Welcome, Jeff. Read the Read This First post and explore the boards. Tons and tons of information here, and many with real specific information for you.

When you read teh Read This First post, it will tell you how to edit your signature to include details about your diagnosis and treatment, which helps others tailor their comments to your situation.

My cancer was Base of Tongue (BOT on the boards), which is a 1st cousin to yours. Both are considered oropharynx cancer. I also had a solid lymph node. The PET and CT scans are a piece of cake, but waiting for the results can be unnerving.

Where are you being treated? Most will strongly suggest that you get to a Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC), where you can receive the most up to date, multidisciplinary treatment.

It is a scary time, but very doable. Your daughter has the right idea!! Be aggressive, be positive, and do everything the doctors tell you. A year ago I was in a hospital bed recovering from a neck dissection, and am cancer free today. Had my most recent check up yesterday.

Stay close to the boards and ask lots and lots of questions. As you read posts, you will get lots of tips on what to ask the doctor, but common things include:

1. Size (in cm) and T Stage of primary tumor
2. Number and size of involved lymph nodes, if known
3. Any planned surgery to remove primary? What will that specifically involve? What are the short and long term effects of the surgery, both functional and cosmetic?
4. Any planned neck dissection? If so, what type (Radical, Modified Radical, Selective), and on one or both sides?
5. Radiation planned? What type, how long, before or after surgery?
6. Chemotherapy? Which agents? How frequently?

Lots of others will get involved as you move forward, but those are some of the biggies. Sorry you have joined our little fraternity, but you will find great information and support here!!
4.



Jeff
SCC Right BOT Dx 3/28/2007
T2N2a M0G1,Stage IVa
Bilateral Neck Dissection 4/11/2007
39 x IMRT, 8 x Cisplatin Ended 7/11/07
Complete response to treatment so far!!