Hi Tower,

Just so you know that your cancer is not unique, I too had an occult primary with mets to one lymph node in the neck. I was treated with surgery, followed by 36 radiation treamtents and no chemo. At that time, 1997, my drs did not feel that chemo really boosted your chances much in H&N cancers. I was also told that sometimes the primary shows up during radiation and then they can treat that area more heavily. Naturally mine didn't.

My recollection on the to time start radiation was 6-8 weeks after surgery. I'd push to get it started as soon as possible. Takes a week or more to just get it set up. I assume you have had a CT scan of both the head/neck and the lungs? I would also push for a PET scan. Since you will be receiving general radiation from the tops of your ears to your armpits, make certain they give you some drug like Salagen to help preserve your saliva.

I'm glad you made the decision to go to Toronto. You only get to do this once and it needs to be done correctly. Hurry this dr along.

Tkae care,

Eileen