My question is about chemo and clinical trials. My mom has endured two hemiglossectomies, radiation, and chemo in the span of 10 months. Sadly, my sweet mom has just found out this morning that her cancer is back for the third time in as many months (I guess it never really left). It's in the area of her tongue and throat that has been removed twice, and she now has an additional spot. This is just in 3 months since her surgery in July with clear margins and nodes.

We are told at this point that surgery is not an option this time because recovery from this surgery was already very complicated. Radiation is not an option for her either, because again, she's still healing from her first go round with radiation. Chemo was difficult for her, too. We have a meeting this week to talk about chemo options to extend life. I know it's not considered curable at this point, but I'm wondering whether anyone with a "recurrence" has had any luck with chemo alone in terms of pain management and control of tumor growth? What chemo regimen?

I am also wondering if someone like my mom-in her early 70s, advanced cancer resistant to treatment, tough but been through the wringer-would be a candidate for any clinical trials. I love her so much and would miss her horribly (as would the rest of her family), but I'm not afraid of her death (I know we all die). I just want her to have some good days ahead, and I'm terrified that may not be in the cards for her. Sorry for the desperate ramblings.

You are such a clear thinker and so loving to your mother. She must be very proud of you. I don't know much about palliative chemo or clinical trials but others will have some idea. I hope there is something that will help her. I'm very disappointed that it came back and wish you both well. Your expression "been through the wringer" is so apt. I often think there's only so much a body can take and then something else is hurled at me but my gaps in between have been prolonged and I just wish that had been the case for your mum.

Im so sorry your mother is going thru this again.

There are some promising trials that have been discussed on the forum. Take a look at Brian's posts to get the specifics. Hopefully one of the trials would be an option for your mom.

Best wishes with everything.

Thank you, Alpaca and Christine. Always comforting to hear from you. I was hoping for a larger gap, too. But here we are. Based on her really ugly CT scan, it appears she now has a nasopharyngeal tumor, as well as a spot adjacent to her jaw and two necrotic nodes-one on the left and one on the right. She will probably begin the palliative chemo assuming she can tolerate it. We'll continue to look for possible trials, but the rapid progression of this cancer is frightening. Of course we're hoping for for more quality time and a little symptom relief once the chemo starts, but given the gravity of this, we've been asking her friends and family to send her letters or cards sharing nice memories they've had with her, so that we can read them with her and then eventually share them with her grandkids. Not giving up. Just trying to be prepared. I hope you are doing well.

Sorry to report that my sweet mom died last Thursday. It was very hard to watch her transition from life to death over the course of two days, but we made the most of our time together. The night before she grew unresponsive, we talked about life, joyful times, favorite memories, religion, and then early the next morning she began struggling to breathe. She was never responsive again after that, and she died the next night. During those two days, she had visits from close friends who told her goodbye, we read letters from family and friends, read poems, played music, and she was surrounded by family and next to her dog when she took her last breath and left her broken body. We will miss her terribly. We learned so much from her. She was hopeful until the very end of her life. I'll be thinking about you all and wishing you good health. I think the science is coming around, and we'll have some better options soon.

Im very sorry for your loss. May she rest in peace, free from pain and sickness.

You were a wonderful caregiver. In time the memories of happier, healthier times will bring you comfort.

I am sorry to hear about your mother. Sounds like you are a great daughter. Denise

I am so sorry you lost your mother. My heartfelt condolences to you and your circle of family and friends.

So sorry. You are indeed a Wonderful Daughter.
Tammy

My condolences. You painted such a lovely picture of your mother that she will stay in my mind. Much love.