My Mom did get discharged from the hospital today after having a really rough time with her treatment. She did complete 2 weeks (out of 4) of the chemo and 37 out of 40 IMRTs. She was mentally and physically defeated from this very agressive approach that the drs used. She is finally able to tolerate some form of nutrition for the first time in weeks so they did release her. The dr will have her come back weekly as she is recovering and they said a scan will take place in approx 2 months. She has no interest in any further medical treatment (understandably so) but my concern is that we did not finish the entire regime. I know you guys are not doctors but have seen and lived enough around this wretched disease that I look to you for advice:

Should I put pressure on my Mom to go onto MD Anderson for an evaluation? I doubt that she will ever consider taking any more chemo but perhaps a selective neck disection should be considered. What are your thoughts on this? How long should we wait to make this decision and get her there. She is so happy to get home that I know she will not like this idea right now but I am absolutely horrified of a reoccurence. Her doctors are giving her the impression that they feel her treatment was enough. If that was the case why did they originally schedule her for more? I would appreciate your valuable insight! Also does anyone have links to cases/stories covering surgery post imrt/chemo? THANKS!!!
Tami

PS just to reiterate her diagnosis: based on a ct scan and biopsy she was initially dx as stage 1 bot scc. Before they began tx they did a Pet scan and found 1 node involved and a 2nd small tumor on the right side of the tongue. Therefore her stage moved to 3.