Hi Gary, Cathy,
An article in the news section seems to indicate that brachytherapy is more successful with early stage cancers. See
http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/news/story.asp?newsId=285

Could be that it is not used as much as standard radiation because, as we are all too aware, most oral cancers are diagnosed at later stages. - Sheldon

This is not exactly on topix, but then neither are the last few posts, so what the heck...

I found the following Amgen drug info and wanted to ask if anyone here has used it and can report on it's efficacy.

Here's the link:

http://www.amgen.com/medpro/disease_condition_kepivance.html

http://www.kepivance.com/

just wanted to let you all know that tomorrow I go to the hospital for the tooth extraction.

I will be gone all day, and likely admitted overnight due to the general anesthesia.

I started taking Neurotin today for the "pins and needles" and it seems to be helping a little. We'll see.

I have almost firmly decided on NY after several conversations with the RO there.

She is great, and I feel really good about her, so I figure why not..?

Now, I'm working on housing there...that's gonna be as tough as fighting cancer :-P

I'll post my final decision after I recover from the oral surgery.

Hugs and love to all...

- Michael

Quick update:

Got the teeth extracted just fine at UCSF.

They were VERY professional and did a good job. It was as painless as a tooth extraction can be, and they did a good job with infection control, operating room proceedures, and patient comfort.

The sockets are healing just fine, and I've been able to avoid taking any of the pain meds so far.

Right now, Seth and I are at SFO waiting to board for JFK. I am seeing the dental oncologist at Sloan tomorrow AM for my dental guard (is that what it's called?) and then my SIMULATION!!

I'll be meeting with the RO while there, and the ENT and Oncologist too.

Then Weds, back to Mendocino for a week or so while they work on my tx plan for radiation (IMRT).

I'm going to skip Erbitux for now, unless the oncologist will rx off-label. I figure I can always use it later if needed, and the results are looking more and more sketchy.

I have an appointment with the VP of R&D for Imclone, the arm that developed Erbitux while in NYC. He's agreed to see me for a moment, and I am going to discuss what he thinks about my plan.

I am also going to voice my dissappointment that the trial uses standard X-radiation instead of IMRT and see what he says...I suspect it has more to do with a college or hospital board making the decision, but we'll see.

That's it for now...I'll post tomorrow with an update.

I hope everyone here is well, and send my best wishes to all!!!

- Michael

Michael I am curious as to your severe chest pains, the huge sore on the back of your tongue, the extreem pain in your scapula and the large node under your arm you spoke of on another message board. What are they saying about that? Have they checked it at all?

God bless,
Barb~

Hi Barb!

Chest pain is resolved (for now), I think it was pluresy (sp?), the sore is gone now, and scapula pain is not there anymore.

I have NO other known nodes swollen anywhere (especially the right neck )

I think most of these were stress related, and the only one of serious concern to me, was the chest / scapula pain for the ever present fear of metasisis to my lungs.

But, since I haven't felt anything in a while I think it will be ok.

I'll ask the ENT that I see today about it.

Thanks for the concern...How are YOU doing???

Is this weird, but I am acutally excited about starting treatment? (a litle anxious too)...but it feels good to finally be getting to this stage. Did anyone else feel this way?

Just wait until the 2nd week, when I'm sick as a dog, please, remind me about the feeling I have now :p

Do you really start RAD/Chemo treatment on a Friday ? I remember my Dr. said he never starts treatment on Friday, because you would wait two days for the next RAD.

Michael,
I lost your email on my account,
Just wanted you to know Ive been checking here for your latest news. Cell service is horrible here in Mo. Will be home tomorrow. Just want you to know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love, September

Mine starts treatment no later than Wenesday. How am I? Cancer sucks. My neck looks like its been torched. My throat is full of glass. My doc asked if I wanted to skip a week even though he does not recommend it and I said nope go for the kill!

Little does he know I have suffered far more physical pain in my life and lived to tell the tale. Plus God is on my side giving me strength and comfort all the day through. Thank you God.

May you be blessed,
Barbara~
10 to go!

The EXACT date is not set, but I'll ask the RO about the Friday issue you mentioned.

My simulation is for tomorrow at 10:00 AM.

I just got back from Sloan where I met with the dentist there.

I DO have a quick question for the board (hint hint Brian are you there?)

Q: The Dr at MDAnderson said floride trays are the only to go (for life!). The Drs at Sloan said floride (Rx) toothpaste (1x brushing daily) for life is the best way..Which one is statistically best?

Also the dentists at Sloan want me to have two teeth with minor carries filled. They said I can do that this week or next with regular metal fillings. Shouldn't I use porcelin(sp?) or other non-metallic? And, does it matter if I get them only a few days to a week prior to start of radiation?

Ok, guess it was more than ONE question...Sorry :-)

The sockets hurt a little more today from the Friday extraction, but still no swelling, fever or serious pain.

WZ, did you have radiation & chemo???