Hi Ak. Do you know if it tested positive for P16? The prognosis is generally better and it is known to respond extremely well to the radiation chemo combo. I wouldn't get too hung up on the staging or the number of nodes, they'll take all that into account when they plan the treatment and there's nothing you can do to change it. For now the focus is on getting him ready for treatment.

He will probably have seen a dietitian by now with relation to recovery from surgery, he should see another as part of the planning for his treatment. He should also be advised to see a dentist. Christine has a good list of easy to eat foods here. (I like the soft scrambled eggs with cheese!) List of Easy Foods

Radiation and chemo is no picnic, but every journey is different. People respond differently to the same treatment, with surprisingly different side effects. Your brother is very young, most of the patients we see are middle aged or older. He'll be stronger from that point of view, and the complication of the recent surgery will be closely managed by the doctors. In any case he is in for a long hard road over several months, but it is a very survivable treatment and the prognosis will be better than many other types of cancer.

Your brother is about to get bombarded with information, and I found the doctors only had a limited time to explain it all. It helps to take notes, you can look things up later and have a list of questions to bring next time. Its all a lot to take in. If he can bring someone with him its also helpful to have another set of ears.

Best wishes to you and your brother. Let us know if we can be of assistance.