Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: May 2002 Posts: 2,152 | Hi Patti,
I see you are from NJ also, where did he have this surgery done? Was it at a major cancer center? Depending where in the state you are there is FOX CHASE in Phila and MSKCC in NYC and JOHNS HOPKINS isn't that far away. I'd definitely get a second opinion. Having said that, however, I was not treated at any of these, but at U of P. I had never heard of FOX CHASE until recently. Does this particular cancer not respond to radiation or chemo? Why are they not suggesting that?
I find it appalling that that had to 'bump into the dr' to get this news. When had they planned on telling you? I also was never quoted statistics, but then was never in a situation where the expected a reoccurence.
I too think Joe should be told. Only he can know what agenda he wants to follow if his life is suddenly to be shortened. I would certainly want to know so I could make decisions about what treatment I would follow or possibly none, depending on what was involved.
Take care, Eileen
---------------------- Aug 1997 unknown primary, Stage III mets to 1 lymph node in neck; rt ND, 36 XRT rad Aug 2001 tiny tumor on larynx, Stage I total laryngectomy; left ND June 5, 2010 dx early stage breast cancer June 9, 2011 SCC 1.5 cm hypo pharynx, 70% P-16 positive, no mets, Stage I
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