Dear Leah;

Hello, I work at a major medical institution in Chicago, Il. in the oncology field, I work with head and neck patients, and I also have head and neck cancer.. I was dx. in April 2005. and started treatment also in April.
I cannot stress to you the importance of getting a second opinion. I work in the field and also received a second opinion on the treatment. If it is possible a teaching hospital would be on the top of my list.
Your mother should have a team of doctors, head and neck cancer involves so many different aspects of the head and neck region, I have a dentist that deals with h/n cancer, a ear nose and throat doctor, and a radiation oncologist. The team works together and than decides on the treatment.
If you need help with the medical terminology please feel free to email at [email protected].
I will be happy to help you.
Just continue to hang in there and have a positive outlook. Treatment (trt) can be very rough but I look at my treatment as a rainbow, where there is LIFE at the end of the rainbow.
Hugs to you also.
Cindy B