If it returns

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rarph123
rarph123 Member Posts: 64
in Head and Neck Cancer #1
Close to two months now since my last treatments of rad (35 rto the neck&35 to the lung with 8 chemo) it was a tough set of treatments for a 78 yr. old male and the side affects are many.For the last several days I've been wondering what I should do if it comes back. For one it was said to me "you can'nt have any more rads in the same areas and chemo will just slow it down" I said to the wife " I just do not see any sence in taking any more test.
Is it better to know than not to know Since I have only one option left (chemo) I would rather not know after all I can'nt live forever.Am I the only one who thinks this way or what

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  • longtermsurvivor
    longtermsurvivor Member Posts: 1,842 Member
    #2
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    Hi rarph....
    Honestly I wouldn't fight this battle unless it comes up. I understand what you're saying, but actually you can be irradiated twice. Several here on the board have been, and I'm facing that situation right now. This is my third treatment in 13 years.

    If you get a reoccurance, you can first get worked up, then listen carefully to what your options are. Then you can make a decision. Kind of like I'm having to do.

    But, how about you just NOT get a reocurance? That would be a great plan!

    Best to you.
  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    #3
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    Hi Rarph


    Now days it is possible to have radiation treatment twice to the same area. I had my NPC come back three times twice I treated it with Radiation to the same area and once with chemo. That was about 6 years ago and I am still here and going OK, like you said the side affects are there but better then the alternative.

    For now just don’t worry about it coming back there is nothing we can do about that anyway. Just enjoy your life with you and your wife and any grand kids that you have that is what I do my friend.

    Wishing you the very best
    Hondo
  • fisrpotpe
    fisrpotpe Member Posts: 1,349 Member
    #4
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    Not that Simple
    Although I totally understand your feelings look at it this way. If it shows up as just a small spot on the edge of your tongue, you don't have it cut out. i know I could certainly feel the pain just thinking about it. Well 12 years after my treatment, I found the spot had it checked out, they cut it out and several months later I was back to how I was just before the spot showed up. That was 2 1/2 years ago. I have watched treatment change all for the best over the last 5 years. Let say over the last two years they found a cure for it. Wow would I be in good shape. If I did not do anything 2 1/2 years ago I probably would not be here.

    Hope, there is always hope here on CSN is hope. There is a cure out there, not tomorrow but ya never know when.

    Go out have fun, do your follow-ups and deal with it on if (huge IF) it shows it's ugly face again.

    Bless you, Bless your Caregivers and Bless all who have fought or are fighting.

    John
  • NJR
    NJR Member Posts: 82
    #5
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    Not alone
    No sir, you're not the only one. I am currently facing a very similar situation after completing Chemo and Radiation for Stage 4 Tonsil that has spread to lymph nodes on both sides of my neck and now possibly one lung. My first CT and follow up came back saying residual cancer cannot be ruled out in all but one location. I am now awaiting the results of new biopsies but mostly for my own knowledge as I've been made aware that Chemo alone is ineffective for tonsil cancer.

    I see knowing as a blessing. It affords me the time to accept the situation. The more comfortable I am with it, the more able I am to make sure my daughter and others who like me no matter what, will be able to accept it with as little grief as humanly possible. Also, knowing the test results and where I stand is a good reminder to never take a day for granted. I guess I fear the surprise ending more than I do the one I can prepare for. Funny, I always thought it would be the other way around.
  • Hal61
    Hal61 Member Posts: 655
    #6
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    NJR said:

    Not alone
    No sir, you're not the only one. I am currently facing a very similar situation after completing Chemo and Radiation for Stage 4 Tonsil that has spread to lymph nodes on both sides of my neck and now possibly one lung. My first CT and follow up came back saying residual cancer cannot be ruled out in all but one location. I am now awaiting the results of new biopsies but mostly for my own knowledge as I've been made aware that Chemo alone is ineffective for tonsil cancer.

    I see knowing as a blessing. It affords me the time to accept the situation. The more comfortable I am with it, the more able I am to make sure my daughter and others who like me no matter what, will be able to accept it with as little grief as humanly possible. Also, knowing the test results and where I stand is a good reminder to never take a day for granted. I guess I fear the surprise ending more than I do the one I can prepare for. Funny, I always thought it would be the other way around.

    Point taken
    I'm sorry to hear your having some tough times NJR. You make a good point. Most people don't want to know when their time is up, but, like you, I'd rather know than be hit by the train. I'm sure your daughter and friends appreciate your strength, and understand you will make the best decision for yourself and for them. I wish you peace, and good days.
    best, Hal
  • ratface
    ratface Member Posts: 1,337 Member
    #7
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    Hal61 said:

    Point taken
    I'm sorry to hear your having some tough times NJR. You make a good point. Most people don't want to know when their time is up, but, like you, I'd rather know than be hit by the train. I'm sure your daughter and friends appreciate your strength, and understand you will make the best decision for yourself and for them. I wish you peace, and good days.
    best, Hal

    We all have those thoughts
    I'm coming up on 2 1/2 years post. My scans have always showed lung nodules. So far nothing is changing. In the first year I always wanted to know everything about the scans. I get copies, read, and compare to past scans. It creates nothing but turmoil in my mind. I have found my most peaceful time is between scans because it's a time when absolutely no one knows whats going on. This is the blissful time of ignorance. I don't have cancer today is sometimes the only thing I can hang my hat on. I'm almost 53. I don't see how age minimizes cancer. People always tell me to think of the children with cancer. It doesn't help me one damn bit. I still want to live as you do. You can't live forever but you will live one more day. Remember when you were a little boy and your friend would twist your arm behind your back and ask, "You give up yet?" You would always wait one more second and then he would twist a little more, then and only then, would you give up. I'm staying until that arm is broken across my back!
  • jim and i
    jim and i Member Posts: 1,788 Member
    #8
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    same place
    rarh, Jim he is 77 and has stage 4 base of tongue) and I are in the same place. Jim's PET scan is coming up and we are both stressed to the max. It is easy to say what your decision will be before hand but I think it will probably change when you actually know. As anxiety ridden that waiting for test results are I would rather know. Jim and I think the unknown would be more stressful. As others have said, the time between tests offers some peace and it is a reminder to live each day and not put off that precious time with loved ones. Praying for a good result.

    Blessings

    Debbie

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