Hi Paul and Don,
Thank you for your replies. The doctor I saw today said there is no way of knowing if it will reduce the tumors or not. I know this is not curative and additional treatment will be needed and am prepared that surgery, radiation and chemo are all still likely. I am just hoping to not lose my tongue and therefore think I have to try this first. Once it's gone, it's gone and frankly right now I can't even wrap my head around that possibility at all. I also still have the second opinion at MSKCC tomorrow...hopeful for options.


DX 6/5/15 Stage 4a SCC left lateral tongue, tumor involves 90% of my oral tongue
LVI and PNI identified
Med Port and PEG 6/23/15
Started Cycle 1 of Induction Chemo (TPF) 6/24/15--3 cycles in total
35 External Radiation sessions and concurrent chemotherapy (2 additional rounds of Cisplatin)
Brachytherapy
Remission as of 2/17/16