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Proton versus Photon for HPV tonsil cancer
Head & Neck Cancer | Last Active: 4 days ago | Replies (22)Comment receiving replies
Thanks, that's good to hear. I hope and pray you continue to do well.
My biggest problem right now is getting a reasonable idea of how severe these side effects are going to be. I can do 6 months or so of problems. But a year or two of problems and then to have the cancer return doesn't seem like a good plan.
There's also the severe doctor shortage here in Hawaii. I'm two days waiting to hear back from one of my doctors, the radiation doc is on vacation and I can't get through to my chemo doc. I'm concerned that these staffing issues will lead to mistakes being made during treatment that really jack me up.
It's one thing if you're saving a life, it's a whole different thing if you're just prolonging the inevitable.
Again, thanks to all for your comments and experiences. Please keep them coming, they really help.
Replies to "@tbveblen Thanks, that's good to hear. I hope and pray you continue to do well. My..."
@toleolu With a cancer diagnosis, I wouldn't even consider living somewhere that good competent medical treatment and advise was not near by. After all the radiation and surgery I have had, I have to see my ENT every other month or the next 2 years. Fortunately my ENT was trained at UCLA and is top in his field. He told me if my cancer returns he was going to send me to UCLA, same place Michael Douglass was treaded for HPV cancer. Fortunately, I have the insurance now that I can go to the City of Hope in Duarte or UCLA. The City of Hope has the Proton machine and they are very effective with head and neck cancers. I didn't have the right insurance at the time when my cancer popped its ugly head. And honestly, I didn't know about the Proton machine? I was trying to find the best radiation machine only.
My neck is getting better everyday. If my tastes come back fully it was be icing on the cake. Saliva making is still a problem. I keep a Owala water tumblers (not plugging a brand) in my car and nightstand. I was told that the cure rate for HPV cancer is in the 90%, you maybe just fine. Personally, I just would not be at ease if I knew I wasn't near a highly respected Cancer Institute.
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@toleolu Based on what you have shared regarding your diagnosis, it seems that the goal of treatment would be curative. The odds are overwhelmingly in favor of that regardless of the type of radiation you choose. But, yes, an experienced, competent and responsive/supportive care team is extremely important.