gabe, I'll be with you all the way.

I'll be thinking of you and hoping for your treatment success as you go through treatment again.