Thanks for the replies, but I am very interested in the correct survival stats. Specifically, the survival stats adjusted for HPV negative status, being a locally advanced stage 4 (enough lymph node involvement to be classified as stage 4), and smoking history (30+ pack years.) I found the "Seer" stats.

http://seer.cancer.gov/

Overall, a 67% (if I remember correctly) 5 year survival. But again, not adjusted for the "negative" factors cited above.

Nothing wrong with researching this issue or being informed as to the correct survival statistics for one's disease. Nothing negative about it. I endured the chemo/radiation/peg tube wondrous experience. I want to know the correct survival stats on my disease. Knowing the stats is not "putting much store by stats." I know what stats are-I have nearly 20 years of education and have taken college and graduate level statistical analysis courses. Maybe I need to take a course in how to get a straight answer from my oncologist!

What I found very interesting in my "journey" was finding how much the 5 year survival rate jumped up-by I believe over 20%. But reading between the lines, it appears the increased survival rate was directly due to the HPV involvement. I'm "old school" as I smoked and dranked my way to my demise.