Hi Julie, I too am sorry that you have need of this site. Mike's symptoms sounded a lot like what my Husband Kris had. That slurred speech! Kris also had a lot of ear pain. It took 6 months for him to get a diagnosis, but was pretty quick after he developed the slurred speech. ( Caused by a lymph node pressing on the Hypoglossal nerve.)
This is a tough road. No one here will kid you about that, but it is doable. I didn't find this site until we were nearly through treatment of rads and chemo, so I envy you that you have come here so quickly.
Please come here often for support help and advice. Nothing is a silly question.
Thinking of you guys,
Tammy

P.S. Kris is alive and well, coming up on 6 years since he was diagnosed. Had 1 blip on this road, but life is good.

Caregiver/advocate to Husband Kris age 59@ diagnosis
DX Dec '10 SCC BOT T4aN2bM0 HPV+ve.Cisplatin x3 35 IMRT.
PET 6/11 clear.
R) level 2-4 neck dissection 8/1/11 to remove residual node - necrotic with NED
Feb '12 Ca back.. 3/8/12 total glossectomy/laryngectomy/bilat neck dissection/partial pharyngectomy etc. clear margins. All nodes negative for disease. PEG in.
March 2017 - 5 years disease free. Woohoo!