Not sure of the question, is this common with chemo? I assume you are speaking about adverse side effects making treatment impossible? I say yes, maybe not to mine or your extent, but you will see more patients that are unable to complete chemo treatments as opposed to radiation due to adverse side effects, labs, and is often underestimated, I know I did. My cancer did spread/return due to not having curable treatment (radiation) in a timely manner, plus the inability to have chemo with radiation up to three years later, and limited to a few types, and low dosages only. My original ENT said if I did not have such a reaction I probably would have been cured by now. That was 4 years ago.

As far as what you can do? The best you can. That's all. What may not be appropriate today, may be tomorrow. If you did 4 weeks radiation, had a clear PET, you did well, especially after your horrific encounter. The main thing is we are here. My doctor once told me it doesn't matter what adverse affects you had, what matters is you were strong enough to pull through and survive.

Be well.


10/09 T1N2bM0 Tonsil
11/09 Taxo Cisp 5-FU, 6 Months Hosp
01/11 35 IMRT 70Gy 7 Wks
06/11 30 HBO
08/11 RND PNI
06/12 SND PNI LVI
08/12 RND Pec Flap IORT 12 Gy
10/12 25 IMRT 50Gy 6 Wks Taxo Erbitux
10/13 SND
10/13 TBO/Angiograph
10/13 RND Carotid Remove IORT 10Gy PNI
12/13 25 Protons 50Gy 6 Wks Carbo
11/14 All Teeth Extract 30 HBO
03/15 Sequestromy Buccal Flap ORN
09/16 Mandibulectomy Fib Flap Sternotomy
04/17 Regraft hypergranulation Donor Site
06/17 Heart Attack Stent
02/19 Finally Cancer Free Took 10 yrs