advice needed - we were given chemo options

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Comments

  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    #22
    Irishgypsie said:

    My opinion!
    I think that it depends if you had the primary removed and neck dissection. From what I have seen people who do not have neck dissection have option 3; because the cancer isn't being removed just melted away. Option one seems less toxic because your body is only getting the chemo three times (weeks 1,5,7 pending complications) and hopefully the surgery has removed all the cancer and the tx is just exrta insurance. Risk factors such as age, smoker hx, and stage are the decision makers.
    Go to this web-site and join. goto our type of cancer it breaks it down in logarithm. This is what cancer centers use across the country to help make decisions. Good luck!!

    http://www.nccn.org/index.asp

    All Three
    Tonsils ~ removed surgically - primary - right was primary
    Lymph Node Tumor ~ Chemo - secondary - also right side
    Residual ~ right side area and opposite side of the throat ~ concurrent chemo/rads...

    John
  • donna Hoyem
    donna Hoyem Member Posts: 5
    #23
    Treatment Options
    I am a head and neck cancer survivor. I was 50 years old when diagnosed, two years ago. I opted for the 7 week chemo/radiation and it saved my life. Chemo and radiation every Monday, and then radiation every day for the rest of the week for seven weeks. Don't get me wrong, it was not a fun trip, but I made it. Pray for your father every chance you get, when he doesn't feel well, don't get mad at him. Just know that it's not his fault. All you need to concentrate on is being supportive, loving and let him know that you are there for him. Like me, during treatment it was very hard to swallow due to the radiation to my neck. Understand that if your father isn't eating, he's not being stubborn, he just can't swallow without pain. But it will get better. Just love him, and let him know that you don't blame him. He will get better. But most importantly, pray and thank Jesus that "by His stripes" your Dad is healed. I will also be praying for you and your Dad.
  • skipper85
    skipper85 Member Posts: 229
    #24
    Chemo Options

    My husband had 35 rad treatments and 7 chemo (cisplatin). He's 63. The first few weeks were okay but it is a cumulative effect. By the last week it was tough and the toughest part was the two weeks after treatment was over. If your Dad will let them put in a feeding tube he will be much better off. Have it done right away before the chemo & radiation starts. There's a much greater risk of infection or complication if he decides to have it done in the middle of treatment.

    I also recommend Eucerin for his head and neck area. Apply it liberally and often. Don't use it before treatment. Ask your doctor's advice about it.

    Follow-up appointments are very important.

    Wishing you and your Dad all the best.

    Skipper

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