Just a note about the nodes - I gather you decided for yes. Some people will tell you - likely unnecessary - It's possible, but the reality is even a stage one cancer can seed to the nodes. So what happens is they operate and remove only the tumor, then send you home. Several months later a node or two will pop up - and then you would likely have to have a neck dissection and possibly rads and chemo. I'm a better off safe than sorry girl. I started out a stage 2 with no nodes. In the 6 weeks between dx and surgery I had a node pop up. And up to that point it didn't show on any of the scans. By the time they got to it there was ECE (extra capular extension) and I ended up doing rads and chemo too. hugs. and good luck.