Hi Roger.

I had my tumor removed 10/31/2006. I was diagnosed with mucoid epedermal carcinoma of small salivary gland. My tumor was slightly over 2cm and I was told it was low to intermediate grade. They called it a T2 because I had some perineural involvement inside of the tumor. T2NOMO with clear margins, tumor board met, the radiologist oncologist was the only one who really wasn't for radiation but said he would treat if the surgeon was at all nervous about not treating. They said I was in a gray area as to whether or not to treat since this type of cancer doesn't usually spread or invade other structures. Big word USUALLY , since I already have a rare form of cancer. So,just for random statistics they would say 85% of people like me would be cured with surgery alone but they are treating me incase Im in that 15% that wasn't cured with surgery alone. Whether there is actually cancer cells there microscopically or not, no one can say. I decided to go with the radiation and kill any cancer cells that may or may not exist with the radiation. It wasn't an easy decision, but if it buys a little more insurance to keeping the cancer away I took that policy out. I have 13 treatments left and it hasn't been easy. I have no taste, mouth sores and right now suffering from vommitting and nausea ( think that might have been caused from the pain killers). Anyhow, whatever decision you go with you have to hope/know it's the right one for you.