Hello All,

On March 27th I underwent a second neck dissection for a persistent tumor buildup on the left side of my neck. They did a horizontal and vertical incision because there was extra "junk" that needed to be taken out. My surgeon successfully removed all cancer which was seen by the naked eye. I had positive lymph nodes in lvls 2-4 that had extra nodal extension. This is not a recurrence, it was microscopic cancer cells that were there from the start. It's very concerning because it survived through the Chemo-Radiation from last fall.

The tumor board met up 2 weeks following my surgery and were worried about how quick the cancer came back, so they're recommending a 4 month Chemo Treatment Plan which consists of Erbitux and Taxol. The medications will be given through IV once a week for 16 weeks. My other option would be to let it ride and hope that there are not any microscopic cells left behind. It's been 3 weeks since my surgery and they said they would like to get the Chemo going before week 8 post-surgery.

The Chemo Doctor said that if I don't do anymore treatment as of right now... I have a 30% chance of the problem not persisting, and a 70% chance of it coming back. But if I do the 4 month Chemo Treatment he can't statistically let me know how much better my chances are of the cancer not coming back. There's also no guarantee that my bad cells will be responsive to these Chemo-therapies. Keep in mind that one of the possibilities is that I'm already completely cured right now.

This is a tough decision and I would like to hear what all of your opinions are. If you were in my shoes how would you approach this situation? Thank You.

Sorry for your troubles BrandonK. This has happened to me several times. I'm surprised they didn't suggest radiation also, but your prior radiation, less than a year, may factor in. I would say the targeted therapy/chemo combination is better than nothing, but I would seek alternatives, having choices are always good, and select the most extensive treatment anyone can offer due to your history, negative prognoses, like ECE, lower nodal involvement, if it can be done safely, and maybe a 2nd opinion, preferably at a top CCC.

Good Iuck.

Hello Brandon, my approach would be to treat this as aggressively as you can. Your cancer has already proven resistant to both chemo and radiation. You had extra nodal extension. There will almost certainly be microscopic cancer cells remaining. Personally I don't like the odds of 30% likelihood of cure at your current status. As Paul says please get a second opinion from a top CCC.
Thinking of you,
Tammy

Given it came back quickly means your strain of cancer is tough, also being non HPV adds to it being harder to cure.

You are so young it is harder to say give it all they can as you have a long life to live with side effects.

For us older folks, long term QOL is less an issue.

You have a tough choice but you are young so you will bounce back faster than most here.

Get another opinion at a top CCC if you can.

Good luck

Brandon,

I've been in your shoes also, and doing nothing probably isn't a good idea. If you can, seek another opinion at a top cancer center.

Wishing you the best!

Hi, Be has agressive as possible and kill this volture once and for all. Dont take any chances with this. Semper-Fi Bob

I am going to schedule both a 2nd opinion at another CCC in Michigan and speak to a Holistic Doctor in the next upcoming weeks and get back with you all. The last week I've been on vacation so I've been putting as little thought into my situation as possible. But now it's time to take responsibility again starting with cutting out as much sugar as possible. I talked to a Holistic doctor and he said he would like for me to go on a Ketogenic Diet which consists of using good fats for energy instead of a bunch of carbohydrates such as Pizza's, Pasta's, Fruits etc. Looks like I'm going to have to start going green and meats all the way.

So if I were to go this route and try to avoid the chemo... And if the problem does persist, it would occur sometime in the next year or two if any microscopic cells form into another tumor. My chemo doctor said 'he wouldn't think I'm crazy if I were to do that' which I understand I have to be aggressive as possible on the subject. Unfortunately Chemo kills good white cells along with the bad and I'm sure the side effects won't be so friendly.

I have about 3 weeks to decide if I want to start the Chemo so I'll keep you all posted.

Brandon, I understand you are trying to find an alternative to the regular OC treatment. I know how brutal it can be and the long lasting effects it has on your body. I have seen several members attempt to go that route. Unfortunately they realized too late that the only medically proven cures for this horrible disease is the standard treatments of surgery and radiation with or without chemo. PLEASE!!! Be use caution when seeking anything besides the scientifically proven treatments. There are far too many scheming medical "professionals" out there who make false claims and ultimately harm patients who believe in their methods. A special diet can help make you healthier but will never cure cancer. Any doctor who claims it will does not have your best interests in mind.

If you check Quackwatch you will find the diet you mentioned. When something makes the Quackwatch website that means it doesnt work, its another bogus claim.

Quackwatch, Ketogenic Diet

Brandon, I agree strongly with your Chemo Doc.
You have an Aggressive recurrent cancer. If you want to survive this , you must treat it aggressively. Treat it with the treatments that have been proven to work. Surgery coupled with chemo and or radiation . Why would you not listen to the Drs who have huge experience with treating this type of cancer?
Your white cells will recover from the chemo. Hopefully the cancer cells won't.
Will a ketogenic diet help? Absolutely not.
I don't want to read of your demise because you got sucked in by woowoo.
Please ,please, listen to the experts in this.
Tammy

Brandon, in my husband's case, the microscopic cancer cells went straight to his lungs and the doctors found five or six lesions. It did not take a year or two, it took all of six months when they became visible on the CT scan. Prior to that, it could be they were there already but remained undetected because they were microscopic. When a patient has lung metastases, he is already in the palliative stage.
Timely action is extremely important in cancer treatment.