Ok, so Jordan has had a really rocky road the past few weeks. But cancer is gone and wide clean margins. They at U. of Chicago are recommending radiation and chemo follow up due to the perineural and perivascular invasion. We absolutely trust them here, but have questions. YES, I will talk w/ the Doctors again. I am told that w/ perineural and perivascular invasion the cancer cells could have bounced around and could move. So, what will they radiate. I can totally see chemo.....but she lost her Left carotid in the surgery, and her Right external burst and she nearly bled to death after the big surgery for tongue. NOW, what exactly do any of you understand about this peri stuff?
Brian, I emailed you a couple weeks ago for info, I'm sure you are busy, but really would like some input/education/site to learn from.....
Thanks, friends....I miss Petey........
Linda(Jordan's MOM)

Linda, I was Stage II and had radiation recommended because of perineural and perivascular invasion. That means that the tumor was growing around or right next to a nerve (perineural) and that blood vessels were in it (pervascular) and both those things are of concern because cancer cells travel from one spot to another through the blood and also through the nervous system, so it puts you at a slightly higher risk of having a recurrence because of those things. That's why radiation is needed. Or this is my udnderstanding.

It's a good question about where they will radiate when there's no cancer left that can be seen. They radiate focsing on the most likely spots for recurrence, the site where the original tumor was and lymph pathways down the neck among others. Some patients who post here have been told that they should not have IMRT under these circumstances, since there is no cancer to focus on but when I was geting opinions on treatment (2 and 1/2 years ago now), I was told that IMRT can still be used and they just radiate focusing more on the places where the cancer would be most likely to spread.

I hope this helps.

Nelie

Linda,

I can't add to Nellie's expertise above.

I just wanted to say that it sounds like Jordan's journey has been a difficult and scary one. I'm grateful that she didn't bleed out during surgery. What a frightening experience.

Is she home and recovering or is she still at the hospital? I'm praying for good results and good health for her... and also peace and strength for your family.

God Bless,