This post moved to new topic by OCF on 3/24/03
Hi all,
I just found your site after months of searching the net daily for information on tonsil cancer. I'm not sure why I didn't find it earlier, but am only thankful that I have you now. Brian, I feel I have finally found the person who can answer my questions without "sugarcoating".
In August 2002, my husband (48) was diagnosed with stage III cancer of the left tonsil (poorly differentiated invasive squamous cell carcinoma...20-mm diameter ill-defined poorly marginated lesion centered within the left tonsil and floor of the mouth) with a 20-mm diameter enlarged lymph node at the level 2 nodal station. (????) A surgical biopsy confirmed the tonsil cancer, but a fine needle biopsy came back inconclusive for the lymph node. Another biopsy was not done to the neck. I requested it, but was told that with the swelling they "assumed" that the cancer had spread to the nodes.
The ENT did not encourage dissection as an option. His words were "I would have to remove part of the jawbone and this would be unnecessarily invasive".
We decided to opt for the chemo and radiation approach after being assured that the outcome would be comparable to surgery.
Now, I'm questioning this. I'm starting to get the feeling that the ENT did not explain our treatment options as real choices at all. I think we were sort of duped into thinking that chemo and radiation was our best choice....not our only choice. During one discussion with the radiologist, I asked about surgery being an option if there were a recurrence. She said surgery could only be done as a "salvage" procedure. Is it salvage because of the damage done during radiation, or because it was inoperable to begin with?
I'm sorry if I've totally confused you with all my questions, but I'm totally baffled at this point myself. ANY insight you could give me on this would be truly appreciated.
And to all you caregivers out there....hold on tight. Reach out to your loved one, your friends, your family, your children, your pets.....whatever gives you any comfort. Love is the only thing we need and all we can give.
Mandi
