HI all,

My father (age 58) was diagnosed with Mouth cancer in January. It was about the size of a quarter when it was finally removed and he did have 3 of 30 lymph nodes also positive for Cancer. It was on the right side of his tongue ( and lymph nodes from R side of neck) He has been a smoker since about age 14 and was an alcoholic for probably 35 years. He has been sober for 5 1/2 years. After surgery, he underwent 30 radiation treatments (at supposedly the highest possible dose) and 6 Chemotherapy treatments with Cisplatin. Barely given a clean bill of health in June, he discovered a lump on the same side of his tongue 3 weeks ago. After his surgeon was hoping it was just an undissolved stitch and giving it 2 weeks to resolve on it's own, a biopsy yesterday confirmed it is again Cancer. How can this be??? I need advice and direction as I am going to be traveling the 3 hours to my parents to go to the ENT and Radiation Oncologists with him. They have said they may have done all they can for him. They did mention possibly going to Boston or New Jersey for treatments there. What else can be done? His surgeon said he didn't think it would make sense to do more surgery as that didn't work the first time? I don't understand this philosophy....
Any suggestions for treatment or treatment centers is greatly appreciated. Also any thoughts on how this could possibly be reacurring so quickly..
Thank you in advance
Jodi

Hi Jodi

My warmest wishes go out to your father and all your family at this time unfortunatley i do not have any practical suggestions and i am sure the Doctors treating your father were very surprised to find such a rapid reaccurrence

I can understand your dismay regarding further surgery as not an option for your father.

Im sorry i could not offer you any advice or help.

Mel x

Jodi,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. I hope there is something they can do for him.

Hello Jodi

The reason for avoiding surgery on the tongue a second time might be that it might be too severe and create great loss of quality of life.

However you could ask for a second opinion with regard to your dad's treatment options from a reputable cancer institution in your area.

Best wishes
Vinod

My thoughts and prayers are with you & your family.

My Mom had Tonsil & Tongue cancer and her experience was a lot like your father's. She went threw a lot of three surgeries and Chemo & radiation and her cancer still came back ever three months.

My best advise is to get another opinion and that way you will have some information to help you and your family understand the next step. Be sure to ask if starting Chemo again is a option.

If you have any questions please feel free to email me personally dweier@amfam.com.