My dad is stage 4 SSC of tongue, 14 of 77 lymph nodes malignant and a couple with broken encapsulation.

Had surgery in July which seems to be the only thing on this journey that went without complication.

Treatment was to be 6-7 weeks cisplatin (weekly dose), with 35 IMRT concurrently. He also participated in a clinical trial for Panitumumab.

After week 4, his blood counts took a huge nose dive. They stopped treatment - but he still was not recovering and was hospitalized for 11 days. His ACN got down to 100 at one point. Needless to say he had transfusions and neupogen shots galore.

Counts got back up enough to resume a revised treatment plan (no clinical trial, carboplatin instead of cisplatin) but his red counts tanked again after 1.5 weeks.

Stopped chemo all together now, gave another transfusion - and just want to focus on finishing last 6 rads.

His white counts are still fine post hospitalization - but he feels and looks like he did when they were low (not at their lowest, but bad).

I am so worried that the cancer has already spread - but they are afraid to say that yet or do any other testing until he finishes the radiation.

Any thoughts, advice or suggestions are most welcome. I've learned a lot reading these boards but can't seem to find anyone who has had this type of bone marrow reaction.

Thanks!
Alicia


Also-
He does not have a feeding tube. Has lost about 25# since the start of treatment. Drinks carnation instant bkfst and ensures - as many a day as he can, but no where near what it should be. He says fairly hydrated bc he goes in for fluids regularly.