#36661 06-15-2003 02:58 PM | Joined: Jun 2003 Posts: 25 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | OP  Contributing Member (25+ posts)
Joined: Jun 2003 Posts: 25 | My Mom did the six weeks of rad and 2 weeks chemo. Her oncologist told her Friday "she still has cancer" He wants to do more chemo. Now she is going back for the radiation follow-up on Thursday June 19. Has anyone had experience with this? We don't know what to expect. Is she done with rad or can they do more? I guess I'm just looking for answers NOW! I'm so frustrated with this. I'm sure many of you know exactly what I mean. I know the chemo is to keep it at bay. Is this it? I'm falling apart. I need to get a grip fast or I will be of no help to my mom and dad. Thanks for listening. It is a real comfort.
Thank you, Thank you
Sue | | |
#36662 06-16-2003 03:50 PM | Joined: Oct 2002 Posts: 546 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Oct 2002 Posts: 546 | Sue, I believe the answer is usually "no", you can't have more RAD in the same area twice. However, a couple months ago, I remember seeing there were studies being done giving IMRT RAD to people that previously had other RAD. I don't know what the results have been so far and I don't even remember which website I saw it on. It was one of the main sites for finding clinical trials, I think. It might be worth it to ask the RAD doctor about it. Rainbows & hugs,  Rosie
Was primary caregiver to my daughter Heather who had stage IV base of tongue SCC w/ primary recurrence. Original diagnosis August 21st, 2002. Primary recurrence March 18th, 2003. Died October 6th, 2003.
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#36663 06-16-2003 06:08 PM | Joined: Nov 2002 Posts: 458 Platinum Member (300+ posts) | | Platinum Member (300+ posts)
Joined: Nov 2002 Posts: 458 | Rosie's correct in that you can't get more RAD in the same place you previously had RAD. To fill in the info about the IMRT, that method is pretty precise as to the placement of the radiation, so If you have IMRT treatment in one area, it's possible to have another treatment in a different area. My case I had IMRT to left side of neck and tongue last November, then again to right side of neck last April. First dose maximum 7000gy, second dose smaller 5500gy.
Hope this helps.
Bob
SCC Tongue, stage IV diagnosed Sept, 2002, 1st radical neck dissection left side in Sept, followed by RAD/Chemo. Discovered spread to right side nodes March 2003, second radical neck dissection April, followed by more RAD/Chemo.
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#36664 06-17-2003 12:46 PM | Joined: Dec 2002 Posts: 235 Platinum Member (200+ posts) | | Platinum Member (200+ posts)
Joined: Dec 2002 Posts: 235 | So why is it that a person can't get more radiation on the same side they previously have been treated on? Is it because the radiation would no longer be effective or is it just because they can't expose that area to any more? Just wondering on this one myself as well.
DonnaJean
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#36665 06-17-2003 03:29 PM | Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 4,918 Likes: 67 OCF Founder Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | OCF Founder Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 4,918 Likes: 67 | Radiation has an accumulated affect on your body throughout your life. The high doses that people are given as treatments push the limits of what the body can tolerate and not be permantely damaged.
Brian, stage 4 oral cancer survivor. OCF Founder and Director. The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant.
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