Hi all,

here are the latest news. The ct-scan had shown some dark area of 3mm below the node but could not confirmed that it was a second node. The PET scan in OZ has shown that there is only one which is 8mm. Our RT told us that in some cases it happens that is they are close, the PET scan will not differenciate 1 or 2. The PET scan has not shown any activities at the primary site and has not shown any other tumour. As a result, they are speculating that the node was there in December 2005 and wasn't seen on the PET scan as it was microspic.
The next step is for David to have a salvage radical neck dissection. it appears that the node is not attached to the jugular vein and we cross our fingers that it will be possible to safe it. After the results of the histology, the options of further treatments are:
1. no rt
2. low dose of RT+chemo
3. full rt

I am concerned that there is a secondary that can't be located and that they will do the neck dissection and leave the secondary there with nothing to "filtered" the cancer cells. I understand that they want to save the salivary glands left but isn't playing with russian roulette. I also undertsand that is our 2nd strike and that if it comes back, we will have no further options in terms of treatment. Both Rt and the ENT made it quite clear.

Any thoughts on this matter??? I am just a wee bit confused although I undertsand that there are many factors to consider when treating.

Love,ml