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Recurrent Head/Neck Cancer

Posted by charles @charles, Feb 27, 2012

Has anyone had success treating a recurrence with radiation?


C

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<p>Hi Charles -</p>
<p>I think that "success" is relative to your specific situation.  Where is the reoccurance, what type/stage of cancer,  whether you have had radiation before, what type of radiation is your Dr thinking about, etc...the list can go on.  But all these factors are very important in determining the outcome and the possible side effects of radiation treatment.</p>
<p>I can share that I have had 3 reoccurances of my cancer.  I was diagnosed with Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma in the soft palate.  I was 4 1/2 years clean before my 1st reoccurrance in the lung.  I had is removed surgically, as for my particular type of cancer, surgery is always the best option.  6 months later, I had my second reoccurance in the other lung and again it was removed surgically.  18 months later, I had another reoccurance in the lung for which surgery was not an option because of the location, as it was very deep in the lung so we opted for SBRT (sterotactic body radiation therapy).  Just finished my last of 4 factions on Friday and I tolerated it very well.  Unlike the IMRT I had back in 2004 that left me with permanent complications on top of becoming very ill.</p>
<p>I guess its also important to define "success" to yourself.  If your considering other treatment options you can always go for another opinion.  If you would like to share some more "specifics", I can try to replay at bit specifically to your situation.</p>
<p>Kelly</p>

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<p>Thanks for the info and your experience</p>
<p>C</p>

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