hello..
my husband of 65 years.. retired one year has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer of the larynx.. we are still waiting on the scans he had.. where would you recommend we go to a cancer institute. I have been reading about the davinci surgery.. It sounds less invasive.. does any one have any experience with this type of surgery and what would be some of your suggestions..

We're nearly neighbors!

I've heard of DaVinci surgery but thought that it wasn't used for oral cancer but for prostate cancer, bladder cancer and a few others related to urology. Sutter Cancer Center in Sacramento uses DaVinci Robotic Surgery when appropriate as does UCSF. Ask your primary care doc to set up appointments for you.

Best of luck to both of you.

Mimi

WE WILL SEE THE DOC TOMORROW .. DR Goldwyn is the ENT we areseeing. Do you know the best cancer to go to for larynx cancer. Is sutter cancer center a good one. have you heard of the proton therapy.. thanks

Good morning!

I think Sutter is excellent and highly recommend it; however, your ENT will have more knowledge about hospitals and cancer centers than I do.

Here's an article about proton therapy that explains it quite well:

Proton Therapy

Loma Linda has the proton equipment. Remember that proton therapy is another form of radiation and is not miraculous. As the article states,

quote:

The issue of when, whether, and how best to apply this technology is controversial. As of 2009 it is not yet known whether proton therapy yields better clinical outcomes than other types of radiation therapy for people with many common cancers. Proton therapy is far more expensive than conventional therapy. It requires a large capital investment (roughly $100M to $150M]) for 2009 technology.

Your ENT will provide you with a wealth of information. It's a good idea to take a notebook with you so you can jot down important information or bring a recorder to tape the conversation. That initial visit can be confusing and most of us have such anxiety that we miss a lot.

Traditional radiotherapy (IMRT) is given five days per week for seven weeks, give or take a few days. Driving from Grass Valley to Sacramento takes an hour or more each way - if you travel farther the cost of a hotel room, gas, dining out, etc., might be prohibitive.

Lots to think about, lots to learn!

Best of luck tomorrow. Be sure to let us know how it goes.

Mimi

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Mimi McC,