Bill,
Staging is T (Tumor, depends on size and location) N (Nodes, depends on size of cancerous nodes, number of cancerous nodes, and whether they are on one or both sides) and M (distant spread). With the advent of proton therapy and TORS surgery, we have the possibility of getting better cure rates with less long-term impact. However, we don't have a lot of data on exactly which of the newer protocols is best overall, and which is the best for a specific person. You might ask your doctors about early TORS results with radiation follow-up versus standard IMRT/cisplatin - I think they are looking good based on initial results.
The thing is, you are going to have to trust someone, sometime. Once you pick a team, go with it.
Maria


CG to husband - SCC Tonsil T1N2M0 HPV+ Never Smoker
First symptoms 7/2010, DX 12/2010
TX 40 IRMT (1.8 gy) + 10 Cetuximab
PET Scans 6/2011 + 3/2012 clear, 5 year physical exam clear; chest CT's clear of cancer. On thyroid pills. Life is good.