Well, I've been lurking in the background but not actively posting for quite a while. I had hoped that the cancer was behind me after a recurrence last year and subsequent surgery and treatment.
But for several months I've had a growing number of pains in my chest and upper back. They sent me for a chest x-ray when I first was feeling some back pain in June, and it didn't show anything. But the pain has gotten worse so they sent me for a PET/CT. The PET/CT correlate indicating metastasis to both lungs.
Met with my ENT/cancer specialist yesterday. He feels surgery is not a viable option. He also feels radiation will not be a viable option due to the number and location of apparent malignant areas, but I'm off to the cancer center now and they'll make that call. Looks like chemo.

I know this is a very broad question and everybody is different, but what would be likely for me in terms of chemo when that's the only treatment available? I've had Cisplatin both times before (Cisplate, Taxotere, and 5-FU the second time) and ended up with recurrences. Would they likely put me on a heavier dose of chemo?

Basically, before when I was on chemo, it was being used - as I understand it - as a CYA - with radiation and surgery being the primary attacks and chemo being used to increase the chances we got it all. In this case, chemo will likely be used as the ONLY form of attack. So I'm wondering if I can expect it to be a more harsh approach or significant dosage.

thanks,
Steve

You may be eligible for a trial. My husband was on one at Sloan but unfortunately it did not work for him. He is now on Taxol. He too had radition and Cisplatin following his surgery. He has also had Erbitux and Taxotere. I'm not sure if they will give you a stronger dosage but my husband is getting his infusion once every three weeks. Good luck and let us know what you/they decide.

Sue

Steve,

So sorry to hear about your recurrence.

Unfortunately I don't have any information from my experience that you wouldn't already know about regarding Cisplatin and radiation, I just wanted to wish you good luck and let you know that we are thinking of you.

Take care - Karen

Steve:

Want to wish you the best with your course of treatment. Im really sorry that you need to continue going thru this battle. I dont have experience at all with the questions you are asking. I only wanted to say best of luck with this and that you arent alone.