The original lymph node involvement had a small amount of extra capsular spread. Which I understand to mean the cancer cells escaped the lymph node and are in the neck. Also of the two bad nodes one was completely taken over by the tumor. I was originally told by my surgeon I would just need radiation to my neck and no chemo. The radiation oncologist told me to speak with the chemo oncologist. She went over percentages and it is only a small gain by doing chemo. I am not being treated at Mayo Clinic but sought a second opinion from then. Their oncologist said she would recommend the chemo as well. So I’m doing both as a curative treatment to mop up any microscopic cells that escaped the lymph nodes. I did not want to say no to chemo and then have a recurrence and wish I had done it. I have to say the side effects are worse with both but I’m going for a one shot deal to get this disease out of me. Hope this explanation helped.

I havent talked to my oncologist or radiation oncologist yet. That is on 4-10. But I will be weighing out all options. I hope I dont need another surgery. I hate what the anesthesia does to me its so embarrassing. Some people are happy and giddy. I am a hysterical basket case and cry very loudly.