Thank you. I will keep an eye on it. I had my appointment with the ent dept today. Finally I have some sort of answer. They have now referred me back to the orphoepaedic surgeon who did my spinal fusion.
They now believe that I may have an allergy to titanium I had the fusion eighteen months ago. Apparently not only can it cause the symptoms in my throat. It can also cause lesions on the tongue. I have titanium plates and screws in my. So probably yet another round of tests to come. And maybe they will have to remove the metal hardware in my neck. X

Wow steve the bravery you show is amazing I will keep you in my prayers your going to be okay people strong like you never go down because they never give up

Sorry to hear of your recurrence, as others have said you appear to have the right attitude.

As Bob Marley Said
�You never know how strong you are, until being strong is your only choice.�

Thank you all so much. I sincerely appreciate the encouragement. Tube is in and I'm getting good calories and nutritional intake now. Energy not quite where I would like it, yet! Mask and simulation next week. I am awaiting a call about Hematologist (May be shared on Wednesday during my radiation visit (They all work closely together on tumor boards so probably already on board with TX plan). Had a great and positive visit with speech/swallow therapists this past week and spent afternoon with one of my Granddaughters yesterday. She insisted we "Read Books together," which I got to do a lot of the reading and those books for 4-6 year old's can be challenging for folks like us, but a child holds no prejudices, just unconditional love. Wondering if speech therapist put my Daughter up to that - LOL! Seriously, although I fell asleep on her once it just made my day having her with me. She even helped feed me - Fearless! Great Bob Marley quote, Brian! I'm ready, let's get with it! Thanks all for the support.

Steve,
I'm so glad you enjoyed the unconditional love and reading with your granddaughter. The rest sounds good, too!

Love in OCF,
Kerri

Good luck and keep up the good fight in this WAR!!! Semper-Fi Bob

Thanks All. So I start seven rounds of Erbitux beginning next Wednesday and thirty Rounds (Six Weeks) of Targeted Radiation to begin the following Monday. I was told we were going with Erbitux since I already have the nerve damage and hearing loss from Cisplatin. I told the Hematologist it really didn't matter in my opinion if I have already suffered the side effects, whichever would give me the largest leverage of beating this for good! She stated that I would respond well to the Erbitux and if there happened to be any issues with it we would then reconsider an alternative, possibly the Cisplatin. I'm now trying to regain some nutrition and possibly some weight so I'm ready to get in the Ring and finish this! BRING IT!!!!!

Sounds like the boxing gloves are on and laced for the fight. Beat the hell out of it Steve. Also, mention carbloplatin as an alternative; it is a platin and supposed to be just as effective as cisplatin with less side effects.

Good luck,
Don

Hi Steve,
I am praying for you and hoping for a speedy recovery for you!!

Thanks All for the support. Don, I appreciate the advice and will keep it in hand. I had already received my first treatment prior to reading your post (I had a violent, chill-like shakes reaction, nurse stopped treatment, gave me a benadryl and a steroid injection, and when I got calmed down resumed the treatment). Not sure what the Doctor will make of that but I meet with her prior to my next treatment. I must say I haven't had the nausea the Cisplatin caused me. If she mentions a switch I will definitely mention your carboplatin suggestion and see what she says. Start Radiation tomorrow so time to "Lock & Load!"