Nelie:

Congratulations on making it this far! You are a real inspiration.

If you ask me, and you didn't specifically; I'd say you are not asking us what to do but really want to hear some encouragment to keep going with it.

Bottom line, you've made it this far. It would be a shame to put your salivary glands in jeopardy now, after all you've been through...In fact, it would be a greater shame to have gone through all the nausea and torture of the 1st half not to have the end result you were using as your goal in the first place.

On the other hand, there are dozens of survivors online here that can tell you not having salivary glands doesn't kill you. Not to diminish the discomfort or terrific quality of life issues they have to endure, I think I hear most of them saying, "It's better than dying...", plus, now a days radiation has made some minor steps forward and continues to improve, so 'maybe' without the Amifostine you would still have good pronosis re: salivary function..? (I presume you've already done your cost/benefit anaylisis so I won't ask you to rehash it all here)

The bottom line:

You made a decision to endure discomfort and pain today in the interest of tomorrow.

Ask yourself if your motivation has changed, or if you are just needing a little boost to get you through the last half?

(Of course it's easy for me to say, I don't start radiation for another couple of weeks)

warm hugs,

Michael


Michael | 53 | SCC | Right Tonsil | Dx'd: 06-10-05 | STAGE IV, T3N2bM0 | 3 Nodes R Side | MRND & Tonsillectomy 06/29/05 Dr Fee/Stanford | 8 wks Rad/Chemo startd August 15th @ MSKCC, NY | Tx Ended: 09-27-05 | Cancer free at 16+ Yrs | After-Effects of Tx: Thyroid function is 0, ok salivary function, tinnitus, some scars, neck/face asymmetry, gastric reflux. 2017 dysphagia, L Carotid stent / 2019, R Carotid occluded not eligible for stent.2022 dental issues, possible ORN, memory/recall challenges.