Hi Judy:

Welcome to the board and try to breathe because it looks like you have moved quickly in the treatments process and are putting all the right things in place early. The fact that your husband is scheduled for relevant tests (Chest x-ray & PET scan) demonstrates that you appear to have a progressive and assertive treatment team.

In answer to your questions about the lymph node issue and treatment plans in general, it would probably be helpful if we all have some more information:

1. Where is the primary site of the lesion? Where was the biopsy taken from?
2. When he has the CT scan, ask if the lesion can be visualized and the size approximated.

3. Does you husband have any palpable (can you feel them?) lymph nodes and if so, did the MD's give you an idea of what size they are estimated to be?Tell us more about his symptoms...

4. Is the predominant mode of treatment intended to be raidation & chemo? If so, you need to inquire about unilateral and/or bilateral (depending on how many nodes and if all oare on side or on both) are involved. It would be wise to get a surgical oncologist(who specializes in head and neck cancer) to look at his CT scan and examine him when the info is available.

5.Get a copy of the biopsy so you have it to shown to all the health care providers you consult and guard the CT scan like gold if it is being passed around to different people.

6. The good news is regional spread to the lymph nodes does not always mean there is systemic spread to major organs but it is a concern and bears checking, especially the abdomen and lungs for starters.Some also scan the brain. Luckily, initial tumors often stay localized but the risk does go up when the lymh channel becomes a player because it is like a tour guide to other parts of the body. Thus, it would be wise to formulate a treatment plan quickly and start acting. But, balance out your panic with the thought that most MD's think lesions have been around for 24-30 mos. before people have symptoms so taking a little time to sift through information and make an informed choice is okay.

My partner, Dave, had a tonsillar lesion removed about 6 weeks ago and is currently entering his 2nd week of post-op radiation after having a neck dissection and lymph node removal on the right side. Between us, we have 3 kids (17, 10, and 6). Once you formulate your plan, I would be glad to share how I explained the surgery and radiation to my kids (the younger of the 3).It is a scary time for all of you but life can still go on-for you and your child.

We'll all stick with you through this...you've entered a wonderful safe haven of information and support where you will find we all care deeply about each other and helpifng with positive outcomes.

Kim