Lenny,
I was diagnosed with Stage IV, base of tongue SCC with 4 neck nodes. Lots of radiation with a little chemo, but no surgery. I had a PEG tube for 10 months and quite a difficult time swallowing for a while.
Now I am over 3 years out and can eat just about anything that is not too spicy and play golf, work out and do just about whatever I want.
I am a trial lawyer and although I don't do so every day , I have tried 3 jury trials since my treatment.
I also lived alone when I went through the treatment, and yes, the nights were a little rough during the period shortly after treatment ended. However, that passed fairly quickly, and I began to feel much better both physically and psychologically. I did have some depression around the time that treatments ended, but I found a men's cancer support group, attended one free session of counselling, and soon was doing fine.
There is lots of room for hope.
Welcome to the board.

Danny G.