Hi, I've been perusing this board since i found it in January - a real life saver and huge source of support for me.
I am wife and caregiver to Kris diagnosed with SCC R)BOT with metastases to R)tonsil and 1 lymph node. Stage 4 in Dec '10.
He has been treated with 35 IMRT and Cisplatin - received 2 of 3 doses only due to non-existant white cell count.
Kris did amazingly well with really very few side effects. He had no pain and has never needed analgesia meds. Had/has the usual dry mouth and extreme tiredness but that's about it. Used his PEG for about 2 days only and has always managed to swallow at least his ensure.
We are now 9 weeks out of treatment. He had his followup MRI last week. We get the results of this next Monday .
My question is should we be pushing for a modified neck dissection? His node has reduced in size and hardened but I am concerned that there may be microscopic spread to neighbouring nodes. My feeling is that we have nothing to lose by doing this and everything to gain. I would really appreciate the opinions of the board members on this. Are there any other questions I should be asking when we meet with the radiation oncologist next week.
Of course the waiting is hell and I will be a cot case on the day.
Kris continues to do well and has been back at work for 4 weeks now. He is being treated at Auckland hospital in NZ which is the closest Clinical cancer hospital for us and was seen by a whole Head and Neck board.
Thanks for any advice.
Tammy