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#41616 08-20-2007 01:59 AM
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Can they operate on a site that as had radiation treatment or can you have Rt again

Regards
Dave and Sue

#41617 08-20-2007 02:56 AM
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Every situation is unique in its own way, but speaking from my own experience, yes they can perform surgery on a previously radiated area. And, as I have recently learned, they can also do IMRT again. I had chemo/IMRT last year for cancer of the tongue. They radiated my mouth and neck nodes March - May of 2006.

I have recently experienced a recurrence/mets to a jugular lymph node, and I just had a neck dissection on the right side about 3 weeks ago. Now I am also preparing to begin IMRT and Erbitux. I asked this same question because it was my understanding IMRT was a 'one time shot' and couldn't be done again.

My radiation oncologist explained that while it's not optimal due to the tissue damage possible, in my case RT is the safest and best option, as there is some cancer on my carotid artery they couldn't get in the neck dissection, and surgery would be risky. My RO explained he is carefully mapping out this second course of IMRT to consider the previous mapping from my first round (specific locations and intensities of the RT delievered), to determine what I can tolerate now in the second round.

As I'm sure you know there are not many absolutes like "never" or "always" with this desease or the treatments for it. But to answer your question, yes, RT could be administered again if the circumstances allow and surgery is possible even if RT was previously administered.

I'm sure there are countless issues that go into the doctors' decisions for these things - like healing in-between (such as how long it's been since radiation, etc), the extent of the disease, the overall health of the patient, etc. So, what treatment methods can be used for your case may be different than those for somebody else's case.

I hope that helps a little.
-Steve J.


Age 41 - Stage 2 SCC tongue Dx 2/06. Cisplatin x3, IMRT x35. Mets to neck node discovered 7/07. RND 40 nodes removed, margins not clear. Cisplatin, Taxotere, 5-FU Fall 07, then IMXT/Erbitux for 7 wks. Inoperable mets to both lungs and pleura Dx Oct'08. 4 cycles Carboplatin, Erbitux, 5-FU so far.
#41618 08-21-2007 12:01 PM
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The radiation oncologist is the best person to answer this question.
I have had patients over the years who have had surgery and radiation treatment and gone throught the same again. Ask about hyperbaric oxygen treatments. This procedure can allow previously irradiated tissues to heal normally after surgery.

Good Luck and stay strong!!
Mike


Dentist since 1995, 12 year Cancer Survivor, Father, Husband, Thankful to so many who supported me on my journey so far, and more than happy to comfort a friend.
Live, Laugh, Love & Learn.
#41619 08-22-2007 03:30 PM
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As with Steve, I just recently had surgery following radiation and chemo treatments back in 2005. A month or so following the surgery I also was retreated with radiation and chemo. Thus in my case the answers were yes and yes, though I am sure that it is likely decided on a case by case method.

Bill


No love, no friendship can cross the path of our destiny without leaving some mark on it forever. - Francois Mauriac

Thank you for leaving your mark.

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