Hi Colleen,
New one here and already giving my opinion! Husband also diagnosed with tonsil cancer (right tonsil only). All scans showed clean for any spread, however our ENT surgeon believes in removing the tonsils and a neck dissection before treatment for best survival rate. Only his opinion. I know at MD Anderson in TX they do NOT do the surgery, as we have a friend who chose that path. He moved down there for 7 weeks of treatments, no surgery, and is doing just fine. In our case, the surgery is already behind us, so it is a mote issue. The good news is our tumor team feels very confident with the treatment proposed and gave us a 90% chance of no reoccurance.
When we pass the 5 year mark I will allow myself to believe it!
We will have 6 weeks of radiation along with a once weekly dose of Erbitux. We are getting a second opinion at The Siteman Cancer Center this week, but expect the same treatment from them. Our ENT was with Siteman for 12 years, so I am guessing they follow the same standard. Our journey began May 8 and we have been on a rollarcoaster all of this time. This forum has been a lifesaver for me to turn to with questions and concerns. Also, a great deal of support. Looks like we are going through this one together at about the same time. Good luck to both of us and we shall celebrate when it is all over!

My best to you!
Nancy