Radiation For Large Mediastinal Tumor

I was diagnosed with stage 11B HD with a large (Bulky) tumor in the center of my chest and have received 6 cy ABVD - with only a partial response, then had 2 rds. of ICE with no improvement, now scheduled  with Cytoxin/VP16 with (low dose) full body radiation followed by stem cell transplant. They keep telling me that because of the location of the tumor in the center of my chest, adjacenbt ot the lungs and heart that it is impossible to radiate safety, and I appreciate their concer. But I keep thinking that there must be a new radiation method for safety radiation the large bulky (10+CM) tumor in the chest area.  As it appears that since my HD has been resistant to the 6 cy of ABVD and the 2 cy of ICE it is going to take some direct radiation to really kill it.

Anybody have any info on my dilemma and the experiences with the (High Dose) Cytoxin/VP16 and (low dose) full body radiation followed by stem cell transplant after having their HD resistant to the front line treatment?

I had a 9 cm mediastinal tumor in 2004.  I underwent abvd and 21 rad treatments (low dose).  Went into remission for 9 months.  Mediastinal tumor has not returned.  All areas of late have been in the neck and under my arms.  I had no problems with rads even though tumor was wrapped around blood vessels and pressed against esophogus.

I hope what ever you do it works for you.

I got Hodgkins in 2002.  Had abvd and radiation to my medialstinum and was in remission for 2 years.  The radiation did zap my thyroid and I do have scarring in my lungs, but everything is fine otherwise. 

Then I had the stem cell transplant in 2005.  I did have another spot which they radiated in December last year and now everything's stable.  If you have any questions, let me know.