 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: May 2002 Posts: 2,152 | Ashley,
I had an unknown primary 10 years ago with mets to one lymph in neck. I had no chemo, but had ND and 36 XRT radiation treatments. What type of radiation are they going to be giving him? XRT or IMRT? I think for peace of mind to just know they got all the micromets, I would and did go for it. Yes, the side effects can be nasty and some may be permanent. I think the fear of the unknown is probably holding him back. Ask the doctors what they expect HIS side effects to be and the downside if he doesn't have it. This cancer is nasty and needs aggressive treatment. I'd want to know it was gone, but that's me.
Take care,
Eileen
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Aug 1997 unknown primary, Stage III
mets to 1 lymph node in neck; rt ND, 36 XRT rad
Aug 2001 tiny tumor on larynx, Stage I total laryngectomy; left ND
June 5, 2010 dx early stage breast cancer
June 9, 2011 SCC 1.5 cm hypo pharynx, 70% P-16 positive, no mets, Stage I
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