Well all my questions about future treatment were more or less silenced. When we met with the radiation doctors, they had already reviewed my file and decided upon a treatment plan. I begin 33 radiation treatments on - expected date - Jan 7th. I had my mask made yesterday, CT scan, etc so they will do the treatment "planning" to get started Jan 7th or earlier if possible. They are also aware of the consult with Medical Oncology (chemo) and feel that both attacks are the best way to proceed.

For me, the worst thing they could have done was say - "oh no....we can't do this and can't do that..." instead I was shocked (AND DELIGHTED) with the proposed treatment plan.

Re-radiation is possible because of the excellent job that the radiation doctors did the first time - where they were extremely careful to only radiate my left side - 32 treatments. They will now be just as careful to radiate only the right side - but 33 treatments in total (28 to most areas and an additional 5 to my tongue and the area where the lymph nodes were positive). Do I think this will be easy? Nope. Am I willing to go through it? ABSOLUTELY.

As I said before this is an aggressive disease, and at age 53 I want to be as aggressive as possible in treating it. Radiation is never fun and those of you who have been through chemo before know that it isn't a picnic either - but I WILL GET THROUGH IT.

Interesting that my husband thinks I am looney for being happy to have the radiation. Some friends and family think that too, and only a few see things from my viewpoint. I'm sure there will be far more understanding on this board than I've heard so far!

Important message - RE-RADIATION IS POSSIBLE.

Donna