Shar....From what I understand, the PET scan is done after ingesting a radioactive glucose solution. It shows increased metabolic activity by showing a dark area where the tissues take up the glucose solution in increased amounts. The PET scan can show up other things besides cancer, like infection, or inflammation, or healing from surgery.....and for that reason, it is my understanding that it is better not to do them too soon after surgery, since there is no way to tell whether the shadows on the scan are from tumor activity, which is also increased metabolic activity, or from infection or inflammation or healing, which are also conditions of increased metabolic activity.

On that subject, when you DO have a PET scan of your head and neck, be sure to try to remain fairly quiet the day of your scan, and above all things, don't chew gum (You might also be advised not to eat.) Talking and chewing will exercise your jaw muscles and might cause increased uptake in those areas. When you have the scan, you don't want ANYthing to cause a questionable reading.

it sounds to me like having the tonsils biopsied before surgery is a good idea, in case the surgery will be different, depending on the outcome.

You have a lot going on, little mom, and it sounds like you are doing great. You have a lot on your plate, that's for sure! Stay upbeat. You are a bright spot for the rest of us!