Welcome to OCF, Les! Im sorry to read about what you have already been thru! We will try to help with giving you info and support. Just remember... everybodys different!!! Every person you meet who has been thru something similar will react in their own unique way to medications, surgeries, radiation, etc... That said, its very difficult to make a truly equal comparison even with someone who appears the "same" on paper. Theres still far too many variables to use the one person you know who has been thru this and is now on a permanent feeding tube and is unable to speak. This may seem shocking but please consider this person is fortunate to have survived and may be leading a full, happy life even with their permanent complications. Its amazing what some people go thru as routine, where others view it as a negative experience.

OCF was founded and is based out of the US but we have many members from all over the world. Im sorry, I am not familiar with the differences in each countries medical system and treatment specifics. Here in the US, patients frequently seek a second or third opinion, sometimes even more. This isnt the same as when someone is "doctor shopping" to find the specialist who does what the patient thinks is needed instead of what must be done to eliminate the cancer. Second opinions should be done at top treatment facilities where they have all the brightest and most talented specialists along with cutting edge procedures and is not affiliated with the first doctor/facility the patient has been to already. If you are now seeking another opinion, dont be surprised if doctors are more reluctant to come in during the middle of everything so quickly after your surgery.

To do radiation or not to do radiation has been discussed many times here. You arent alone in fearing the long term issues from rads can negatively impact your long term life. Many patients with oral cancer (OC) that have their tumor removed surgically will still need to go thru radiation about 6 weeks after the surgery. This is done to eliminate any possible stray cancer cells. All it takes is for one little "straggler" to be missed to cause a recurrence. Radiation compromises healing and an area with recent surgery removing cancer would be the same area radiation treatments would be focused towards. Prior to doing anything, I suggest asking the doc about if your healing from surgery would be compromised from the rads. Id also ask your current surgeon about if the surgery was successful with obtaining clear margins.

I understand your concerns about life altering after long term after effects radiation MAY cause. Not every patient experiences every side or after effect. Every patient is different but one common factor in those who get thru it easily vs those who have problems is how well they can do with their daily intake. Some will sail right thru rads with barely a sore throat recovering quickly and easily to have a long, happy life without any major long term issues. Patients need to be aware of anything that could cause long term after effects. But... what one person goes thru does NOT mean the next patient will follow the same path. Some patients struggle after surgery with eating difficulties as well as with rads. Most patients Ive seen do NOT have permanent feeding tubes. I know it sounds horrendous but a feeding tube is just another tool to get the patient thru a rough patch. But, yes it could happen but nobody knows if it will or not. All these things arent something anyone can predict or change. Focusing on what is within our control and avoid borrow sorrow from tomorrow. All any of us can do is to eliminate the cancer... every teeny tiny cell and do the best we can to follow our doctors advice. Prepare for the worst but hope for the best.

Best wishes with your continued recovery and everything else coming up!!!