My dad finished his 35 rounds of radiation and 2 rounds of Cisplatin in early Nov'12. He was doing great. Skin slowly repairing its self. Swelling slowly subsiding. Appetite returning. In Jan'13 he had his follow up scan - results not good. There is a reoccurrence on the left side behind the ear. Directly in the area that was being treated. Radiation is not an option. We are told they cannot operate because of the cancer's proximity to the blood cells would stroke his brain. And we are being told chemo cannot fight it. We've been referred to a Palliative care doctor and prescribed pain meds.
Feelings are mixed. I'm shocked that his team of doctors have thrown their hands up and sent us home with a grim prognosis. The system seems so broken.
We have reached out to a ND who has success in treating cancer. His symptoms vary day to day and hour to hour.
We are trying to stay positive. After all Dr's aren't Gods and we all know they can be wrong. But, it's hard having the anticipation of a grim prognosis hang over our heads.
It breaks my heart to see him in pain. How do we bring back some form of normalcy to our lives? Sadly I seem to find strength in my anger these days. We did everything they told us to do and I feel like it left us with no options.
What happens next? Any suggestions?

I am very sorry to hear about the recurrence. Not knowing the health care system i Canada, I can only offer suggestions that sort of make common sense; whether, they are viable options to you, only you know.

First, get a second opinion. Find a new set of specialists, preferably at a CCC (Comprehensive Cancer Center) that specializes in dealing with cancer patients. They are generally the most knowledgeable and experienced practitioners as they see the greatest volume and the more unusual cases.

Stay positive and use your energy to seek and get that second opinion. Way too early to throw in the towel.

Good luck,
Don

Your dads situation sounds like mine. I had three of the best places in the US tell me the same thing with my tumor just below the ear and wrapped around the corotid artety. I found a place that does Stereotactic body radiation therapy SBRT. This allows them to hit the cancer with one more round of radiation (possibly 2). The results are mixed but we have had a few on this board who have had success with it and a few not.

It was successful for my last time but they nissed a spot so I am going in for one more set of treatments.

This regime is 5 teatments over ten days so not as bad as IMRT.

I would try to find a facitlity in Canada theat offers Stereotactic radiation and get them your fathers records. Ther may be a chance yet.

Thank you very much - I'd greatly appreciate that. I will meanwhile ask our Radiologist to see what he can refer.

Lea, Im very sorry to hear about your fathers recurrence! Yes, I fully agree with the other responses and seek out a second opinion at another top cancer canter. Go to the highest ranked cancer center you can find. This can mean a huge difference in how he is treated. Try to hurry and find another facility, time is of the essence with recurrences. If it helps, your dad is not alone...I went thru 3 rounds of oral cancer within 3 years. Im now almost 4 years past my last bout and Im doing ok besides some minor after effects. It really hits home with me when a member has a recurrence. Wishing both you and your father all the very best with this!

Irish is actually a terrific dr, but his bedside manner comes and goes - I do trust him though. He's very much a pioneer in his field and pmh is a world class facility. Check and see if there is another cancer center perhaps in bc that will give him a second opinion. So sorry that they've decided against this - maybe ask again see if they have any trials? Also he could be reradiated quite a few people here have been push - ask to see the head of radiation...

Maybe even consulting the Otolaryngology Department at Mount Sinai next door? They diagnosed my husband but referred him to PMH for treatment. The doctor who heads that department is the Chair of Oncology at the U of T. The other possibility I can think of is Sunnybrook. You might have to factor in wait times. I'm truly sorry about what you and your family are facing.

Definitely - push! if you don't get answers from pmh go elsewhere though often looking at where he has come from other drs are afraid to get involved. Beg... Cry if you have to.