Welcome to the board Kathy. My husband has tonsil SSC two and half years ago. He was stage IV when diagnosed, went through six weeks of radiation with amifostine and is doing great today. So, hang in there. It will get rough, but you can make it through. The amifostine made him nauseated, but he handled it with the help of compazine and then zofran toward the end. He never had to miss an amifostine treatment, although I understand many people have a very hard time with it. My husband was 37 when diagnosed and had never smoked and rarely drinks. None of the risk factors, but he got it. Please feel free to ask any questions that you have. I know it is a very stressful, trying time and this board is filled with wonderfully caring, knowledgeable people. I'll keep you in my prayers. Julie