[quote]Realistically speaking... does anyone out there want to face this again? Taking a minimalists approach to treatment has backfired on far too many people to blow it off. Sometimes it's not even the patient's fault. A dr. makes that decision for them. For example with Chemo no being offered in conjunction with rads.[/quote]
Decisions are not totally left into the hands of your doctors. You have a say, at a minimum you can influence the decision.

Because, once I found out I have cancer, I have been most active in seeking information, diagnostic protocols, treatment options, and inventorying the numerous side effects, all variables of YOUR formula for YOUR plan.

Both the MO and Surgeon were fully on-board with treating aggressively in my case. However, due to Mx based on undetermined spots on my lungs, the tumor board had to concur to go at it all guns blazing. I started making calls about how to attend the tumor board meeting. Mind you I did not even know such a thing existed and then later find out rarely do patients attend. After being told by one tumor board registrar patients are not allowed, I went another route and got a "sure you can attend" answer.

Although attending the meeting felt a bit overwhelming, knowing 16+ doctors are making decisions that affect your life, I and my wife sat in and listened to the discussion, much of which flew over our heads.

However I could clearly see their heartfelt concern as me as a person not some name on a page and several times, prompted by a comment, they looked my way. The fact that I am very healthy and young gave them much more confidence that I can endure the extra treatments and it was reasonable to concur with the recommended treatment plan presented by my MO.

I have no facts to state that my presence at the tumor board helped lobby the more aggressive plan but I have to believe based on what I say and heard it certainly did not hurt. And the kind smiles as I departed will never leave my mind.

Don