Gino --

Chemo adds about 10-15% effective to radiation, according to some studies and at least for my husband Barry, was the *least* problematic part of the treatment. He got carboplatin, it does not cause hair loss, the major side effect being some depression in platelets and certain other blood components -- but for him never to the point where he could not receive his (weekly) chemo dose. He was never sick, either -- it was a very low "radiosensitizing" dose.

The radiation caused hm to lose hair at the base of his hairline and on part of his cheeks and neck but now 4 months' out from treatment that is all grown back, except for a few areas on sides of his neck -- his beard is a lot darker now and he definitely has to shave regularly!

He had his primary tumor (right tonsil) removed down to connective tissue but no further surgery, it was not recommended to him by his RO or MO. The docs at Hopkins are finding very good results from chemoradiation alone in most cases.

The whole thing was definitely no fun but there is light at the end of the tunnel. Barry is pretty much back to normal now and we just got back from a pretty rigorous birding trip to Mexico. Of course he is being monitored very carefully (and regularly) so our fingers and toes are still crossed and will be for some years!

Gail