Hello M.C.
Finding out you have cancer can be very scary, I myself have just gone through everything for my cancer. It is the same as yours, I was diagnosed Nov. 5 2002 with SCC of the left tonsil with multiple lymph nodes on my left and right neck. One node was 7 cm x 4 cm large. I have gone through 3 treatments of Chemo and 35 Radiation treatments to all 4 zones of my neck starting on Dec 29 2002 finished on the 15th of Feb. 2003 The toughest part is the last weeks of treatment and the first month afterwards. I have lost all of my saliva and 60% taste but it is no big deal, now with a little water I can eat almost anything but its going to take a while longer because I still get a little sore if I swallow things to big or to dry. But good news is my taste is coming back 90% now. I am going for my MRI on April 11 2003 to see if I might have to have a radical or modified neck dissection, hopefully not but why go this far and then not get it all? I have a peg tube since my second week of treatment I suggest you get one to as I lost 40lbs. it's a tough haul but you will get through it!! If you have any Questions feel free to ask or search my posts as I have been logging my progress a little.
Best wishes
Ray