Hello,
This is the first time I am writing here, but I've been to this forum in desperate search for information and, yes, emotional support & comfort, since last July, when my husband Michael was diagnosed with a throat cancer. I cannot thank all of you enough for sharing your knowledge and experience. Your unbelievable courage has helped me to cope better and overcome a sense of loneliness that I think is common among care givers as much as among our dear patients.

Michael has completed a 7-week radiation and chemotherapy treatment a month ago. He had 2x3x1.5 cm larynx tumor (SCC, invasive poory differentiated), with two lymph nodes small enough that only PET scan was able to suggest that they were cancerous. The coordianting doctor (a surgeon) gave us a good news yesterday that the cancer was responsive to treatment and Michael is now cancer-free. However, he strongly recommends to do a follow up surgery to remove all the nodes in the area (about 10 - 12) where two bad nodes were as a precocious measure as there is close to 30% risk that cancer will return. He is very honest that there is no data that would confirm the benefits of doing this now (while tissue is still soft) than later if he discovers enlarged nodes (which may or may not happen). He also doesn't mind if we seek the second opinion.

We are very conlicted and find it very difficult to make a decision. On one hand, we want to do everything now (Michael is 45 years old) to prevent going through this nightmare again. But we are not convinced based on a lack of data that the proposed surgery can make a difference. I am also concerned about the timing of the surgery: Michael's immune system is still not 100%.

I'd very much appreciate your thoughs and experience.

Chilita