I wouldn't freak out over staging either. While I hope (and will pray) it is, stage 1 in head and neck is pretty rare. I know many folks on this site know more than I do but I get the feeling that there is a point fairly early on beyond which there is no change in the treatment plan regardless of staging. There are a LOT of stage 4's who kicked this things butt in fine shape.

If its to battle you're going, go knowing we are getting better and better at killing this thing. Get pissed off and fight! If you're not going into battle, well then that's a celebration!