Gary,

Here's the timeline, simplified:

10/02...biopsy reveals T1 SCC in retromolar area

11/02...tumor removed "successfully" by local ENT surgeon

12/02-2/03...33 radiation treatments (I don't know what kind) at local cancer facility --they made a mask for him and aimed the beam at a certain spot on his jaw each time

9/03...CT shows recurrence, we change docs

10/03...biopsy of tonsil and hard palate at University of Virginia are positive

10/03-1/04...chemo at UVa

1/21/04...surgery at UVa to remove hard palate, tonsil, and do right radical neck (where a tumor the size of a small orange was removed from salivary gland)

1/29/04...incision below ear begins deteriorating

2/21/04...re-resection of bone in hard palate area (due to questionable margin on 1/21), skin graft to neck below ear, gold weight put in eye (due to total paralysis on right side of face)

2/24/04...in three days, several bumps appear around skin graft site; site itself is deteriorating. Biopsy of one lesion (bump) is taken

2/27/04...biopsy report: bone margin in mouth clean but bump from neck is metastatic

There are now about 20 bumps surrounding the skin graft site. These have appeared in less than a week.

We go back this coming Tuesday to see what happens next...I only guessed at surgery, not sure. I spoke with a resident today and not the head surgeon. I do feel good with this team of doctors, but if going to a bigger place means more/better options, we'll do it.

Thank you, Gary and Debbie, for your responses!

Christine

Wife of Scott: SCC, Stage I retromolar 10/02--33 rad; recurrence 10/03--Docetaxol, 5FU, Cisplatin; 1/04 radical right neck, hard palate, right tonsil; recurrence 2/04--mets to skin and neck; Xeloda and palliative care 3/04-4/04; died 5/01/04.