To add a few comments.

As far as shrinkage, my level II lymph node, which had the similar ear pain, shrunk like Brian PK, over the course of weeks, but mine never completely for a while, but radiation continues to work for several weeks after compltetion, so my RO waited 5 months to do a PET/CT post treatment, and node was necrotic tissue by FNAB.

As far as you would think you're not as tough enough, I can understand that plenty, maybe being similar to you where people came to me for help most my life, and now could not. I was the one to respond, not run away, when others did, though often I wish I could lol, and chemo knocked me out in the 1st round was a wow moment lol.

One thing I remember my doctor telling me years later, "It doesn't matter what happened or may happen that matters, but what mattered is that you are strong enough to pull through that counted."

I also like a quote I often use, "It doesn't matter if you win or lose, what matters is that you put up a good fight!"


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