Hi, Cindy,

My husband had induction chemo (cisplatin, 5-FU, and taxitore) PRIOR to beginning his 35X radiation/3x cisplatin. His doctor's thinking was that the stage and location of his tumor (Stage IVb tonsils but spreading to Pterygoid muscle) that the induction chemo would shrink the tumor and perhaps just as important- reduce the likelihood of metastisis. I know others on the board have received a similar protocol. I agree with David that it seems that you are unsure with the reasoning for this treatment plan Did they see things that concerned them somewhat at the end of the radiation/cisplatin? Because two of the chemos your husband is/has been receiving can cause neuropathy (i know one is cisplatin and I believe the other is 5-FU) your husband may be getting side effects (neuropathy) that many on here did not get. My husband didn't really notice it until he was done with treatment and it really bothered him but physical and occupational therapy helped a lot and I believe his nerves are regenerating now and it will continue to get better. My husband had much more extensive treatment than many on this board and as a result he has had more side effects (many already gone such as anemia) than others but so far, all of his scopes and scans have been fine and we keep reminding ourselves that that is what is most important. I can certainly empathize with you and your husband with the neuropathy. It does get better but the reality is that large doses of chemo and radiation cause damage to perfectly good tissue and nerves with the kind of treatment we have all gone through.

Let me know if I can offer support or ideas around the neuropathy.

Warmly- Sophie