I definitely agree with the recommendations to get to a CCC (such as Dana Farber, since you're close to Boston). Since your sister has gotten some conflicting advice, it really would make sense for her to be seen by an experienced head and neck cancer team who can come to a consensus about what's the best approach in her case.

I was 39 and a non-smoker/social drinker when I was diagnosed. Much of my treatment plan was developed at Dana Farber (along with a couple of doctors from affiliated hospitals) and they never put me in a position of having to sort out conflicting recommendations. The team obviously discussed the pros and cons of each aspect among themselves and then got back to me with their collective advice, along with good explanations of how they formed their opinions.

Cathy