Suzanne,

As you read more about people's experiences around here, it becomes clear that sometimes it's hard to say what a "traditional" course of treatment. It's not unusual if your sister had stage I or stage II cancer (and especially stage I) to have it treated with surgery alone the first time.

But since it has recurred, she should definitely be in line for radiation and quite possibly chemo as well. Also, if she is not being treated at a CCC, she should go to one. If not ebfore the surgery then following it for an opinion about what other treatment she should have.

I wish her the best--she's lucky to have a supportive sibling like you to help her through this--and it's lucky you're close enough that you are able to.

Nelie


SCC(T2N0M0) part.glossectomy & neck dissect 2/9/05 & 2/25/05.33 IMRT(66 Gy),2 Cisplatin ended 06/03/05.Stage I breast cancer treated 2/05-11/05.Surgery to remove esophageal stricture 07/06, still having dilatations to keep esophagus open.Dysphagia. "When you're going through hell, keep going"