Hi there and welcome. - sorry you have to join our group! Try not to freak out too badly. I'm assuming they know it's cancer via biopsy of the tonsil they removed?the PET will tell them if there are lymph nodes involved. If there aren't then that's a good thing. lowers the staging and means you caught it fairly early. But if there are the number can make a difference... Regardless it is what it is - knowing exactly will put you n a better position to fight it.

From what you say it sounds to me that it's HPV related. Most tonsil cancer is. This is a good thing - as HPV related cancer responds well to chemo and radiation. I'm sure smoking and drinking could have an impact but you quit the smoking a long time ago... Regardless those two things would and can irritate the situation now, even if it's HPV related - so try to stay away from the drinking.

There are others here who've been through this and they are well versed in tonsil / HPV related cancers. They'll definitely be along. Post surgery. The next step is likely radiation and chemo, NOT fun, but doable...

So want to give yourself the best chance? Get yourself to a CCC where they deal with this all the time, (they have a protocol in place for these kind of cancers and a team that works together, plus they have a tumor board that is there in case anything unusual pops up. And they have clinical trials) Secondly nutrition, eat healthfully - lots of fresh fruits, veggies, lots of protein... And not necessarily from animal flesh, or dairy. (I'm a veg head... Have a super power protein shake every morning and I'm one year post treatment... Protein helps you heal - nutrition gives your body the best shot at fighting and healing... ) Plus if your going to go for rads and chemo, you need to bulk up starting now. I know people will say eat all your favorite foods - etc.. And do but verything in moderation.. Eat a lot of calories 2500-3000 or more - but try to make it healthy calories too. And educate yourself on this disease... Knowledge is power. Know what treatment to expect - so you can ask your dr. informed questions.

A couple of things - if they tell you they got it all and you're fine - keep a very close eye on your neck and mouth what sometimes happens is they'll remove the original tumor and then send you home but a few stray cells that may be hiding in your nodes could eventually pick up steam and grow - swollen lymph nodes is good indicator. If this happens then high tail it back ASAP (nodes respond to inflammation etc... But I believe in the better safe than sorry adage.) Secondly
Try not to despair... We're here to help, and everyone here has their own story... You may share some similarities with all of us, but never be exactly like someone else. Some stuff here is scary - but it can prepare you, and just because someone with the same cancer is having a super hard time doesn't mean you will. Hugs and good luck!