It is a neck dissection that they are talking about. We aren't at a CCC, but each decision and step is made after consultation with a "Tumor Board" that is a group of different physicians and specialists.

To clarify they said they checked the cells in the tumor during the pathology report. The nerve cells were negative for any cancer, but there were some lymphocyte cells that were positive for cancer. The doctor said the level was just on the borderline between "do nothing and monitor" and taking a second action. He preferred the neck dissection to radiation. He said radiation could be added later if the pathology report on that tissue indicated problems in the lymph node, but said our case is likely not to need the radiation. Before proceeding he is reviewing the recommendation/decision with the tumor board.

Thank you for the positive reactions, it looks like we are in pretty good shape (not counting having cancer of course) and it could be much worse.