Radiate or Operate

[333Stevens]

Lovely ladies I am seeking your thoughts. I have an active node in my thoracic inlet (right behind the notch at the base of my throat). It is becoming very uncomfortable and after a PET Scan this week my Onc says we could either radiate it to shrink it or I could do a biopsy (which then provides some information) but I am also thinking they could take as much as possible to hold off future need to radiate. So Radiate or Operate? That is the question!

[lynnhbtb]

HI, first off I"m so sorry you're in this situation. Tough call though. I would never tell anyone what to do, but I will share my story with you.

I had a met on the anterior side of my cervical spine around C-5-6. I was told I could biopsy it, but had to go to 3 or 4 doctors to even find someone willing to take it on. They were going to go through my thyroid gland from the front of my neck to get the biopsy and it wasn't guaranteed they would gather enough cells to make a determination. I've heard bone biopsies aren't always productive. The risks were high -- hitting nerve, damaging my thyroid, etc. And, possibly not even get enough tumor to tell what type it was. So, I got cyberknife radiation over a few sessions. It got rid of it and also left some side effects. Nothing too terrible. My mouth and throat were a little raw and I was hoarse for a few days. I do have some numbness in my right finger and thumb though. This was 3 years ago and I'm very glad I did radiation and not the biopsy. Just my story.

Best of luck to you!

[hopefulinadks in reply to lynnhbtb]

I also has successful radiation on C-6 and a sore throat for 5 days after that was uncomfortable but manageable. No other lasting effects.

[hdhonda]

I don't know the answer. You probably need the pros and cons of both ways. It's a tough decision to make. You are in my prayers. Blessings Hannah

[Kaydub]

Get multiple opinions if that’s what it takes for you to get more comfortable with your decision. I’m praying for you but don’t know that I can offer much else than my best wishes and prayers.

[mariootsi]

I think I would get another opinion.

[333Stevens]

Thank you everyone for your feedback, suggestions and support, I really appreciate it. It appears a small miracle has happened. The Onc sent me for the PET scan and I fell off my chair when I was rung with the results to say all my bone mets were effectively non-active and the activity in the throat nodule reduced by half! Onc said the discomfort was probably a very unhappy nodule being attacked. In the couple of weeks since the discomfort has nearly completely gone. So it looks like I am saved from the big decision as to what to do with the nodule for now. Long may this treatment keep working! Thank you for your prayers!

[Mindysooty in reply to 333Stevens]

Thats amazing news. Merry Christmas to you eh. X