I wanted to add my thoughts on Gary's and Mark's discussion. I had a follow up mri on Dec 24th that was to be my baseline. I had no physical palpation of my neck after completing imrt radiation in early Nov. The next scan I had was in early Feb and I believe it was a combo pet/cat scan. If you remember I posted that pathlogy report word for word on the board. It suggested some areas of concern but being so close to end of treatment the logical step was to wait and do another scan in May.

As you all are aware this scan came back in a most negative form. The follow up scans in June comfirmed that indeed the cancer was back in the surgical bed and had also met to my lungs. I did not feel any different than right after treatment ended in early Nov.

Gary, The on'gist did a hands on feeling of my neck, under my arms, etc, today and told me with the surgery I had nothing on that side of my neck felt normal. I have no swelling or pain in either my chest or neck. Tha scan is what picked up the reoccurance. My point is I think everyone is different. I knew from the get-go I was in deep shit. The tone of the doctors, body language etc. Being a stage 4, very poor margins.
Still some left on the carthoid artery. In my case the guidelines didn't matter.

They also told me today that met to the lungs from oral cancer is uncureable! They may slow the process with the Taxol & Carboplatin but that would be it. I may live longer than they are planning on. I sure as hell intend to. I gained 1 lb. in one week. No side effects yet from the chemo. Hair should start to thin if it's going to in about 10 days.

I am planning on enjoying what is left of my life. I have no fear of dying, My faith is strong. My biggest concern is the grief my wife, kids and friends will feel. For that I am truly sorry. When my time comes I would sure love it if when you think of me do it with a smile on your face. I was always told I smiled easy and often.

Sorry to wander off but I had a long discussion with the on'gist today.

Your Friend, Danny Boy