Laurie, after rad/chemo surgery is often recommended. If Bob hasn't yet had surgery, the surgeon will probably be discussing the surgical options. You will both need to decide to have or not have surgery. The oncologist will check blood levels and do any necessary further drug theropies to get the blood back into balance. No one will at this time be able to tell you that the cancer is gone. The tumor site is still to "hot" and even scans will not show accurate information regarding the result. They will probably schedule you for CT or Pet scans for 2-4 weeks from now. They will probably not be able to tell you the tumor was destroyed until after removal by surgery and a pathologist examines it. Then they will be able to tell you if the radiation destroyed the cancer. Unfortunately, waiting for scan results will now be permanently in both of your futures. It is something we all have to deal with in our own way. I ignore it as much as possible as worrying about it is going to accomplish absolutely nothing. It will be what it will be. There is nothing we can do to influence the result other than not repeat bad lifestyle choices we made in the past. I put my fate in the hands of God and turn the worry over to Him. When He calls me home, I will be more than pleased to start that journey as I know where I am going. Will pray for you both that you will find peace in your new normal.


Regards, Kirk Georgia
Stage IV, T1N2aM0, right tonsil primary, Tonsilectomy 11/03, 35 rad/3cisplatin chemo, right neck dissection 1/04 - 5/04.