Rob,
Are you being treated at a major Cancer Center?
In any case, a second opinion may be wise.

As I recall, a ND when nerve or vascular invasion is involved can be a real game changer, so I would want the surgeons to be very experienced with those complications.

I have been told when one doctor recommends another it is usually a good sign.

I had a node near the Carotid that they were concerned about, and despite scans, were not sure until they got in there.

I was given worst and best case scenarios, and I think even the best case scenario sounded worse than it has actually been. I hope that hold true for you.

Also, two ENT surgeons performed my SND.


Don
TXN2bM0 Stage IVa SCC-Occult Primary
FNA 6/6/08-SCC in node<2cm
PET/CT 6/19/08-SCC in 2nd node<1cm
HiRes CT 6/21/08
Exploratory,Tonsillectomy(benign),Right SND 6/23/08
PEG 7/3/08-11/6/08
35 TomoTherapy 7/16/08-9/04/08 No Chemo
Clear PET/CT 11/15/08, 5/15/09, 5/28/10, 7/8/11