Hello, just came across this site and it's great... lots of good info and support... a little background to put my questions in context. I'm a 43 year old male in (otherwise) good health living in London. Last May/June I was diagnosed with SCC after discovering a lump in my neck while shaving. I came to New York for treatment at New York-Presb. and MSKCC (2nd) and the primary source of the cancer was discovered (Base of Tongue). In June I had a modified radical neck disection (LHS) with 59 nodes removed (3 positive). In July started radiation with 30 doses to the neck/tongue and 25 to the chest ending in early September. Concurrent with the radiation I had 2 courses of chemo with Cisplatin. After a couple months off to heal, I began adjuvant chemo with Taxotere in November and have just about completed 2 courses (4 to go).

On to the questions...

While adjuvant chemo hasn't been 'proven' to be beneficial for head and neck cancer, I understand this is because the trials, etc. haven't been done. Does anyone have any experience/thoughts on adjuvant chemo?... using Taxotere?

I have had a unususal reaction to Taxotere it is called 'radiation recall'... basically in a few days many of the side-effects of my earlier radiation treatment came back in full force (swollen, raw throat, etc). With the help of steroids I have been able to continue to eat by mouth (had my PEG removed in mid-Dec.), but had to deal with quite a bit of pain, etc. Anyone with experience with this...?

Probably my biggest source of discomfort is the Xerostomia (dry mouth) caused by the radiation's effect on the salivary glands... other than sipping water and Salivart, does anyone have the magical solution to this one...? will my salivary glands ever come back (DRs have said it might be permanent)...? I've tried Evoxac (made me very sick) and Salagen (didn't seem to do anything) but would be willing to try these again if I could find anything positive about either one...

Other than an impressive weight loss (180 to 135) - I'd make Mick Jagger look beefy! - and other minor/normal side effects I must say I've been through the worst and am feeling pretty good. As many of you know - the best treatment has been a positive attitude which I've been able to maintain thanks to a very supportive family, friends and employer!

thanks in advance for any info/advice...