Hi - welcome - you are in some good hands here there are a lot of people who have had a very similar cancer to yours. I wouldn't be too surprised if you are HPV + tonsil is a very common place to find this type of cancer. NOT a pleasant honeymoon surprise, but your wifey - having gone through her own "fun" will be an awesome caregiver I'm sure. HPV cancer responds well to rads and chemo - thankfully! But rads is HIGHLY unpleasant!!!! Just be prepared. wink the radiation people may not give you the gory details as they are afraid you will go running for the hills - we will.
That said. I am sorry you have to go through this.

Please do yourself a favor. If you are still chewing tobacco. STOP!!!!!!!!
It has toxic chemicals in it, and is an irritant. This is the only thing that may have me wondering if you aren't HPV+ since a history of smoking, and chewing tobacco (and heavy drinking) are actually major contributors to non HPV cancer. Plus the last thing you want to do is put toxic waste into your mouth when you are going through radiation!

Okay that was my rant for the day...

have a great day and HUGS to you and your wife.


Cheryl : Irritation - 2004 BX: 6/2008 : Inflam. BX: 12/10, DX: 12/10 : SCC - LS tongue well dif. T2N1M0. 2/11 hemigloss + recon. : PND - 40 nodes - 39 clear. 3/11 - 5/11 IMRT 33 + cis x2, PEG 3/28/11 - 5/19/11 3 head, 2 chest scans - clear(fingers crossed) HPV-, No smoke, drink, or drugs, Vegan