Ratface:

I was in similiar situation. Went to a CCC for initial DX. He forcefully suggested I get a second opinion.(he came from Dana Faber..had an opportunity to be Dept Head down hear) and I liked the local CCC facility and the Drs. But he convined me based on his experience with OC that it is always wise to get at least 2 opinions to see if there are options, protocols available , just in case someone misses something, etc. This is from a guy who had treated OC for 10 years. Any way ended up having treatments at Duke (2nd opinion). Both recommended Chemo and RT with possible ND after treatmnet. As it turned out, I did have a modified ND, small maybe 6 inches after treatments. He wanted to remove dead cells and double check, although Scan came up clean.
In one afternoon out next day. Good luck in your battle.


Bill Van Horn-53 ex-smoker, social drinker, Biopsy 8/24, Diagnosed 8/30/07 BOT T2N2-B MX Stage IV. Started treatments 10/1/07. IMRT 35 x, Cisplatin - 3 cycles - completed treatment 11/16/07. CT Scans on 1/15/08 all clear Selective neck dissection 1/28/08. All nodes clear.