Karen, I haven't gone through the surgery yet (it's on Thursday), but my doc (one of the best around) advocates the surgery as a necessity. My personal view is that I want them to do everything possible to kick this bitch to the curb so it doesn't come back, and he is of the same view, so surgery first, then the the chemo/rad to kill off the stragglers.

Not sure if that helps as I haven't been through it yet, but for what it's worth, that's my view.

All my best to you!

Tina
Diag: Aug. 13/12
T3N0M0
50% + glossectomy and bilateral radical neck dissection, removal of nodes zones I - V
Surgery October 11/12
Chemo/rad on hold due to clear margins and nodes
Sept 21/13 clear CT with anomaly thought to be the artery, being watched closely.
Dec 16/13 - anomaly confirmed artery, all clear
nickname: "get 'r done"
Plans: kick cancer's butt