Hey there - there are a few people her who've had a similar cancer I believe - try to find some of their postings this might give you an idea of what you are facing specifically. And I'm sure one of them will be long to help answer ome of your questions soon. With regards to the dr. Deejer is right - your ENT should pass you on to an oncologist. You should go to a ccc - comprehensive cancer center - that's the best place to get treatment for head and neck cancer. If you aren't being seen at one try to get a second opinion there.

With regards to the surgery I think it all depends on the size and how invasive the surgery is going to be - but I would say the surgery will have you in the hospital for a few days at least. I'm not sure what recovery will be like because my tumor was in my tongue - but the hospital should be able to keep your pain under control! if you have to have radiation and chemo, it's not easy - but doable - it can cause fatigue, mouth sores, skin redness and blistering - difficulty swallowing and swelling. The radiation itself doesn't hurt but the fallout from it it cumulative - and gets worse as you get towards the end - and it lasts for a few weeks after.

Chemo if you have it can cause nausea, and ringing in the ears and tingling in your extremities. There's more but this are the main ones.

It's possible your ear trouble my be related to he tumor, I had ear aches - not fluid though. As for thyroid cancer I suppose they are related in that you've already had cancer so it leaves you more susceptible - the Drs. Can better tell you if there's a relation between the two!

I wish I could answer more for you but without more specifics I don't want to mislead you! Best of luck... And take care and sorry you have to be here!
Oh and congrats on being a long time survivor! You did it once you can do it again!