My friend Rod's doctor said he didn't think surgery would be needed because Rod had a complete response to his chemo and radiation therapy. That sounds good but Rod did not have any scans yet so how would the doctor know this just by looking and feeling his neck...is this possible? Thanks for your help! Maur

Never mind, I talked to Rod's doctor.

Hello Maur

Didn't mean to ignore your question! I read it, got busy, and it slipped my attention. So what did the doc say?

Best wishes
Vinod :coffee:

The doctor just said that the tumor responded the way they wanted it to. I guess it means it went down in size from the treatment. Is that right? He will have scopes done on Friday. He is very afraid. Will the scopes tell if cancer is still in the lymph nodes or will he need scans for that? Rod's doctor was very nice to me but will need Rod's consent on Friday to tell me more details. He said he did notice Rod's anxiety and will talk to him about medication. What are the chances of there being more tumors? Is that what they are looking for or just the size of the original one on his tonsil? If it is still there, will they remove the tumor? I am very anxious and scared myself, any advice would help me! Thank you, Maureen

Hi Maur

The tumor has shrunk completely - that would be termed a complete response. The scope is to hav a visual look in the throat to confirm this. Relax, wait for Friday's result. Be positive.

Best wishes
Vinod :coffee:

Dr Vinod,

HI it's me again. Rods doctors appointment was cancelled. The doc had to reschedule. It will be nexy Friday. My question is...it has been 2 months since Rod finished treatment. The doc has visually checked him but don't you think 2 months is a long time not to have a scope or scans? Why the wait? Please respond! Thanks!

Hello Maur

You only have to wait until Friday to ask that question. Rod's doctor will be able to answer your questions. I guess they need to wait for everything to settle after the treatment given. Remember they will keep checking regularly even if they give an all clear, so they know what they are doing. You need to trust your doctor.

Best wishes
Vinod :coffee:

Hi Maur

Just a note to reassure re: lack of scans....

After my husband had surgery and radiotherapy earlier on this year, he was told that the monthly checkups would involve an examination from his max-fax consultant, and only if he thought there was something to worry about would there be a scan.

Apparently, 2-3 years ago, they did 12 months of tests on follow ups and some had scans every month and other just had the examination. They intended to prove that the scans were the most effective method to try and get funding for a new scanner. Except it proved that the most effective method was the examination by an 'expert professional' with the scan if required!!

I hope this might put your mind at rest a little.

spouse

spouse,

Thank you so much, you did put my mind at ease. I just could not understand why the wait. I knew he was getting checked every Friday by his doctor visually and that it when they said he had a complete response to treatment. I guess the doctor knew by feel that the nodes went down too. Hopefully we will know something else on Friday. Thank you so much for your post, it helped alot!God bless, Maur

DR Vinod or anyone, Hey it's me again. I don't mean to sound repaticious but...Rod had his doctors appointment today. The doctor felt his glands and put a scope up his nose and down his throat. The doc said he had no indication that the cancer was still there. He will do a pet scan in a month but How can he say there is no evidence of cancer without a scan of some kind???I am happy I guess but somewhat confused and don't want to jump the gun. He also said Rod will never get his saliva back, is there any medication to help this? has anyone heard of zinc for this problem? Thanks alot everyone~Maureen

Hello Maur. Sounds very hopeful news about Rod.They can see so many things with that scope. It's only if things look a bit out of the norm that they decide to do biopsies to find out more. So great. The saliva I'm afraid will always be a problem. Natural saliva (he can have some of mine. I have too much of the stuff)often just dries up at source. The obvious things are the ones. Always have a bottle of water with you, and access to more when it runds out. Pretend you're in the Nevada Desert with no chance of a lift.
There are masses of artificial saliva products. Some people don't like it but I get along really well with Glandosane which has a natuiral or lemon flavour and you just squirt it down your throat and around your gums when you feel dry.
The best thing I had when my saliva was in shortt supply after the RT was given to me by a nurse at the local cancer hospice. It was a wonderful soothing moist concoction and I've lost the container.
I'll let you have it when I find it if it hasn't been chucked in error. I'm sure the others will have better ideas than I have.
Regards Ishbel

Maureen this is wonderful news, How about this!!! Come on everyone lets give a great big cheer for ROD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We are all pulling for you ROD and MAUREEN. There is no news like GREAT news....I want to hear more GREAT news...I am happy and excited. What a GREAT way to start a new day.....Thank you so much for keeping us posted Maureen. All our thoughts and prayers have been going your way,,,and I thank you GOD for listening. Always Vicki Lynn

Thank you Vicki for your prayers!You are an amazing person!I couldn't have gotten through the last week without you.A big thanks to you!We will continue to pray that his scans are all clear! Thanks again Vicki Lynn!God bless!

No thanks needed, that is what friends are for. We have to stick together, be there for each other in the good times and the bad ones. Life isn't always bright and sunny. Life has some hail and rain as well. I am thankful that I could be of some comfort to you. Lord knows you have been for me. That is was friendship is all about. I will say this, with this disease I have found who are and who are not a friend to me...It has been hurtful with some and wholesome with others..Keep in touch with us,,,Always Vicki Lynn