Denise the treatment plan can greatly vary depending on size, location and staging of the tumor. Each case is individual and slightly different. Treatment plans should not vary due to where the patient is treated but I would be surprised if the NCI guidelines were always adhered to at every facility. Best thing a patient can do is seek out the very best medical team of professionals they can and go with it. Second guessing only causes unneeded stress at an already very stressful time.


PS... Please use the link in the PM I sent you to make a signature. Thank you.


Christine
SCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44
2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07
-65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr
Clear PET 1/08
4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I
surg 4/16/08 clr marg
215 HBO dives
3/09 teeth out, trismus
7/2/09 recur, Stg IV
8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy
3wks medicly inducd coma
2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit
PICC line IV antibx 8 mo
10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg
OC 3x in 3 years
very happy to be alive smile