 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: May 2002 Posts: 2,152 | Debbie,
I'm not certain that Cindy is correct that 'the current protocol is radiation first and surgery second'. It is a question to discuss with the doctor, but I think most of the people on this board have had had surgery first and rad second. It probably also depends on stage, size, and location. If they need to shrink the tumor before surgey, then they will do the rad and chemo first. I'm not medical, but I didn't want you to take Cindy's statement as gospel. I for one wanted surgery ASAP. I wanted it out of my body. T too reiteratate the importance of being at a major cancer center. It's a rough road, but the tow of you can do it.
Take care,
Eileen
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Aug 1997 unknown primary, Stage III
mets to 1 lymph node in neck; rt ND, 36 XRT rad
Aug 2001 tiny tumor on larynx, Stage I total laryngectomy; left ND
June 5, 2010 dx early stage breast cancer
June 9, 2011 SCC 1.5 cm hypo pharynx, 70% P-16 positive, no mets, Stage I
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