Hi All - I have only posted a couple of times (when my father was first diagnosed), but read this board religiously and want to thank you for all of your information and first hand experiences. My father completed his rad & chemo tx which did not help the growth of his cancer. We have consulted with two ENT docs at CCC in Philly and have been told that the growth is so fast and encompassing that surgery is not an option. He has been told that he has a couple of months unless the Erbitux (to begin Monday, 01.22.07) can slow the growth. According to the rad & chemo onc the cancer has not returned to his lymphnodes and not spread to any other areas. I see the extensive surgeries others have had on this board and I just don't understand how surgery can not be an option if it is only in the oral cavity. Any thoughts appreciated.

Thank you again for all of your personal experiences!!

Some additional info - the original dx was Stage IV BOT, throat and lymphnodes (I do not know the TNM info). He has also been told that he will need a trach inserted within a week or two because the cancer is growing so fast that it will soon be putting pressure on his windpipe and voicebox and he will have difficulty breathing.

I am sorry to read this about your Dad, I have sent you a PM. Carol

Dear Fedhillgirl, There comes a time when what the doctors say hits you squarely between the eyes like a sledgehammer. That time came for us when John's second surgery did not produce the desired results. His surgeon said and this is a direct quote " I would have to take half your face off to try to stop this cancer with surgery". So, what it sometimes boils down to is quality of life for an uncertain period of time. If you all have trust in the quality of care he has received thus far, then you must trust what they are telling you now, as difficult as it is. In our case- the Erbitux has slowed the tumors, but it has NOT done much toward improving John's Quality of life, other than prolonging it. For that, I am thankful, but I'm not sure he would say the same. Those of us who do not want to lose our loved ones can often lose sight of what they are going through just to stay alive. Amy