Hi Michael,
I don't think any of us on here are so sensitive that it hurts our feelings to have questions asked concerning one treatment VS another type of treatment. I think that most XRT recipients are just making sure that the poster realizes that some cancers HAVE to be treated with XRT, they don't have the option for IMRT. I didn't have IMRT, I had XRT as I had lymphnode involvement and my doctors wanted to cover all areas.
I also think everyone should push for IMRT if possible, but if it comes down to the fact that XRT is the only option it would be a shame for them to have a negative opinion of it. Plenty posters on here had XRT and are doing great. Of course we would like to have less side effects, but we're also very happy that it's been a few years after treatment and we are still cancer free! That's the important part.
Just wanted to make sure that all understand that no one is trying to say XRT is "better" or being protective of it. Some are just making sure that the idea isn't given that everyone CAN have IMRT. It's just not that simple.
Take care,
Minnie

SCC Left Mandible. Jaw replaced with bone from leg. Neck disection, 37 radiation treatments. Recurrence 8-28-07, stage 2, tongue. One third of tongue removed 10-4-07. 5-23-08 chemo started for tumor behind swallowing passage, Our good friend and much loved OCF member Minnie has been lost to the disease (RIP 10-29-08). We will all miss her greatly.