Gino,

I would like to offer my biased analogy. Having the first bout of cancer was like sitting back playing Russian roulette with one bullet in the chamber and spinning it. You may have dodged the bullet but are now faced with a positive pathology report of living cancer cells in at least one lymph node. Now, add a bullet to the chamber, spin and fire. Still feeling lucky? ...add another bullet, etc. How full can you load the chamber and still dodge the bullet(s)?

I have shed a few tears over the past 2+ years over this dreaded disease, some for me and family but many more for the victims that are no longer with us and their families that they left behind.

I didn't bat an eye at radiation but was reluctant to go ahead with surgery. Even after 2+ years I find myself second-guessing my decision. Battle this beast as hard as you can...you may only have one chance.

Just my opinion. I am really glad to hear you are going to MDACC for a second opion. Best wishes.

Ed

SCC Stage IV, BOT, T2N2bM0
Cisplatin/5FU x 3, 40 days radiation
Diagnosis 07/21/03 tx completed 10/08/03
Post Radiation Lower Motor Neuron Syndrome 3/08.
Cervical Spinal Stenosis 01/11
Cervical Myelitis 09/12
Thoracic Paraplegia 10/12
Dysautonomia 11/12
Hospice care 09/12-01/13.
COPD 01/14
Intermittent CHF 6/15
Feeding tube NPO 03/16
VFI 12/2016
ORN 12/2017
Cardiac Event 06/2018
Bilateral VFI 01/2021
Thoracotomy Bilobectomy 01/2022
Bilateral VFI 05/2022
Total Laryngectomy 01/2023