Statistics are very interesting. As far as I'm concerned both Eric and Don can be right about doctor's statistics because in terms of you and cancer, statistics offer zero guarantees only a chance to gauge your risk. Statistics cannot tell you whether you will be one of the unlucky 15% (your doc's numbers?). SEER numbers cannot, no CCC can.
If the cancer does come back, will you regret not taking radiation? But if you are part of the lucky 85% it'll be a gamble that payed off.
I confess to a negative bias on oral cancer survival & recurrence statistics as the SEER database give me a very poor chance of making 5 years.
If your music playing is important and if it would be compromised by radiation, I can understand taking the risk since you can do the radiation if it does.
Still because of the facts that DonB set forth, I could always get my RO, MO and ENT surgeon to give me not only SEER statistics but a recommendation based on their own practice and hospital database for each of my crucial decision points.
Charm