Thank you for clarifying that, Shawn. It is a large number of nodes involved, which is not usually a good indicator, but maybe more importantly is there was no ECE, extrascapsular extension, and these nodes were taken out with clear margins. It also may depend on where the lymph's were in the lymph chain, and their size, for additional prognostic factors, so even though there were many involved, it still may be ok, as opposed to one with ECE, positive margins, low in the lymph chain.

Although each case is different, I know several oropharyngeal cancer patients, tonsil, base of tingue, with hiv positive status that had full dose chemo, radiation, and treatment again for recurrences with surgery, chemoradiation. Maybe you should get a 2nd opinion, and from one who is more familiar with this dual status. As mentioned, there maybe other treatment options available, even with your conditions, and depends on the experience of the doctor, so what one may not treat, another may be able to, and positive margins doesn't necessarily mean cancer will return, but may 30-50% of the time.

Probably right now you may want to get over this current hurdle, which is still early in the recovery phase. Tonsil surgery in adults can be complicated for many, and have unusual bleeding, compounded by your low platelets. Platelets have a life span of 4-5 days, and if low enough, may give you platelet transfusion, medications. I have low Hemaglobin, and get transfusions or epogen shots if low enough, and both these are produced in the bone marrow, which can be compromised from cancer treatment, compounded by your status.

For all your concerns, maybe ask the doctor to clarify them, adress any issues, to help. Good luck.