I have squamous cell cancer that started in the tongue. When it was removed surgically from the tongue (as well as lymph nodes which were all clear) it was in transit - so that 7 months later it appeared again in a lump under the jaw. I was given 7 weeks of radio therapy and combined adjuvant chemotherapy in weeks 2 and 5.

Now small lesions have appeared in the lungs. Would you please let me know who the the best specialist to approach for treatment?

Frances, I wish I can direct you to the best doctors for your particular condition, but I'not equipped to do that. I'm sure other members will be able to help you. I do, however, have a question. Did that lump under your jaw appear AFTER you went through radiation and chemotherapy, or before?

I wish you all the best. Stay strong.

Gino

Thanks Gino - it appeared before - that's why I had the radiotherapy - but in my case the radiotherapy was unsuccessful. This shocked the doctors and us, as I was given a better than 90% chance that the radiotherapy would be a cure. I had a PET scan done 8 weeks after the finish of treatment and this showed that not only had the treatment not killed the lump underthe jaw but I have small lesions in the lungs.
Frances

This is really unfortunate, and I wish that I had some down under referrals to send you to, but all my contacts and knowledge are US based. I wish you the best with this, and if you would not mind me asking (at a time when you need answers yourself not questions from others) why didn't they do the radiation at the first go around? Here in the US, unless something is a VERY small, current standards of care in a multidisciplinary comprehensive cancer center, are to get concurrent radiation and chemo, with before or after surgical removal. Where we don't see that here, is when people are treated by a singular doctor working in private practice, and frequently without a "team' of associates that come from disciplines outside of the surgical realm. I would be asking this question of my doctors were I in your situation. Clearly you had occult mets of the disease at the time of the first treatments.

If you have a desire or ability to travel to the US for treatment, I would do my best to see that you were put in the best hands here. If I can help you along those lines do not hesitate to contact me. In the meantime if you have questions about the treatments, drugs they are proposing as you progress further into treatment, we all will do our best to tell you what we know about them, their side effects, alternatives, and if nothing more, we will be here for you emotionally. It seems so little, but this group is very giving and when faced with tough decisions and outcomes, you shouldn

Hello Frances

I have given you names of two highly-regarded cancer centres and surgeons in Sydney in a private email. Please let me know if I can help further.

Love from Helen