@ Charm: Thank you for the information about new studies going on regarding targeted therapies! I asked J's MO if he could be screened to see if Erbitux would work for him before he went through 8 weeks of it. But, his MO said screening eliminated too many patients on whom it would end up working. Better to use a shotgun approach until the more focused methods are available, I suppose. Please keep us posted on new developments with the study. I'm fascinated by these things. And, it gives hope.

I'm glad there are doctors out there who are forward-thinking and interested in innovation and practical applications. Bless you and your DNA for being part of that study. It could make a gigantic difference in the treatment of oral cancer. Wow!

You are right about Erbitux. I was a little too flippant about it. It really is an effective treatment if it jibes with a patient's genetic makeup. J's reaction is uncharacteristic of what a patient can confidently expect. It's a shame he had such a bad experience. Since it's so hard to tell if those little cells have already gone to distant places, it wouldn't give J a better chance of survival. But, his MO said that it could help prevent a recurrence in the same area. That is a huge benefit! I'm hoping he will reconsider it if he ever needs treatment.

Thanks, again!

@ Nicki: I hadn't thought of shingles! I guess a trip to the derm will tell us more if the MO can't figure it out. Thank you for your input!


Sandy