Hello everybody,
It's been a very long time since I posted, but have been lurking. Things have been up and down so many times, but I was able to answer most of my questions without bothering anyone. Unfortunately, that's not the case now.
I will spare you all the details (please see revised signature), but Dennis has just found out that his margins are still positive along the vertebra in the neck. He just has recovered from his second pec flap reconstruction on May 7. (Believe it or not, he is going back to work tomorrow....YES Dennis is still the stubbornest man I've ever known lol) The surgical oncologist says further surgery is not an option, but he is looking into possible re-radiation. Even if the original radiologist declines, he is determined to get him treatment through the rad dept. at Johns Hopkins.
My question is how many of you have been re-radiated after recieving a so-called lifetime dose? And is this "lifetime dose" related to strictly the initial area? Or maybe general area (such as "neck")?
Rereading this, I feel like the most illiterate person possible. Please overlook my deficiencies. I just need to get a grip on the idea of radiating again. I will never forget the original radiologist telling us that "I only have one chance to cure you, and it will be hell, but if you will trust me, I will get you through this. If not, salvage surgery is our only choice". We've had two salvage surgeries so far........
Thank you all, and to the old friends here, it's a pleasure to see you again....and to all the new names, I'm so sorry that you have to be here. I would much rather you didn't have a reason to read this.
Love,
Mandi