Hi Tony,
I am recovering from SCC, stage III, right tonsil and I'm 55 also. I completed treatment 6 weeks ago. I didn't get a feeding tube either and many times I wish I had. I dropped almost 60 lbs. I had to go the hospital twice for rehydration. It was difficult to get medicines, food and water down, just as Joanna posted. If you have a feeding tube put in it's better done sooner than later. I'm coming out with a book later this year "Dr. Allsebrooks Radiation and Chemo Diet".

I wouldn't be so sure that you will have to have surgery after radiation. My tonsil tumor was 5cmx3cm and the radiation just melted it away. I also had IMRT, which will spare 2 of the 3 salivary glands (they couldn't save the one behind the right tonsil). I am on the mend. having graduated from liquid to soft foods and actually ate (and enjoyed) a filet mignon the other night. The radiation and chemo effects are declining and I'm out of bed every day for at least 8 hours.

One more thing about your teeth -you will need to have dental trays (AKA bleach trays) made to do your own flouride treatments (which are recommended daily). The flouride stuff I use is prescription and I got it from my dentist (Butler, "Protect"). Get Biotene toothpaste and a baby tooth brush also.