Hi Stretch,

Sorry to hear of your diagnosis but glad to see you are doing your research. I believe that in addition to reading what the "experts" say, going to those who have been through this is very valuable.

Here is my not so humble opinion - and I am the caregiver, not the patient. I lost my husband to lung cancer. He had concurrent chemo and radiation. My mother is now battling SCC of the oropharynx and she has had concurrent chemo and radiation. I have spent the last 3 years consumed with reading about cancer and it's treatments and the overwhelming evidence is to go for the "concurrent" treatment plan. My opinion is that if you are going to fight this, you should do it 110%. Chemo works systemically and radiation is more localized. The two together are the best way we have right now for making sure that not only the primary tumor but any micrometastases are destroyed. Apparently, doctors are divided on this topic with SCC because radiation and surgery have always been the gold standand for treatment of SCC. But as new trials are conducted, the evidence is showing a place for chemotherapy in the treatment of this disease.

Concurrent treatment can be like hitting a brick wall - but the good news is that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

My mother is only a month out from treatment so we can not be a source of long-term information as of yet. Hopefully, she will be. I'm sure others further long will weigh in with their experiences.

Best wishes on whatever course you chose and keep us posted.

Cynthia