Johanna,

If you were diagnosed 6 months ago and there are signs of spread to lymph nodes, I understand why you are under pressure to start treatment. This disease is very unforgiving and typically needs to be dealt with aggressively as soon as possible.

There are a good many of us here whose livelihoods depend on speaking and/or singing, so you are far from alone in that respect. I was 39 and otherwise healthy when I was diagnosed (18 years ago), and the doctors at my cancer center told me I needed both surgery and radiation. I ended up losing part of my tongue, as well as some salivary glands and lymph nodes, and dealing with dry mouth problems for quite some time after radiation. However, when I was treated, there were no preventive measures that could be taken to try to spare salivary functions -- that is quite different now. Even though I had none of those preventive steps, I've still been fortunate to regain quite a bit of salivary function.

It sounds as though you've heard plenty of radiation horror stories, and I think most of us here who have had it will attest that it was a tough ordeal to get through. However, I found that once I got past the months of radiation (and recovery from it), the longer-term effects that I experienced were more at the nuisance level, and I've never regretted having had radiation. I kept on with my career, went back to singing in my spare time, and have been able to take on volunteer roles with several local charities.

Please don't let yourself be consumed by fear at this point. If you have a consensus from an experienced head and neck cancer team about what needs to be done in your case, please follow their advice. You'll find lots of support here for any questions or concerns you may have along the way.

Cathy