Welcome to OCF, JC. You have found the very best source for info and support. We have been faced with similar difficult decisions as what you are going thru. Just remember every single person is different and will respond to things in their own unique way.

With any recurrence its important to take care of it as soon as possible. But at the same time you also want to get the best medical care you can. A second opinion is always a good idea. If you are not being treated at a major Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) you might want to consider seeking one out for the very least a second opinion. These are the countries most knowledgeable and skilled places to get treated. They use a multi-disciplinary team approach. Please let me know if you need the CCC list and I will repost it.

Radiation usually is not done a second time to the same area in a short period of time. Surgery may be your only option as chemo alone is not curative.

Hang in there! We will help you get thru this.

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