Hello Amber,
Welcome to "The Oral Cancer Foundation". My name is Dan Bogan, aka. (danny boy) and I also had a stage four tumor on my right tonsil. Mine was operable. They split my jaw midline down my throat curving around to my right ear. That was followed up about eight weeks later with 33 IMRT radiation trearments. My treatment ended in early November 03. My tumor was roughly 6cm and poory differentated. After surgery they told me the radiation would kill any remaining cancer.
Do you know what type of radiation he will be receiving? There are usually two types given.
One is called field radiation and the other is called IMRT. Field radiation covers a larger area
and can have more side effects than IMRT. IMRT is kind of like a sniper rifle, more exact in where they direct the beam. The radiation itself is not painful with IMRT. I'm told with field radiation you tend to get mouth sores, lose some salivary glands, get a burned neck etc.
I had a reoccurance in my lungs and in the original surgical bed (throat) in June of 04. I have been receiving chemo three times a month since June/04. My last chest x-ray ten days ago came back clear. The last mri from June/04 showed a slight increase of activity in my throat. I feel fine and feel the advice you have been given is sound. After all "Who better to ask than one who has traveled this journey ahead of you"???
I wanted you to know you are not alone in dealing with this bastard of a diaease. Post any question you can think of and someone will answer. Your now part of a huge international cyber family.
Write down all the questions you have before you see his doctors. You will never remember them all during the appointment.
Go on the search part of this website and read some of the older postings. Knowledge about the treatment and options will empower you. It sounds like you might be his primary caregiver. It is one tough job. We tend to vent at those close to us. Ignore it We still Love You!!!!
Hoping for the best of treatment for your Father.
Please keep us posted as he starts his journey.
Enjoy the Holiday's as best you can!! Your Father will want you to!!
Danny Boy
