Laura,

I too was relatively young when my ordeal started.I chose the rad route (IMRT).
Please read my signature below, it tells all.

Johns Hopkins is right up there with the best. Great choice. That really means a lot. Knowing that you made the decision to go to the best is something that you can feel confident about going forward and looking back.

My mindset at the time was like this.

I wanted to get rid of this rather than dance around it and wonder if I made the right decision. I felt that the best chance I had as a younger patient was to take the full course of treatment. So far I am proud to say that it worked for me.

I was just at the University Of Chicago today and met with my ENT. Nothing there. We are now going on a 6 month schedule. So the next time I go is the end of May. Wow, it really goes fast.

The only side effects from the rad is I get some pretty serious spasms in my neck. And I have a dry mouth during the day when I am most active. Other than that nothing. You have to make your choice and I wish you luck and am here to support you. I just thought I would chime in since I was relitivly young at diagnosis.

Good things, Peace, Love, and god bless
Robert, Christine, Alison, Robby, Tommy, Billy, And Scotty Hamilton