My sister was given 'induction chemotherapy' which is chemotherapy given to reduce the size of tumors before a surgery and to treat the body systemically. Its a somewhat new use of chemo. She had 6 weeks of it, then the big surgery. The responded remarkably well to the chemo. The pathology report was 'negative for tumor' in every category.

Hi Courtny:
I also have had Induction therapy. No, it is not new, but 2 very large studies have been published which reported a significant increase in the length of time before reoccurance, and other positive outcomes. You can check out the most recent study in the OC Foundation Recent News section. This study actually reiterates the finds of the 1st study called the TAX 324. (The TAX 324-325 study includes participation by Georgetown Lombardi Cancer Center).

I've also had an extremely favorable response to Induction Therapy. I had 3 cycles of Cisplatin, 5-Fu and Textera. I treatment every 3 weeks, but I am also in the process of doing Carboplatin and radiation therapy for 7 weeks.

Induction Therapy is a very aggressive treatment plus, if you're going to do radiation, it takes more time in treatment. But,in my humble opinion. it's a smart move.

If you have any more questions, please let me know.
Sandyst


Sandyst

Hi Jim,
I don't know about the Moffit (ocean seperating us from where you are). We ended up going for IMRT radiation, it seemed the most comprehensive we were given a choice but as Martin's SCC was of unknow primary it seemed the best course of action to radiate everywhere just in case.
As for exercises, I think the best is to ask your doctor and he will have the best exercises for you. I do scar massage for martin every day and muscle massage with E45 cream. I need to massage in little circles never ever massage up, always circles.
As we moved house 2 weeks post tx, and the house was a throw back from the 60s were a 96 year old lady had lived it needed a lot of work done (and still does). Martin has been working on the house a couple of hours a day, tiling, plastering... And his physio is very impressed with his range of movement, he has exercises that she gave him, but she said carry on what you are doing.
If you go for TX make sure that as soon as you feel up to it, you go for walks, it will help with the cardio vascular.
Whatever the next course of treatment is, good luck
Cecilia

Jim,

You should be seeing a physical therapist and have a complete evaluation as to which exercises you should be doing. And you SHOULD be doing proper exercises if you want to get back to normal.

I went to a therapist at the cancer center where I was treated where they worked with me and gave me exercises to do at home. I was faithful with both and went from not being able to lift my arm more than straight out to being back to full range of motion within 3 months.

I bought a pulley that I hung on the top my door and found this to be the best thing for getting full range of motion back. my neck is still numb, but that's a small price to pay for being cancer free.

Good luck at Moffit and maybe you can hook up with a therapist there.

Jerry

Jerry,
It has been exactly 3 weeks since my surgery. I started back to work 6/1/09 and put in 55 hrs last week. I have been riding my bike 5-10 miles a day which has GREATLY improved the movement of my left arm and neck! It still hurt and tightens up but what a difference a week makes when you just basically ignore the pain and try to function normally! What hurt the most was my throat swelling from talking and laughing so much at work! I had my Appt. at Moffitt yesterday and I have to say I FINALLY came to terms with myself on the treatment I am going to pursue! It took all you guys ripping me, 2 local RO's and a guy by the name of Dr. Trotti! So I am going to have the radiation full blown to the left side neck, tongue and right side! Also throwing around doing Cisplatin X 3 or as some recommends on here smaller doses! I havent yet totally decided on the chemo or not! I am gonna listen to the specialist and answer to the man above for my treatment! This is very humbling and exhausting but I slept so much better lastnight just accepting my future!

Sounds like you are doing well and although there is a rough road ahead, I'm sure that your determination will help you conquer it all.

Good luck with your treatment and keep us posted.

Jerry

When they talked about that treament to my husband we were scared. We didn't want to do any of the treatment. He had squamish cell cancer in his lymph node and had it removed routine surgery we thought for cycst. Anyway when we spoke with the medical oncologist he told us that if we didn't do anything about it the cancer would grow and shut off his throat. We decided to do some research and went forward with treatment.
We are 9 treatments away from being done with the radiation. We will have probably three chemos.
Good luck iwht your treatment let us know how you do.
Pat

Did you have any radiation? How old were you at dx?