Glad you're doing well MikeM. Especially glad that you didn't do the rads on top of that. Best wishes for many, many more.

Be well...but be diligent!

NGK, you have spark plug initials. Thanks for your concern. My whole procedure is like yours with the TORS and NECK Dissection and because of the chat site, i am going to see the RAD DR on the 19th. i want to believe he is confident in his findings and comments on the % of Cancer returning.. Maybe because my tumor was found and removed and all surrounding tongue and lymph node tissue was perfect that i can just live on observation sessions. Another issue is that i accepted another job to start in April, so with all this going on in my life, what to I do stay where i am at or give notice and start a new gig, then what if i do get RT, how bad would that be for a new start.
Decisions Decisions.

Thanks Mike and will get a few opinions, but my ENT cancer surgeon really sold me the first time. i appreciate the response. Why didn't you go through RT? Also how long do you think i can wavier this decision before actually deciding? my operation was on Feb 12 and my 1st RO meeting is on March 19th.

Thanks,

Bruce

Mamacita,

Thanks and my hospital is pretty top shelf and is a teaching hospital and when i do see the RO, i will ask for my files and research to get a second opinion. Recommend any hospitals or treatment centers in the Chicago land area?

Thanks,

Bruce

Hi Bruce, I know that the University of Chicago Cancer Center (1-855-702-8222) is very highly rated. Another option could be the Lurie Center at Northwestern (1-866-587-4322).

When you call for an appointment, the hospital will take care of obtaining copies of all the records needed (usually scans and pathology and operating reports). I know you've got an eye on the calendar and that would be the fastest approach. I was amazed to learn that some hospitals and large health care providers can even access all of your records electronically with your consent. Convenient but scary too!

Your job situation is quite a dilemma. Would the new employer provide immediate health insurance, or is there a waiting period? I think the new health care law allows up to a 90-day delay.

Really sorry you're facing all this, but glad you found this Forum.

Lynn

i had a similar procedure--robotic removal of primary BOT and modified neck dissection to remove lymph node may 10 2013---my margins were clear and only one node had cancer and no extracapsulary extension---nonetheless radiation was recommended---i finished rads on august 7 ---worked full time as lawyer for all but last week of radiation and two weeks thereafter---checkup every 3 months and cancer free for 6 months now--some lingering dry mouth and taste issues from rads otherwise back to normal--i decided on radiation because i am otherwise healthy and wanted to fight when i was strong--don't let employment drive your decision--there are always jobs--good luck

timm, I'm weighing robotics vs. radiation. How did you decide to do robotics? And, how large was your primary tunor as well as the lymphs?

Bruce, I think you are doing fine on the timeline.. I recall my doctors guidelines was to start Rads within about 6 weeks of surgery. Similar to you, the surgeon was exceptional, I could tell from his knowledge, experience, honesty, etc.. He was confident of the surgery outcome. He initially assumed I would complete radiation. After interviewing the first RO I was disappointed in the lack of 'alternatives' discussion, if I hadn't read the NCCN guidelines they might have skipped the discussion. Only after requesting additional opinions, and getting percentages similar to yours, was I able to work to a decision. The main reason I took the higher risk route was my existing oral condition. I didn't have the gift of naturally good teeth, I had just done periodontal work, and some gum restoration, and I want to do a bit more. It seemed like rads might be just enough to cost me my teeth within a few years, I really wanted to keep them much longer if possible. The surgeon confirmed he would do the regular screening for any sign of reoccurance, we met every 6 weeks for past 2 years, now it is every 10 weeks. He is very thorough with a scope down in the primary tumor area, as well as externally around neck and shoulders. As i look back 2 years it's hard to really sense if it was a reasonable trade off or somewhat short sighted.
Mike

Mike,

Thanks i will going the observation route starting in Mid April and will be taking a new job too. Just curious... since i sort of latched on to your story and you are the only one that responded with the No Rads decision, have you changed or modified your diet in any way. i.e. vitamins, supplements, more fish etc.

Bruce

Hey bruce!
Glad you were able to make a decision. Be well. I'm rooting for you!