Hey, Mark
regarding the radiation - my husband is a scientist - and had a pretty good idea what the linac therapy machine was doing to him. He found that radiation mask 'curiously comforting' (his words) because it kept him in correct position for the therapy.

The 'correct' treatment for this type of cancer is still not well defined as you have noted, and you will have to depend on the skill of your doctors, your own analysis, as well as your risk tolerence. As you well know as a medical professional, your ability to properly analyze a situation is compromised by emotional involvememnt. My suggestion on that count is mediation/breathe control. You must know some Bhuddists in LA - if you can get a crash course in mediation (as I did from my brother-in-law) it might be helpful.
Maria