Hi JoAnne,
To answer your question, I didn't have surgery because initially my tumors were far too big and dissection would be very damaging. It was hoped that the chemo-radiation could shrink the tumors so that operation could be more easily done. But I was so fortunate that when the treatment was over, surgery was not necessary. As regards the risk profile, I didn't smoke or drink in my entrie life, either. No family history and when I was diagnosed, I was much younger than your husband. I learnt not to ask 'why me' since it didn't help me fight the battle. One thing as a reminder to you, I did suffer from severe depression after completing treatment, after my doctors told me that I was in remisssion!
So it is essential to take care of the mental state of both yourself and your husband.

Karen