Hi Steve,

Thanks so much for your insights...I have one chemo and two rads under my belt so far this week and the rad tech told me this morning that my problems with pain with the trays they use for the rads are only going to worsen in the coming weeks. He said that my mouth would probably begin to break down next week or the week after and I would start getting the sores related to the concentrated doses of radiation. Yippee. Gonna fight it with everything I can find as far as natural therapies (not the crazy stuff, I'm talking aloe juice and vitamins).

The second opinion confirmed the first so its 40 rads (maybe with a boost) and chemo light. I am hoping it doesn't go that long.

And thank you for your long-windedness. I appreciate every word - all of it helpful. Will keep you in my prayers as well for a full remission and "all clean" call smile

Heather

11/2014 - DX SCC, S3N0M0
Non-smoker/drinker/drugs, no cancer of any kind in family, HPV negative
2/10/15 neck dissection, nodes removed (all clear), moderately differentiated mass removed from cheek & hinge of jaw, free flap graft. Clear margins. Micro infiltration into some of the vascular structures in the local area of tumor. PEG tube 1 week later
4/6/15 - Begin 40 Rads & 4 rounds Cisplatin
5/27/15 - rads & chemo complete.
12/5/15 - PET/CT clear. Watch & wait...