Hello everyone!

What Mark and Minniea have said is consistent with what my doctors told me on Friday. A microscopic speck of cancerous cells in one node is very different than an enlarged node. They also reassured me that chemotherapy is absolutely unwarranted in my case. Basically, the toxicity and side effects of chemo outweighs any possible benefits in terms of enhancing the effectiveness of radiation.

Unfortunately, however, not much data exists with respect to cases like mine (i.e., people with microscopic cancer cells in one node). If more data existed, I was told that even radiation might have been avoided, as it is possible that: (1) I'm completely cancer free after the removal of my lymph nodes; (2)the immune system might be able to get rid of any remaining microscopic traces of cancer left.

Minniea, my "bad" node was also under my jaw. I have to ask you--did they radiate your tongue? Although my doctor's are leaning against that possibility, they're still discussing it.

Thank you all for your input.
Gino

Hi Gino,
During radiation I was given a tongue guard which, to this day, I still don't know the purpose of! I used to think it was to keep my tongue in a certain position. Now I wonder if it was to guard it from all the radiation. I'm honestly not sure. I can tell you that I have good taste function and my tongue never seems as sore as the inside of my mouth does. It must seem very tempting to you to forego radiation after reading this board. The side effects ARE difficult, no doubt. But they are also easier then our other options, which are a recurrence and possibly death. Every time I find myself feeling discouraged by my dry mouth or the fact that I can't eat as well as before, I make myself think about not being here to do anything! The first year after radiation is hard but then it simply becomes our new normal and we have to think really hard to remember what it was like BEFORE radiation. Sounds like your docs are giving you good care and advice, keep us posted.
Minnie

Hi Gino,

Lisa and I seem to be in the minority here, having only had surgical removal of our scc and lymph node removal. At least since I've been participating in this forum, I don't remember others having treatment as limited as ours. Lisa is close to reaching her 3 year mark and I'm anxiously waiting to say that I'm still cancer free at one year. As you can see, Lisa is living in "Paradise" and I'm very happy here in snow covered eastern PA.

My decision to limit my treatment to surgery was based upon the recommendations of my surgeon, the chief of head and neck surgery at Fox Chase Cancer Center and a consultation with the radiation oncologist. Chemotherapy never entered the discussion.

I can tell you that if there had been any traces of cells, no matter how minimal, in any of my nodes, I surely would have opted for radiation.

Second guessing is a terrible thing. I visit this forum every day or so and have read many posts that made me wonder if I did the right thing. Lisa and I have emailed each other and I think that I am finally at the point that I am comfortable with my decision.

Good luck with your decision and I look forward to reading about a postitive outcome from you.

Jerry

Hi everyone!

First of all, please know that I sincerely appreciate everyone's input.

Jerry, I'm very happy for you and hope your restored health stays with you for a very long time. Needless to say, I was really hoping to have "finished" with this whole ordeal after surgery myself. The fact that there's a good possibility (as my doctors continuously reiterate) that I'm currently cancer free makes the decision to have radiation particularly difficult. Nonetheless, based on everything I've read and everything I've been told, it's just too risky to forgo rad-treatment.

I have to tell you guys, and please excuse my vulgarity, but I'm scared shitless about this whole process! The thought of gradually getting burned during the course of six weeks, and having much of my healthy tissue obliterated, just disturbs me. I have to somehow get mentally prepared for this, and I'm not sure how to.

Any advise?

Gino

Gino, even though you don't know it, you ARE prepared for the radiation. You have knowledge and knowledge is power. You have support from all of us and your family support system, there is more power for you. You will get through radiation just fine, as did all of us. You'll have ups and downs, and during the down times you can get on this site, tell us the problems, and we'll have ways to help you out, help lessen the load. Soon you will be giving advice to someone just starting treatment.
Minnie