Hi daughter, (I don't like that your distressed) Your mother is fortunate to have you looking out for her. I can't second guess her doctors but I have heard of bilateral neck dissection being done so it is possible. You didn't say if her previous radiation included her neck. If it did that may be why they don't want to do surgery. (surgery is more challenging and healing is slower when the sugery area has been radiated previously)

I personally don't like statistics because they arent real when applied to one person (how does a person live less than 100%) just seek the best advice from her doctors and perhaps inquire if they would send her information to a specialist in your area for review. Ask a lot of questions and ask for help.

I would wonder if they have looked for a second primary tumor site, one that was missed the first time around. This kind of cancer can be sneaky.

There is ALWAYS hope! smile

Mark, 21 Year survivor, SCC right tonsil, 3 nodes positive, one with extra-capsular spread. I never asked what stage (would have scared me anyway) Right side tonsillectomy, radical neck dissection right side, maximum radiation to both sides, no chemo, no PEG, age 40 when diagnosed.