Hi all -

This site has been so helpful � I�ve picked up so many tips from searching the forums. And I've appreciated all the messages of support not just for my dad but for me as the caregiver as well.

My dad was recently diagnosed with malignant SSC on his tongue that spread to his lymph nodes on the left side. He had surgery last week and the surgeon was pleased that all was removed tho we won't have pathology results back until Tues. However, the surgeon did indicate post-surgery that both radiation and chemo are likely.

I�m not able to attend the dr appt with him � but my brother is. I wanted to send him with some key questions to make sure we get the answers to (yes, I�m a bit of a control freak!). Below is what I�ve compiled � but thought I would pose the question here to see if there is anything I should make sure to ask.

Thanks in advance!
Alicia

Questions to get answered by surgeon in post biopsy/treatment planning appointment

� What is the stage of cancer including the TNM info/details? What does this mean?
� What are the treatment options? And what do you recommend?
� What are the possible side effects of each treatment option, both in the short term and the long term?
� What can be done to relieve possible side effects?
� How will I feel during treatments? Can I continue my normal activities?
� When will treatments begin? When will they end? What is the timing between?
� Diet/nutrition advise/suggestions to prep for treatments?
� Who will be my main doctor - coordinating overall treatment and follow-up care? Who are the other docs/medical professionals on my health care team/what are their roles?

Ask about having his thyroid checked, and make sure that he sees his dentist, if he still has all of his teeth, to get flouride trays. Radiation really does a number on your teeth. Good luck on your dad's new journey! His cancer sounds very similar to mine.

Alicia,

Welcome to the OFC. We are sorry that you have to be here but this site will be a blessing to both of you.

I will try and answer your questions but without knowning more about his Primary and his nodal invlovement it's really hard to do.

1. Ask you RO about the TMN and his staging could either be a III or a IV.
2. He's already had surgery and with nodes involved they will probably recommend concurrent chemo/radiation.
All the rest depends on the Tx selected so we can address that later on.

I would suggest fattening him up as much as possible beginning ASAP. He also needs to see a dentist who is familiar with oral cancer. He will have to have blood work and make sure they test his TSH levels and record that number for possible future use.

His main doc who will be whomever his treatment facility labels as such. For me it was my RO with their ENT as a close second and of course my MO called the shots on my chemo so I really had 3 to call upon depending uopn my concern/question.

Get back to us after the path report and take notes and ask all the questions you want when you meet with the doc going over that report starting with the above list.

That's a good list, Alicia

On the surgery,

Ask about the margins on the primary - that will tell if they got all the obvious disease or not. If they are 'wide' that that's good - space between the cancer and healthy tissue. If they were 'close' - they were too close for comfort.

On the lymph nodes, ask about extracapular extension, or if all nodes were enscapsulated.

On the radiotherapy, ask about:

The number of Gy (grays) to the various areas.
The number of sessions
How are missed sessions made up
Music or anti-anxiety drugs during sessions

On the chemo:
If cisplatin or other platinum base therapy is offered, ask about a baseline hearing test.
If cisplatin is offered, if they suggest the 2 or 3 big doses, ask if weekly cisplatin or carboplatin would work just as well.

Ask about a feeding tube.

Best of luck!
Maria

Welcome to OCF! Looks like you are very prepared with well thought out questions. Ask your brother to take a tape recorder along. Make sure he asks the doctors permission before he would tape the appointment. This way you will be able to listen to the whole thing and go back to hear it again if you need to.

Best wishes!!!!

Again, thank you all so very much. This is super helpful. Will report back and probably ask more questions later this week.

Alicia

Hi Alicia, you have pretty much covered most of the questions. Do ask what Maria has suggested.

Our best wishes are with your father, you and your family.