Hello all,

I read back a bit and did not seem much that answered what is on my mind so here goes. I'd like to start a dialog about recurrence: the whys, hows, implications, etc.

All my energy and focus to date has been getting educated on cancer and treatment and getting through recovery. Now, feeling on the backside and downhill side of recovery and with my first upcoming scan, I adjust the energy to the topic of recurrence.

So, my logic goes like this. I had cancer in the nodes and primary at BOT. Induction chemo stopped the progression of the cancer and in fact, after, 9 weeks (3x3 week cycles) of induction chemo (TPF), the final reports stated near or complete resolution. So, that makes me think that at least of the known and detectable cancer, all has been minimized.

On to chemo-radiation: 7 weekly doses of carboplatin 150, administered primarily and soley as a radio-synthesizer agent for the radio therapy, no intent to use this chemo to mop up anything. 35 sessions for 70 gY total.

Understanding that only surgery and radiation KILLS then I want to believe the RO and dosimetrist created a map and painted the radiation all around my known cancer areas as well as other nearby areas just to mop up any loose cells.

Now being post treatment, I should have no cancer in the head neck area? It has been all killed off right?

But clearly, recurrence makes all shiver in their boots in anticipation of each new scheduled scan for the coming years.

Why all the hysteria if the treatment got all the cancer?

Is it that precancerous cells or conditions provide fertile ground for new cancers of the same time to come to life in the same HNC area that was treated or do new cancer cells pop up in new areas not previously treated? Is it possible not all cancer in the treated area(s) were killed by radiation?

My hope is this thread can assist myself and others in becoming more knowledgeable about the hows and whys cancers recur. Thanks, don