Dr. Mike: a somewhat related question for you, if you will...
Prior to Buzz having surgery, we were told that he had a 'necrotic' mass in his neck. I could never get a satisfactory answer to my question...could this have been a positive node eroded with cancer cells? If so, why wouldn't the cancer just move on to another close node rather than causing necrosis in the one?
And, if only ONE node was positive, and was removed during neck disection, were the IMRT txs and chemo merely 'insurance', just in case there were more cancer cells lurking about?
Oscar: SORRY to hijack your thread! Forgive me, please!

Lois & Buzz in NC

CG to 77 y/o hubby;SCC Alveolar Ridge; Wake Forest Baptist Hosp surgery: 07/19/07; bi mod radical resection/jaw replacement;
T2 N2-B M0 Stage IV-A
28 IMRT +
6 Paclitaxel/Carboplatin
Getting stronger every day!