That's a terrible story and I'm sure your loss is very difficult to deal with.

This type of story makes me really glad I was treated locally and have local docs--I'm sure you're right about the difference that made. I also finished treatment in early June of 05 and two days after the end of treatmnet started running a high temp (it was on a weekend). My MO's office was all over it when we called, although the doc on call was not my MO but his partner in the practice. He made arrangements for me to be admitted to the hospital right away and the MO kept me there for nine days on IV antibiotics (and gave me chest xrays and a CT of my mouth and neck) to be absolutely sure he had ruled out any kind of dangerous infection that could exist. He never did figure out why the temp happened (it wasn't pneumomnia)or why it kept spiking for a week and 1/2, but I felt very confident that I had the best possible care there until he was absolutely sure I was OK.

Everyone should get this after they go through the ordeal of chemo, radiation and surgery for oral cancer. I hope you do get the chance to be a helper and advocate for others, Emily.

Nelie