I totally agree with Glenn on this one. If I were in this patients shoes, knowing what I know about this cancer, I would not even consider IMRT radiation, I would want the conventional. I had conventional and, yes, there are side effects. I was 41 when I had the radiation (over 2 1/2 years ago) and I have adjusted to the changes, my life is GREAT and I would not change my treatments if offered the chance. While I feel IMRT is great and I'm so happy for the patients that are able to have it, IT IS NOT THE TREATMENT OF CHOICE FOR SOME PATIENTS. I struggle to understand how it can be used on a patient with an unknown primary???? We need to make sure that in our exuberance to tout our treatment as the "best" that we don't lose sight of what is best for the patient asking for our help. Everyone should push and hope for IMRT if possible, but it's not always possible.

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.