I'm 80 years old. Radiation?

Posted by astromberg @astromberg, Jan 25, 2025

I was diagnosed with subglottis squamous cell carcinoma, stage 3, a couple of months ago. I do have some dental problems. I'm generally in good health, a little under weight. After reading comments about complications post radiation treatment. I'm reticent to begin the 35 radiation treatments. at my age is it worth it or should I just continue with my life as only my voice is affected?

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Jim Butcher | @jwb123 | Jan 26 12:10am

In reply to @colleenyoung "@jwb123, welcome. Have you had radiation for a head and neck cancer?" + (show)

@colleenyoung :
Pardon me if my answer is a little long as I don’t know what your experiences may be and I want to be as accurate as possible

I had 6 weeks (Monday through Friday) of radiation treatment. It was for the second occurrence of Merkel Cell Carcinoma.

First found Merkel Cell Carcinoma on May 17 2023 at an appointment with my dermatologist. She wasn’t sure what a spot on my head might be, but decided to do a biopsy. She did a biopsy and removed almost all of the “Spot”. I had MOSH surgery to remove the Cancer. No Radiation.

July 2024 What was to be
Merkel Cell Cancer was found doing a scheduled PET Scan. There were 2 Lymph nodes on the left side of neck and 1 on right side. I had Surgery August 5th 2024. The only problem with the surgery was that the left side drain could not be stopped. I spent a total of 12 days in the hospital as a second surgical procedure was needed to stop the left drain from draining. I knew all the side effects from the surgery that were possible and only a problem with my voice remains.

I had Radiation therapy from Sept 27, 2024 through November 6th 2024. Five days a week, Monday through Friday. No problems or side effects whatsoever. I believe the reason for that was that the Radiation was less than a full dose, due to the small amount of cancerous Lymph nodes that were found during Surgery. 50+ were removed and only maybe 3 or 4 of the 50 plus were found to be cancerous.

A PET Scan on December 6th 2025 found a lump in a lymph node on the left edge of my right arm pit, later confirmed as Merkel Cell Carcinoma. As of yet my Oncologist and Surgeon have not definitely decided on Radiation or Surgery plus Radiation or what, but they are leaning toward just Radiation. They are to meet with a panel of like Doctors to decide. I sure hope it is soon.

I wish you a long healthy life.

Regards

Jim Butcher

Jim Butcher | @jwb123 | Jan 26 10:27am

In reply to @kmlnj "@was123 Hi. I am doing very well. Thank you for thinking of me. I have had..." + (show)

@kmlnj
Considering all you have gone through, you have one outstandingly wonderful attitude. And I thought I had a good attitude. I wish you a complete recovery. You are more than just a ray of hope to others. You are a Klieg Light for positive expectations.

God bless you!

kathleenmkastrup | @kathleenmkastrup | Feb 3 12:30pm

I am 78 and 2 weeks past RAI treatment. So far, I have only had to have one RAI. I have been absolutely miserable with too many mouth problems to mention, and more pop up every day. my condition is particular to me, and you may not have the same problems. I wish I had asked if there was a different treatment other than RAI. Given what know now, I would have passed on the RAI and looked into other options