My Mom PET scan results came out today. Good news is that except the afflicted lymph node in the neck, everything else is clear. Chest XRAY and ECG results are all good.

Surgery is scheduled for Oct 31, doctors mentioned that they will do partial glossectomy and remove lymph nodes upto Level 5. Based on the pathology results after surgery, they mentioned that they could advise radiation (nt sure how this is possible)

Thanks everyone for your help and support!

Radiation is possible as this is the other side of the neck and did not receive the maximum dose. I am being re-radiated on the same side - different area. I should expect some damage but we'll just have to see. The alternative is not so appealing.

Your mom should be able to tolerate some radiation to this "other" side.

The Oral Cancer News posted an article about re-radiation, which (who knows??) might be a possibility for your mom. You can read the article here:

http://oralcancernews.org/wp/new-guidelines-for-reirradiation-of-head-and-neck-cancer/

Well, I'm living proof that you can have radiation a second time and to the exact same side and even the same place after surgery for a recurrence even if you had the "maximum". So it shouldn't even be an issue if it's going to a different side and location.
If they do decide to do radiation a second time, don't be worried by the high GY dosage numbers in the OCF news report. Those guidelines dealt with the situation where surgery for the recurrence was not an option. So the 50 to 60 GY makes sense. In my case, I only needed 25 GY the second time around (compared to 70GY the first time) So your Mom's doctors might use a similar smaller dose the second time.
Charm

Hi Amit, they will go for unilateral radiotherapy (One side of neck) like they did for my dad. Basically, they will target the tumor bed to leave no chances.

Hi Amit,
I'm another who has had radiation twice to the same area. I had bilateral radiation as I had tumours on both sides of my neck and jaw. First time around I only had it to the left side of my neck, following a Selective Neck Dissection. My radiation TXs were less than 18 months apart. I had surgery to remove the affected nodes first, but my team didn't do a neck dissection on the right side as they believed that my neck would be too weak with too much tissue removed. I then had radiation twice daily for 3 weeks as an inpatient. I now have a permanent PEG as I have swallowing issues, but I can manage some thickened drinks and soups. I would say that despite this, and some speech problems, I have a very good quality of life. I travel, am physically active, have lots of hobbies and a good social life thanks to my family and some great friends. I'm very grateful to my Surgeons and Radiation Oncologist that they were prepared to go out side of what they normally regard as safe levels of Radiation TX. Without this 'unsafe' treatment I would almost certainly not have seen Christmas 2009.

I have had a total of 14 sugeries for OC (and 6 recurrences - 5 of which were seperate cancers and not remnants of previous disease - the other two were metastic disease to the neck and jaw)so my collaterol damage is not due solely to radiation!

The rewards of aggressive treatment far outweigh the risk of damage as most who have had it will attest. I have never regretted having the TX. I wish you and your mother all the best for the forthcoming surgery and whatever TX is decided on following this surgery.

Sue G

Thanks for all the information. Mom's surgery was completed on 31st October, and she will be discharged tomorrow. Doctors have removed all lymph nodes on the right side upto Level 5. Sugery performed was partial glossectomy.

Pathological reports are expected on Tuesday based on which doctors will advise further treatment, if any.

For all the cases mentioned above re-irradiation was performed at least after an year whereas in my Mom's case its just been 5 months since the Tx ended. So am not too sure about this, but lets see what the doctors have to say.

Thanks to all again.

Amit:
You have my prayers for good results. Hugs to you and your Mom.
juliann

Pathology results: 2 lymph nodes turned out to be positive with Perinodal extension. Radiation doctors have advised unilateral electron beam radiotherapy approx 20-22 sessions. They will monitor how my Mom copes with it.

Praying to God everything would be fine. Rx to start in 2-3 weeks time as they are allowing tissue to heal after surgery.

Im very sorry to read of the recurrence. Best wishes with everything you both are facing.