Base of Tongue with spread to Lymph Nodes in Neck

Hi Helen,

I'm scheduled to start chemo and iMRT Radiation treatment this coming Monday June 20th. I won't know what type of chemo I will receive until I get there. I don't think I'm going to get the immunotherapy due to it delaying my chemo and iMRT Radiation treatments.

I'll keep you posted on how things progress.

All the best!

Dan

Hi Dan usual chemo is cisplatin. 
Just take everything one day at a time. 
Hazel x

Hi Hazel, My oncologist was thinking about using carboplatin as my hearing is already impaired due to working around heavy equipment in the oil and gas industry. This was prior to hearing protection being mandated.

Apparently carboplatin is not as hard on the ears and kidneys although it is slightly less effective  in stopping cancer cells from growing.

I guess I'll find out what he decided on Monday. I did have further bloodwork done today for kidney function so he may base his decision on the results. I have not had any negative results for kidney function in the past so I doubt that that has changed recently.

As you say, "one day at a time."

Cheers,

Dan 

Danno56 said:

Apparently carboplatin is not as hard on the ears and kidneys although it is slightly less effective  in stopping cancer cells from growing.

Hi Danno. Both cisplatin and carboplatin are radio sensitisers. This means that they make the radiation more effective. I think an often quoted figure is around 5% for improving cure rates. Ask your oncologist to explain that changing to Carboplatin or even missing one chemo won't affect your prognosis much. There are plenty of people who for one reason or another can't have the whole course.

Hi Danno Yes carbo platin is an alternative to cisplatin. As Daninsays it’s often  we don’t complete all courses of chemo i only did 2 of a planned three. Radiotherapy is the main event so to speak chemo adds between 4-5%to the final results.My hubby also worked in heavy industry underground coal mining and potash so totally with you in hearing loss.  You don’t want any more so yes carbo,platin is gentler. My cisplatin was stopped for 2 reasons i had  experienced slight tinnitus after round 2 and my big ky oh code had gone so why take the risk for a few per cent was my thoughts. Mondays will come and it will go you will get into a routine. Let us know how you get on. 
Hazel 

Hi Dan - best wished for Monday! It will be a 'relief' to get started in a way, just to get into the routine I think. I'll be starting 1 week after you, on June 27th, so it'll be good to share experiences - both good and not so good!

I'll be having Cisplatin (x2) - one on the 29th, then another 4 weeks later. I'm sure your team will give you the most  suitable one for you and as Dani says, some don't finish the course - the RT is the headline act

Keep us posted, good luck,

Helen x

Hi Helen,

I've had two sessions now; thirty-three to go. They started me out on Monday with Carboplatin (due to concerns of further hearing loss) and then straight to the iMRT machine. Everything was uneventful and ran smoothly. I haven't experienced any ill side effects but it is early in the game. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I'll be getting the Carboplatin once a week for the seven weeks.

It was indeed a weight off of my shoulders in getting on with it!

All the best with your sessions starting next week!

Cheers,

Dan

Good to hear your treatment is running smoothly so far, Dan, and hoping for a 'comfortable' (enough) ride for you and all of us!

Helen x

Hi Helen,

I have two weeks behind now overall went very well. I have some throat discomfort (dry and raspy) but other than that all is good.

You must be starting week two on Monday? I hope week one went well for you.

I do expect more side effects going into week three but hopefully nothing that I can't handle. I have a decent appetite still so haven't dropped any weight. 

Two down and five to go!

All the best,

Dan 

Keep that positive attitude up. It makes life easier. After all it’s only a few weeks out of your life. Look forward to a decent Christmas dinner