We're just starting on this journey. Scared, of course. Planned IMRT radiation to begin 7/16/12. We've been reading HPV+16 BOT is very treatable and trying to be positive.

The question we are still wrestling with is whether to enter the current clinical trial which measures effectiveness of radiation + Cisplatin vs. radiation + Cetuximab. After our initial meeting with doc, we thought definitely enter the trial, because it appears the side effects of Cetuximab are so much less.

Now, reading more and re-listening to our recording of meeting with doc, it appears clear that the standard of care for this type of cancer at this stage is radiation + Cisplatin. So, why try the Cetuximab? Have also read the posting from one person here advising against Cetuximab. Anyone else have input/references/opinions on this? Thanks very much. Great to know this forum is here.

Caregiver & Wife to Husband age 61 Dx 06/08/12
Stage IV BOT Cancer T3N2cM0
Non-smoker, light drinker
Tx ended 8/27/12. 35 doses rad + 2 Cisplatin doses 3 weeks apart. PET/CT scan 10/24/12 - NED BOT. 2 small hot spots, one one on each side in lymph nodes deemed to be result of Tx at this point.