I definitely side with the radiation oncologist. There is no finite way to be sure a few errant, malignant cells aren't still in the area or somewhere in the lymph tissues between the primary tumor and the neck nodes or those on the floor of the mouth. Irradiating this area will insure that any there, are taken care of. I also agree with him about the chemo. For people who have had more advanced cancers, sometimes it is used at the end as a "body wash" to clean up any micro metastasis that may be further away from the site of the original primary tumor. I declined the chemo at the end of my surgery and radiation, I just didn't have the strength to go through it. I do not regret that decision now almost 4 years later. PET scans of my whole body indicate that I am still cancer free in areas that would have bloomed by now if there were cancer there. It looks like OCF should put up a message board regarding feeding tubes. In the big picture of all that is going to be done to you, it is no big deal. It is painless, and if you want to get the optimum nutrition for a rapid recovery and healing, necessary. Once the severe mucositis and the rest kicks in around your mouth and in your throat from the radiation, swallowing anything is going to be tough. Take the easy way out and never look back.