I just wanted to respond to the note that asked why the neck dissection when the rad/chemo would do the trick. We had the same question to our ENT.. after the surgery, and she said that she was sticking to the tried and true methods. I then had a conversation with another mom at my son's athletic event.. she works at a nearby biotech firm (ya know here in silicon valley/sf).. and mentioned that they are also working with new methods of treatment that would reduce/eliminate radical surgeries. Be sure to ask your dr if they are familiar with the new practices!