Hi,

I am pretty new here and recently diagnosed (Jan.2005). I was stage 2 w/no mets (THANK GOD), however, I was not 100% certain that there were no affected nodes until after the surgery. The PET/CT was clean, but some nodes were enlarged on my MRI. It was an EXTREMELY difficult decision, so I know what you are going through. I personally felt that just because there is no evidence of spread on the diagnostic exams, does not mean that is no cancer there! I had the surgery (dissection), and am currently recovering from it. The edema to the neck is a little tough to deal with at times, especially now that I know the nodes were clean, but for the peace of mind, for me, it was WELL worth it and would not do it over any differently. Another note... I asked my dentist, doctor, ENT who diagnosed me, ENT who did the surgery, chiropractor, and two of the radiologists where I work what they would do if they were in my shoes. ALL of them, ALL, said they would have the dissection to remove the nodes. This also greatly influenced my decision. I know how difficult it is, and I truly wish you the best. I hope that whatever you decide is the right decision for you. Best of luck to you!!!