Well Roger, Canadian Cancer Centers don't seem to do PETS routinely in other Provinces either. I will thank you, as 8 years after being diagnosed I finally went and tried to do some "research" online about the efficacy of contrast CT's vs PETS. It definitely has been a major difference between the US and Canada.

It is extremely difficult to decipher which protocol is better as all the tests have variations. The only real information I gleaned was that for the BEST diagnostic efficacy for oral cancers - a combined CT/PET is the Gold Standard. Neither Canada nor the US employ this "Gold Standard" routinely.

The Silver award goes (marginally) to the PET. Bronze goes to the contrast CT but the percentage difference between Silver/Bronze is minimal.

I wasn't clear about the two residual nodes. Are you saying there are two nodes remaining in your lymphatic system which are showing signs of cancer? Or are the two nodes just showing hardening/effects of treatment?

Sounds like the changes in your mouth/throat are completely normal as is the turkey neck. One week my neck on one side sort of "blew up" due lymph swelling. Scared the hell out of me - totally normal and yes, it went away. Get ready for the changes that radiation will bring over the years - it truly is the gift that keeps on giving!

From a fellow Canuck.

Donna