Hi. I've been lurking for some time, and I guess it's time I introduced myself. I'm a 55 year old male, diagnosed 8/29/03 with SCC right tonsil primary with met. to two right lymph nodes, stage IV. I was referred to Univ. of Chicago program, and agreed to join a clinical trial for ZD1839/Iressa. Went thru 2 four week cycles of Taxol and carboplatin, then 5 two week cycles of concurrent hydrea/5FU and twice a day rads, followed by modified neck dissection.I'm still on the Iressa, and will be for 2 years as part of the trial.
I feel like I've been to hell and back, but most importantly, BACK. I'm 3 months past the surgery, and I'm back to work full time and feeling pretty well. Not real happy with the level of strength and stamina just yet, but confident it will get there. Still dealing with significant side effects, but I guess we just need to re-define normal and get to it.
I've been very impressed with the forum, and hope I can contribute somehow.

SCC Stage IV right tonsil T3N3M0. Dx 08/03. Clinical Trial:8 weeks Taxol, Carboplatin then Hydrea, 5FU, IMRT x's 48, SND, Iressa x 2yrs. Now 20 years out and thriving. Dealing with a Prostate cancer diagnosis now. Add a Bladder cancer diagnosis to all the fun.
It's always something
"Adversity doesn't build character, it reveals it."