After completing 37 treatments of radiation and countless hours of chemo, my brother is now facing another setback. (He has Stage IV base of tongue cancer.) He finished the treatments about 6 weeks ago, but has had a lump under his chin, which a biopsy detected to be cancerous. We don't know if it's a recurrence, or if it was missed. He is not at a CCC, and very stubbornly does not want to seek another opinion.

Yesterday he met with his team of doctors and they want to surgically remove the lump, shoot a high dosage of radiation while on the operating table, then graft some skin from his leg to his neck area. The problem is they can't do this for almost 3 weeks (something about the radiologist's schedule, and the fact they need a special operating room to handle the radiation).

Has anyone had such a procedure and can tell me how effective it was for them?

If I were able to convince him to get a consultation at a CCC (he's in New York), what's the process--how long will it take to get his records released? I feel even if another doctor confirms that this treatment is the way to go, at least my brother will be doing something while waiting. I know this is such an agressive cancer, and we are all so angry that he must wait--i'm sure each day is critical.

Any advice will be most appreciated.

M.

I agree about getting him in for another opinion. Where is he in NY....Sloan Kettering is one of the top 2 ccc in the country. From my limited knowledge on this type of cancer is is super agressive and really needs to be treated asap and with a team of docs that have lots of experience it treating this form of cancer. (especially since it is a reoccurence) This is his life we are talking about so really encourage him to do anything he can to get the proper treatment. CCC not only have more experienced staff but better care from a nursing stand point. Every detail can make a difference. My Mom was in such a hurry to fight this cancer that she took chose to take the first oncology group that she was referred to. They did treat her quickly and with out delay but I we do not know the outcome yet since she just finished her treatment last week. When it was explained tome how a CCC like MD ANderson handles things vs. a private oncology group (like my Moms) I was amazed!

As far as getting in to a CCC as long as he is not currently in treatment you should be able to get the 2nd opinion. Hopefully others on this board can give more insight on how to get the ball rolling. (of course with your brother's approval).
Good Luck and keep us posted on what happens!!
Tami

Dear Minick,

A second opinion at a CCC is in order. Try and convince your brother that it's in his best interest to have it. Does he read the postings on this board? If not try and get him to do so. The more knowledge he has the better treatment decisions he can make. This is a most unforgiving diaease. Hoping all goes well for both him and your family.

I think he would qualify for treatmrnt at Sloan due to completing treatment the first go around. It doesn't take long to attain his records and forward them to wherever you go.

Danny Boy

Thanks, Danny, for your response. Well, I totally alientated my sister in law. I spoke to her yesterday and strongly suggested that my brother go for a second opinion. I pulled out all my ammunition,even going so far to say that when my brother buys a car, he goes to more than one dealer. Anyway, she was angry with me because she perceived my urging as accusing her of not doing enough. I am so sad now because she is angry, I'm hurt, and my poor brother is adamant about staying with his doctors.

I think my sister in law is just frustrated because everyone who cares has said the same thing--go for a second opinion. But my brother is stubborn, and I'm afraid he is sort of giving up.

I wish he read the posts of this wonderful forum--from time to time I e-mail those that offer hope and encouragement. But, like I said, he's stubborn and i think he is just tired of doctors and treatment.

All the family now has agreed to respect his wishes and back off on our insistence to seek help elsewhere. I wish I could be more persuasive, but I don't want to get them upset. What more can we do but stand back and pray?

M.

Dear Minick,

In the end I guess it is his decision. You have done all you can and he doesn't want to respond.
All you can do now is support him and his famly. Don't feel guilty about a decision he made.
He is probably scared as hell. Having a reoccurrance so soon after the surgery would dampen anyones spirt. We all go thru phases during treatment. Why me, Anger, depression, Guilt over lifestyles that we can't take back, etc. After awhile we get over these and put our fighting gloves on. I hope he doesn't give up and finds the strength to fight like hell.

All My Best, Danny Boy