Bill D,

My RO told me that at Moffitt he preferred that his patients went through the IMRT without a Tube and he explained why and I looked young (his words, not mine) and in good shape and he thought I was a good candidate to make it through. He did warn me that it might be difficult and if I had to have it put in after Tx started it could really mess the schedule up. He then said "it's your decision". Not knowing anything about the pain and nausea he was talking about and being a typical macho stupid male I said "lets go for it" as I puffed my chest out.

I have recovered remarkable well and have had zero swallowing problems and have eaten anything I wanted so I am satisfied with my decision. Would I have done it knowing what I went through...I'm not sure but I guess I won't ever have to face that decision.

David

Age 58 at Dx, HPV16+ SCC, Stage IV BOT+2 nodes, non smoker, casual drinker, exercise nut, Cisplatin x 3 & concurrent IMRT x 35,(70 Gy), no surgery, no Peg, Tx at Moffitt over Aug 06. Jun 07, back to riding my bike 100 miles a wk. Now doing 12 Spin classes and 60 outdoor miles per wk. Nov 13 completed Hilly Century ride for Cancer, 104 miles, 1st Place in my age group. Apr 2014 & 15, Spun for 9 straight hrs to raise $$ for YMCA's Livestrong Program. Certified Spin Instructor Jun 2014.