Should I do radiation?

My husband had 2 rounds of radiation -- one starting in August 2010 and the other in May 2012.  35 rounds the first time and 37 the second time.  Side effects were worse from the first round.  2nd round we were told it could rupture his cartoid artery since the radiation would be almost in the same spot.  Radiation and chemo, then surgery for laryngectomy first round.  NED one year before tumor was found at the cervical of his esophagus.  Second radiation and chemo, then NED for 4 months.  Surgery was ruled out the second time due to the radiation and the savage surgery that would be needed.  Third time only chemo offerred due to spread to his right lung and return of the cancer at the cervical of his esophagus.  He declined and today it has been almost one year and he is doing so-so but still is here.  

This decision is yours and yours alone.  I didn't try to talk my husband into more chemo and more radiation was ruled out.  Can't say it has been hard but then again it hasn't been easy either.  You are young compared to my husband.  My husband was 73 when our journey started 3 years ago and he did well with all the radiation, chemo and surgery.  But we knew that this time the chemo would be much harder on him than the other two times and he just felt enough was enough.  

Wishing you the best.  I have told our grown sons and families that after watching what he has been thru, I don't think I could or would go thru it but then again until I would be in that position, I don't know what I would do.   

Sharon

Although most will have opinions on this, and the opinions will be variable, ultimately you are the one on the journey, and you are the one that will be making the decision.  I've been radiated twice, and I have side effects that I have to live with, but that doesn't qualify me as an expert at anything except my own unique circumstances.

There are a few elements of your story that weren't stated, which would make some difference to me if I were in your predicament.  Where is the cancer, precisely?  What is its size, and has your workup indicated either regional or distant spread?  Have you had HPV testing on this tumor?

One of the things that mitigates for radiation right now is the simple fact that, with mantle radiation, your actual prior dose to the neck was relatively low compared to what is typically given in throat cancer.  this gives you an advantage over the ordinary guy like me that's actually been through a full dose twice.   If you are HPV positive, they might be able to get away with a lower than maximal dose ow, say 56g instead of 70g.

I've been radiated twice, first with 70g in 1998, then with 68g two years ago.  I admit the  second treatment course has been life changing.  I cannot eat solid food, have significant trismus, and perhaps am looking forward to some real jaw/dental issues.  Too early to know on some of it.   I am currently NED, not quite long enough past treatment to say I'm cured without qualification.  My quality of life is actually very good.  I have certain limitations, but am able to function very much as i would have without the treatment. 

So for me the decision to retreat was a good one.  I admit things might not have worked out this well, it was a calculated gamble on my part when I decided to pursue this second course.  The other option was as you said.

Wishing you the best with whatever decision you make.

Pat

I know how you are feeling because when I was told that my NPC was back again I did not want to take radiation again. It was too hard on me, but then I had a talk with God about it and asked Him to give me the strength I needed and to help me through it. So I did the Radiation & Chemo treatment again. Was it hard yes, do I live with a lot of side effects yes I do. But I am still here and ever with all my problems I still work every day, I am still serving as an Elder in my Church. But most of all I am still here for my Wife & Children and I am a part of my Grandchildren’s life.

Look at the picture and ask yourself what you should do. Is it worth, You bet it is.

PS: Welcome to the family my friend  

Lou

When I got diagnosed 3 years ago at age 55, I said I would do whatever it took to beat this beast.

So my 2 cents -- YES, go through the treatment again.

Side effects are still with me....but I am here to complain about them.

Every day I wake up is a good day.

I wish you well whatever you decide.

louhou13 said:

Should I radiate? Thank you for the responses

Hello all, thank you very much for sharing your stories and experiences with me. My SCC is HPV-16+ and originated in left palatine tonsil and spread to a few nodes on the left and 1 on the right. Current cancer is in both sides of pharynx. I have read your comments several times and am still on the fence. On my way to get 2nd opinion. THANK YOU VERY MUCH for helping me!

I am ready to vote:  personally I' would elect to treat.  You had mantle radiation, which generally is done in the shape of a "T", above the diaphragm but below "for the most part" where you would be radiated this time.  In other words, there wouldn't be much field overlap, and you would be more like a first time treatment than a second time treatment.  Your HPV confers a significant survival advantage as well.  If you are really freaking out, ask them about reduced dose treatment for hpv positives.  Not approved yet, but there is literature evidence to support it.

Pat

louhou13 said:

Hi John, love hearing your

Hi John, love hearing your story. 2 years out and doing so well - congratulations! Thanks for sharing...gives me hope

I'm going on five years out...

Dx January 2009, finished Tx June 2009....

Many here much further out than myself..., you will be also...

John