I would think "5" is referring to the SUV uptake. Anything above 2.5 is suspicious for cancer, but other things can cause this uptake too, like inflammation, necrotic tissue. I heard of Induction Chemo, IC, being given during or after treatment for unresponsive tumors, and is very effective. IC, is usually TPF, Taxotere, Cisplatin and 5-FU, or slight variations, with 3 five day cycles, three weeks apart. 5-FU is administered by continuous infusion for 4 days. The others are high dose infusions given on the first day, 2nd day. I had Induction chemo in 2009, only one week in the hospital, and It's effects were pretty harsh after discharge, actually beyond description, but others are not effected as much. I think I had the worst experience that I've heard of, but it did kill all my cancer, almost me too. I don't know what they plan after that, surgery? Maybe ask that, and about further diagnostic testing or biopsy to see if it is cancer they are dealing with. I think an MRI can show the difference between necrotic tissue or not.



10/09 T1N2bM0 Tonsil
11/09 Taxo Cisp 5-FU, 6 Months Hosp
01/11 35 IMRT 70Gy 7 Wks
06/11 30 HBO
08/11 RND PNI
06/12 SND PNI LVI
08/12 RND Pec Flap IORT 12 Gy
10/12 25 IMRT 50Gy 6 Wks Taxo Erbitux
10/13 SND
10/13 TBO/Angiograph
10/13 RND Carotid Remove IORT 10Gy PNI
12/13 25 Protons 50Gy 6 Wks Carbo
11/14 All Teeth Extract 30 HBO
03/15 Sequestromy Buccal Flap ORN
09/16 Mandibulectomy Fib Flap Sternotomy
04/17 Regraft hypergranulation Donor Site
06/17 Heart Attack Stent
02/19 Finally Cancer Free Took 10 yrs