Welcome Laura, It is a tough decision. Good god stay away from those medical papers! Radiation treatments are like climbing Everest you do it because it's there. Some of us went through pretty easy. Do what gives the best outcome.

Take care

Mark, 21 Year survivor, SCC right tonsil, 3 nodes positive, one with extra-capsular spread. I never asked what stage (would have scared me anyway) Right side tonsillectomy, radical neck dissection right side, maximum radiation to both sides, no chemo, no PEG, age 40 when diagnosed.