bdean,

I had brachytherapy at the end of my treatment -- after a partial glossectomy and neck dissection (with removal of many lymph nodes) and 7 weeks of general field radiation. (That was 16 years ago.) I've never smoked, and was just considered a social drinker. My tumor was poorly differentiated, which meant it was showing signs of becoming aggressive, and I think that was one of the factors my head/neck cancer team looked at in recommending brachytherapy.

Like Joanna, I've come to believe that you have to hit this disease with everything possible as soon as possible. Are you dealing with a team at a comprehensive cancer center? If not, I'd suggest that you get to one where the surgeons, radiologists and other related cancer specialists can give you some kind of consensus about what they feel is best in your situation (and why).

Cathy