David,

I don't know the difference between Cetuximab and Cisplatin. I do know that Cisplatin is more toxic and Cetuximab is not a toxin but is a protien enabler designed to help target and focus the radiation on growing cancer. Lois is only going to get Cetuximab. The reason given is that her tumors are small and only 2 nodes have been positively identified - all on the right side only - unilateral disease. The doctors also feel it is highly likely HPV positive but all have stated that the HPV result does not change their treatment recommendation. They do believe being HPV positive has a positive effect on the outcome of treatment but have no specific research to prove it - yet...

Is it possible to get both Cetuximab and Cisplatin plus radiation? Is this a more aggressive treatment? Is it only required when more nodes or bilateral involvememt or distant metastatic disease is present? I am worried that it could come back if the Cisplatin is not used. I know we are in good hands but it feels like insurance to use the best punch now while she has no symptoms or pain or side effects from the radiation. I need to trust the doctors but I want to know why they choose different treatments. And since I am not a doctor I don't know why.

Lois prefers not to ask many questions and I am trying not to ask any that upset her. I guess I just need to buck up and ask them anyway - right? She doesn't want to know statistics and I don't blame her because they can really cloud the mind.

The HPV test result should be back Monday or Tuesday and I will let you know which way it goes. Are there any questions I should ask about the typing of the HPV or anything else?

I will contact Meagan to get some brochures - there are none around the checkin area that I have found and I collected one of everything when we first arrived.

Kickin it in Houston! Going to go see some butterfly's today. Thanks to everyone for all the support!
Cheryl aka Brick