I had a partial laryngectomy on 2/1/12. At post op - surgeon said that he got all the tumor, clear margins and biopsies of surrounding tissue came back clear. He then went on to say something like 'most' people are done at that point. (not sure what that meant, and wished I would have asked) Before the surgery, I prayed I wouldn't need radiation. But then when I was told I didn't need it ... the thought had crossed my mind that maybe I should have done radiation too - just to be on the safe side? but I was afraid of all the side effects of radiation. Is surgery alone enough (when it's early stage 1)? Any thoughts /insight on this ??

I have my 6 week appointment on Tues. Last weekend, my throat started feeling 'different'- like there is a lump in my throat (a symptom I had before the diagnosis). So now I am very worried. Could a recurrence come back that quickly? Did it have enough time to spread? could it just be scar tissue? (I'm praying that's all it is)

Thanks for taking the time to read my post and would love hear others experience(s) with throat surgery.

Its a tough call that you should discuss with your doctors in detail. I am one who says hit it hard and better your chances of a complete elimination of your cancer the first and only time around. If you go to the main OCF pages and do a search for NCCN treatment guidelines you will get some info that will help you. Sorry but my internet access is very limited right now and I cant do the link for you.

Education and knowledge is important - since you're having it checked Tuesday that should be fine this cancer can move quickly and be aggressive. I was a stage 2 with lymphnode involvement - 1 - and my dr. Despite being certain I was cured sent me for rads and chemo. I'm with Christine do all you can now to prevent recurrence. Take this weekend to read up on the standard of care for your type of cancer - and go in armed with that knowledge and your list of questions. I know some of the stuff you read is scary - but remind yourself that you are an individual and this is your own story. Hugs and try not to fret. If it has come back (hopefully not) then its still early. Take care and hoping its nothing.

Thanks for the information Christine. That is very helpful! I learned (if I'm reading it correctly) that radiation would actually begin 6 weeks after surgery - so maybe my visit on Tues will determine if in fact radiation is needed. Maybe I didn't 'escape' it like I thought.

Thanks Cheryl for the encouraging words and sharing your experience.

You both are so great about responding to my posts. Just want you to know how much I appreciate it and what an inspiration you are to me. God Bless.

We are here to help you get thru this. I know how hard it can be and how alone we all can feel. I am always one to recommend to hit it with everything you have so you dont have to go thru it again. Radiation can be difficult for some but not all people will have a hard time. A few lucky ones sail right thru without it doing very much of a disruption in their lives. Hoping you have a good doctor visit on Tues!

Hi Annie:
I had tonsil cancer, stage IV, so I had to have radiation and chemo following my tonsillectomy. I'm not sure what I would do in your situation - I know there are milder doses of radiation that can be administered that would have lesser after effects, so perhaps talk to your doctor about that. Some, like me, had to have a more aggressive radiation which did, and still does, have side effects, but it beats a recurrance. I guess I would opt for being better safe than sorry. Maybe get a second opinion from a doctor who specializes in that type cancer. I wish you the best of luck, and let us know your decision.
julieann

Annie, had a similar situation about 4 weeks earlier than you. Prognosis wasn't quite as great as yours, but close. Sought opioions from 3 RO's, and ended up with 2 additional. The 5 were split, 3 yes, 2 no. The older generation RO were 'better safe than sorry', younger generation felt RT was over prescribed in certain situations. Decision came down to risk tolerance and long term quality of life. No easy answer, and no looking back. If you're already near 6 weeks out then seems like decision is made, the RO would have started per-work well in advance. Good luck.
Mike