the oncologist said that more chemo would have a 20% chance of shrinking the tumors because he has had so many rounds previously. He has a PET scan, and appt with radiologist next week and then they will review his case at the tumor board and provide a recommended course of treatment...hmmm

There have been many here that have had radiation more than once, some even more than twice. Let's hope they find something that will finally put an end to this.

Firstly they do radiate the tongue!!!! I know mine still remembers!!! (Taste is still a little funky.) - ideally he should have had radiation to his tongue way back, now that he has a more progressive cancer he can be reradiated. Some have been radiated to the same area more than once, in his case it's a fresh area so there is no reason they can't! Hugs

that's good to know...thank you everyone..

prognosis is not looking so good. Oncologist says there is a 20% chance a combo chemo regime would be effective. Radiologist says its all about prolonging life and he could do a shorter dose of radiation to see if it can be effective and gave us the quality of life talk. hubby had a PET scan, on the second try, it was difficult for him to lay flat for 30 min wo moving because of he's not able to swallow. So we will get results on Monday. Another oncologist appt and then on Thurs. with radiology oncologist again. Not sure what to think. Husband's feeling low for one of the first times ever. He's always so positive...

Missy, please dont give up! Sometimes the outlook can look like nothing is possible but people can overcome things and prosper. Im speaking from experience. When I was diagnosed with my third round I almost quit and let nature take its course. By now I would have been long gone. Between Brian Hill telling me there 3 time OC survivors really did exist, not many but there were a few out there and the members of this forum begging me not to give up before I even tried, they convinced me to keep going. Now, I personally know of several other 3 timers now who have been cancer free for many years. Anything is possible.

Wishing both you and your husband the strength to fight and win.

Missy its important to keep the chin up, its very contagious if it drops! Courage is being brave when you have no choice. We're with you all the way. Love and prayers for you both.

Missyp, when John was demitted from the trial, we were told that the trial had a 10% chance of working. Chemo has a 20% chance. The goal now is maintenance for us. We have both agreed to take it as it comes. We have found our therapists (yes, we each have our own) very helpful in coming to terms with reality. We have not given up, but we feel we are better at coping.

Thanks for the hope...PET scan revealed several new spots all in the neck, lowest is near the thyroid. Hubby is trying to decide if he should have a trach put back in. He's had 4 incidences of waking up and not being able to breathe. One of the spots on the PET labeled "very worrisome" is just above his voicebox and near his epiglottis.. which could be the reason for the breathing incidents..He will start chemo next week. Looks like radiation is not the best option...will officially hear from the tumor board tomorrow a.m.

any advice for him on trach decision? He doesn't sleep well because he's afraid he will die in his sleep from not being able to breathe

we are back in the hospital. My husband had surgery for a mature trach or stoma. Basically one where a hole is cut vs a slit and to close it requires stitches. He will start chemo next week. They are not recommending more radiation. the Dr. scared me today...we talked how his disease is not in a curable state any longer and I talked about a trip to a beach house my husband wants with his family. I said I was worried he would be too sick to go when chemo is over in Oct. and he said he wouldn't wait that long and we should go on the trip when he has his week of rest in between chemo transfusions. the Dr. said that is cancer grows very quickly. how do we know when I should take considerable time of work, so I have no regrets?