I think I had mentioned that hubby had scans after a needle biopsy of lymph nodes right side of his neck ( opposite side of where palate surgery was done ). Yesterday Dr called to tell us the lymph nodes on right side of his neck " lit up" on the scan and a little on left too. So they want to schedule him for a modified radical neck dissection to remove lymph nodes on both sides as soon as possible. However, there are many bad side effects long term from that surgery! Because this is supposed to be a slow growing tumor ( and was never supposed to have reached lymph nodes) and we are not at all sure this is new as his lymph nodes were felt after his tooth broke in the fall two years ago after radiation, we are really debating what to allow the doctors to do. Mel just does not want anymore long term disabilities thrust on him, and prefers quality of life over long time with terrible side effects. And there is the problem with difficulty in anesthesia due to not being able to open his jaw far. It's really weighing on us. We see the doctor on August 11 supposedly for pre-op but in fact for us its a fact finding mission and we have no intention unless something changes of signing surgical consent that day.
Please keep us in your thoughts as we make important and life altering decisions in the weeks to come. This man never does anything easy it seems! As I've said in the past, he knew what he was doing when he married a nurse!
Velda