Hi there.. I second that - I was off for 6 mos as well, though I felt ready to go back about 2-3 mos out but I had it easy treatment wise. I had pretty much the same treatment as everyone else, surgery (I'm non HPV), chemo (3 large doses) and rads 33 - but I just seemed to tolerate it better than some - I think there a whole lot of factors as to why - physiology, diet, overall health etc... So it would plan for a potential 6 mos,

To answer one of your first questions, HPV + cancer seems to respond better I believe because it's the result of a virus... Someone will correct me if I am wrong.

Also quitting smoking and drinking is your best chance - there was a study on the survival rate of people who continued to smoke during and after treatment - and it was poor- walking during treatment - and quitting smoking will help - there a long explanation as to why but I'll skip it. cigarettes are a poison bottom line and alcohol is an irritant.

I still have trouble with fruit juice (burns like crazy!) I can't imagine trying a beer, wine or liquor. I sincerely hope you don't have anything serious... Take care.