DaviR, take a good look at radiation. You have had two occurrences, which makes me a little worried. Radiation is no walk in the park, but as Gary says, some of us, including me, didn't have such a terrible time. Although I had a R side tumor, because SCC jumps sides with impunity, I had R&L rad because I didn't want to go through this more than once. I am now 2 years plus from all that, and have no regrets for having aggressive treatment. If you can get IMRT rad as I had, you will end up with saliva. I was so very fortunate to be able to have that, and today do not have dry mouth. That has traditionally been the worst part of rad, but with that out of the picture, radiation is a small price to pay for peace of mind, or as much as one can have with this awful disease. Go for that second opinion!