Hi Carol;

I believe my diagnosis was almost exactly the same as your husband, as was the primary site, the 35 radiation treatments and the 3 Cisplatin treatments.

Just before my 3rd chemo tx, my weight fell below a threshhold number I had negotiated with my radiation oncologist (I had refused a G-Tube on the basis I wouldn't fall below a certain weight; if I did, I would agree to the tube's insertion.) It fell so far in fact, she threatened to cancel my 3rd treatment altogether. I strongly objected, signed myself into Surrey Memorial Hospital, had the G-Tube inserted and managed to halt any further weight loss. I pressured them into keeping my last date with Cisplatin.

I set only one goal when I started treatment, and that was to survive my 3rd chemo treatment. I had heard a significant percentage of patients are not able to handle the 3rd treatment for an assortment of reasons, and I wanted full measure of any and all treatments prescribed for me, if humanly possible.

My simple mind reasoned at the time that 2 thirds chemo treatment meant only 2 thirds of the cancer would be killed. I know that it isn't as simple as that, but I had to psyche myself up somehow if I was to achieve my goal.

From what I have heard and read on the topic, if they prescribed 3 treatments as part of the overall treatment plan, then do everything possible to receive those 3 treatments, stopping just short of harming yourself of course.

From another perspective, I don't how I would cope in the event of a recurrence and for whatever reason I had failed to take the 3rd of 3 chemo treatments, or had missed 1 or 2 of the radiation treatments; and let me assure you, I had more than ample justification for missing a couple of those when a chunk of one of my ears fell off....

... but we must battle on regardless of the setbacks or disappointments or the pain.

Whatever course your decision takes, I wish you and your husband every success in the pursuit of a full cure !

JT2

Our cancers are very much the same. Because of his case being an emergency, we were thrown into the treatment plan. (not that I didnot appreciate it) ASAP was a necessity. The dates for the chemo and radiation were all changed from the original plan. His red blood cell counts was low on 2 occasions. His 3rd and final chemo would have been very close to his second chemo. There was a date error. I am not sure what is going on now. I must talk to my husband, he arrives home for good today. I just wondered what are PREMIUM days for chemo. I really feel good about his cancer (thanks to this forum and its support) I think he will be cured. They are marveled at the size of his tonsil now, stating it is almost back to normal. His lymph node has shrunk so much he can hardly find it now. Thank you for your reply. Take care. Carol...

Carol,

I have never heard the term Premium Dates for chemo but I, like many others, received my 1st chemo my 1st day of rad (before my rad) and my 2nd one 3 weeks later and my last one on my last day of rad (before my rad) meaning all chemos were 3 weeks apart.

Some people have received weekly chemo txs and some have been hooked up to an infusion tube where the chemo is constant.

Hope this helps.

Carol,

I was one that could only take 2 treatment of the Cisplatin. From what I have been told it is OK. If you can do 3 wonderful. I also understand that maybe a different Chemo can be used. Maybe look into that and see if that is possible or necessary.

Take care,
Diane

Carboplatin is often used as a substitute to cisplatin.

Thank you all for the replies. I really cant imagine this date error happening when my husband was in the hospital and their lodge for 7 weeks, although we were thrown into this thing from the start. We have did everything to fight this disease and now find this problem. My husband is finding the treatment very difficult now, but 1 more radiation Monday, Tuesday the trach comes out and now they have scheduled the final chemo for June 18th. We will ask his doctor what is sufficient doses to have and what can be done now. Thanks for mentioning carboplatin, I had forgotten this substitute. Thanks again. I continue to believe he will recover and be cured, thanks to this forum, I remain POSITIVE... Carol...