I have a post script to the above for the numbers junkie out there. My ENT said 65-75% 5 year survival, My radiation Onc. said 95% chance it will not come back in the radiated area.

The rate of reocurrance is higher in the first 2 years. My ENT told me 85 to 95% of reoccurances happen within 2 years. The number of reoccurances diminish over time until at 5 years the statistical odds of a reoccurance is about the same a for people getting the cancer at all. The reality is people get it back. Some people live past 5 years and still get it back. Some of those will die from it. There is no magical time when you are certain it is a complete cure. Over time it becomes easier to live with that reality. Eventually you won't hardly think about it.

I mention these things not to be depressing but to re-enforce my comments above. Live for today, over and over and over.....

Mark, 21 Year survivor, SCC right tonsil, 3 nodes positive, one with extra-capsular spread. I never asked what stage (would have scared me anyway) Right side tonsillectomy, radical neck dissection right side, maximum radiation to both sides, no chemo, no PEG, age 40 when diagnosed.