Hello. Yes a recurrence after such a time period is indeed very frightening. I guess this is technically a new cancer rather than a recurrence. The time period to PET sounds too long. Surely with insurance this can be done tomorrow? I'm sure others in the USA can comment further. Quality of life issues? What do the docs know about this? When Kris had his recurrence we were told his only option of life was the Total Glossectomy and Total Laryngectomy. Has it altered life? Of course it has. Would we rather he had died. Hell no. Despite "QOL" issues , life is still great. Kris enjoys a very good life. We have just had a months holiday in Asia. He has no need of a PEG. He keeps our 3 acre garden looking good and is turning into a not too bad "House Husband". Hope all turns out just as well for you. Tammy
Caregiver/advocate to Husband Kris age 59@ diagnosis DX Dec '10 SCC BOT T4aN2bM0 HPV+ve.Cisplatin x3 35 IMRT. PET 6/11 clear. R) level 2-4 neck dissection 8/1/11 to remove residual node - necrotic with NED Feb '12 Ca back.. 3/8/12 total glossectomy/laryngectomy/bilat neck dissection/partial pharyngectomy etc. clear margins. All nodes negative for disease. PEG in. March 2017 - 5 years disease free. Woohoo!
