I was diagnosed with Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma stage III of the submandibular salivary gland in September, 2002. Following surgery I received neutron radiation at the University of Washington. I only wish I had found this site sooner, as it would have helped with many of the problems resulting from radiation.

I always wanted to lose about 20 pounds (have lost 35), but this wasn't quite what I had in mind.

To add insult to injury, following radiation I was found to have a stage III tumor in my right breast, followed by a modified radical mastectomy. After what I had already endured, this seemed like a walk in the park, with only some effort required to get my right arm working properly following removal of lymph nodes.

It was recommended that I have follow-up chemotherapy, but I opted not to go for another 6 months of nausea etc. as I was already fairly debilitated from radiation. I truly feel this was the right decision. Only time will tell.

If anyone on this forum has had salivary gland cancer and/or neutron radiation, I would very much like to hear from you. This cancer is apparently quite rare and a smoker's disease (I have never smoked!).

Lily