Denise,

I had the same questions as you regarding why not surgery before radiation/chemo. I didn't get much of an answer. I feel they are trying to avoid surgery on my mother, for what reason I don't know. Since my mother is the patient, not me, I sometimes have to defer to her. She would like to avoid surgery so was glad to hear they would try radiation and chemo first.

I would also be confused since they have not discussed radiation. In everything you read, surgery and/or radiation are usually the first line of treatment. The benefits of chemo are just beginning to be used. You should ask your mother's doctors point blank why there is a change from standard protocol. If you do not get the answers then I would agree that a second opinion may be needed - or a third or fourth, if necessary. Trust in the doctors is very important - and it is not uncommon to get many opinions. Some people fear "offending" the doctors - never mind that they may offend us!

Cynthia