Re: New Patient - Head and Neck Cancer

"E.Nigma" wrote:

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I was diagnosed with cancer of the tongue (right rear base) in
January of this year and I'm currently finishing up a standard
treatment of 3 large doses of Chemo 3 weeks apart. The
Chemo-cocktail is made up of Platinum, Taxaine, and +/- ?5 Fu.

After this last dose I will start radiationtherapy everyday for 6
weeks with a light dose of Chemo once each week during this time.

At the time of diagnosis, the lymph gland just under my right ear was
about the size of an egg and very tender. Approximately a week after
my first massive dose of Chemo the gland returned to normal size and
the tenderness went away. PET scans detected only the original cancer
on the tongue.

I guess my questions are...

Is the "standard" treatment for head and neck cancer the mentioned 3
massive doses 3 weeks apart with a follow-up of radiationtherapy
concurrent with chemo for 6+ weeks?

Is the Chemo-cocktail mentioned the standard mixture for head and
neck cancer?

What are the odds for long term survival here?

What are the odds for the return of the cancer if the treatment is
successful?

A lot to ask I'm sure, but worth asking for me. Obviously, I'm new
at this.

As far as I know, head and neck cancer treatments are highly
individualized.
If you have doubts (about your staging and/or treatment), seek a second
opinion and go with the doctor you trust.
As to some of your other questions, I would think difficult to answer
(with any certainty), but you could compare treatments, progress,
progression, recurrances, with others on the Head and Neck cancers list
here http://www.acor.org/mailing.html?l=h
Click on the list and join and they will contact you as to when you send
and receive messages.
However, what your hear from them (because of individual situations) may
not necessarily reflect what will happen in your situation. Good luck
with your treatments.
J

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