Hi, Claw
Welcome to the forum - but sorry for the circumstances that lead you here!

#1. If the radiation therapy is IMRT, the salivary glands will be damaged, but likely return to some level of function (eventually). If the older style of radiation therapy will be used, the damage could be more severe. Find out what kind of radiation therapy it is!

Our doctors did not use amifostine as there is some disputation over its efficacy and whether it only protects normal cells. Your doctors should have the most recent updates on the use of the drug in your husband's specific case.

#2. They should have tested for this already; ask about it. Some doctors are reticent about discussing HPV as it is a STD. Silly doctors.

Clinical trials are underway to determine the best treatment for HPV positive / negative oropharyngeal cancer. If you look at the NCCN Treatment Guidelines on this site: Treatment Guidelines

You will see the standard of care specifies surgery that is only followed by Chemo/RT if there are what are referred to as adverge features - if you do not know the results of the surgery exaclty, ask about this.

Best wishes to your husband for smooth sailing through the rest of the treatment.

Maria