Yes, radiation can be done more than once. This is on an individual case by case basis. Much depends on exact location of original rads, length of time between courses of rads and only experienced RO will be able to determine if this is an option. Lets not get ahead of yourself with this. Lets see what the complete diagnosis is first. Sounds like there is a good team who is on top of everything.

Best wishes!!!

Thanks Christine ... you are always a good support to me and others on the site.

I know I'm trying not to get ahead of myself ... as well ... however its hard. We have a young family and I need to plan and be prepared mentally and emotionally.

The waiting game is the worst...

Cantbelieve

Id like to send prayers your way on which ever roads you have to cross.

When my mother first went for a consultation with The RO for her Radiation treatments I remember the RO telling her these words. "Radiation alone should do it but If you really want to kill this cancer then do Chemo & Radiation together". Well I was the one who didn't want my mother to do the Chemo. I thought she would get worse. You hear all kinds of bad stories about Chemo. So she Choose Radiation only.

So now after a recurrence within 6 months and surgery No.2 here we are.

My mother is finishing her second round of Chemo. Yes she has gotten sick from it but I guess that was to be expected. The Medical Oncologist said with the radiation still in her system together with this Chemo maybe we will see some good results. If not then we are talking about more radiation also. Hopefully the Chemo will weaken the cancer cells enough so radiation can kill it.

What I'm getting at is If more treatments are needed maybe you should talk to the Oncologist about Chemo and Radiation together.
I'm far from being a doctor Its only my personal opinion.

Good Luck
Heidi

thank you Sweetpea...
Yes I remember when we initially talked to the Radiation Oncologist they also recommended the Chemo with the Radiation. The odds were not that much of difference and my husband being a odds guy, said well its not worth the extra sufferring...
this week I have just been thinking the same thing ... if we had done the Chemo would we be here ...

We have an appointment for a PET Scan on Dec 8 ... which too me is way too long to wait for it... so we are trying to push other avenues to see if we can get it done quicker.

I just hope its nothing ... but ... know to expect the worst.

Cantbelieve

Wow ! Waiting until Dec.8th for the Pet Scan is a long time to wait. Hopefully you can get that pushed up.

If you get any answer on the Severe Headaches please let me know. My mom suffers so bad with them also. My mom takes prescription Fiorcet for the headaches and it seems like every 4 to 6 hours the headaches are rite back


Good Luck
Heidi

Cantbelieve I am sorry to hear of such a fast recurrence but am relieved that you caught it so quickly. I called my husband's ENT's administration and told her that we were available anytime if there were any appointment cancelations, this did not speed up our appointment but I figure it is worth a try.

My husband was at emerge on Aug 31, got a biopsy on the 6th and a scan on the 10th of 2013 and this was in Nova Scotia as he was on a painting trip. I would hope the process would be speedier in the case of a reacurance.

I know you will find strength, tell yourself you are doing everything you can and most importantly you are loving your husband with all you have and there is nothing in the world more important then to be loved. Take the time to just be and empty your mind of worry if you can. It is a traumatizing time, let yourself express openly with your husband. You are going through so much.

Feeling for you, Sophie

he just went to see the surgeon and he said since his tongue is paralyzed it means the cancer is back. Still gonna do a PET scan to be sure ... but thats what it is. They say they cant do surgery bc all vital parts are left and they cant remove any more ...
Im so scared and worried ... I dont want to be a widow ...
I dont know what to do

I am very sorry to hear this. I do not think your surgeon should be saying this to you without a PET and a biopsy.
I would be getting myself to a Comprehensive Cancer Center for a second opinion. I also think the decision on whether there are any treatment options needs to be made by a full tumour Board. Not just the surgeon. The Tumour Board consists of Surgeons, Radiation Oncologists and Chemo Oncologists. All treatment options are considered when looking not only at your Scans , but also examining you, and taking into account the past history and biopsy results.
When my Husband had his recurrence , I went into a complete panic. I was stunned. I had to learn to breathe and take a deep breath. Take this 1 day at a time. Get yourself some counselling . I found that helped me enormously. I also took a night time sleeping pill so that I could sleep, otherwise my mind raced and I cried all night.
So, I strongly urge you to get that second opinion and at a CCC. Advocate strongly for your Man. Breathe .
You will get through this.
Tammy.

Please go to a CCC where there are top notch doctors who have treated thousands of cases a year. A CCC is even more important when dealing with a recurrence.


(((HUGS)))

I am so sorry for your pain. Please seek the opinion of a full tumour board. My thoughts are with you.

Hugs, Sophie