Hi Mamacita,
I am in a similar situation; however, I still have the tonsil tumor and metastasis to 2 R lymph nodes (HPV+). No surgery. I am still waiting for the call to start the treatment of cisplatin (3x) and rads (6.5 weeks). This is the standard treatment from all I have read and from what my MO & RO say. Hopefully no "salvage" surgery afterwards on my lymph nodes. ENT oncologist told me about 25% will need this surgery after Chemo-radiation treatment.

Since you have had surgery, it seems that you should not need to get the same full blast of radiation? Did your post operative contrast CT show something of concern? I would ask your RO about possibly reducing the treatment intensity or at least reassess during treatment. Plus is the chemo really necessary if the radiation is just a cautionary post surgery treatment. Just my opinion.

The CCC group should be using an Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) device which will reduce most of the harmful effects of radiation on healthy tissue. If the nearby teaching hospital also uses IMRT you may want to see if that is possible instead of driving 4 hours.
Helical tomography IMRT is the best of the current IMRTs.

Take care Mamcita,
Steve