Meredith...I think that what your husband experienced was related to the radiation and not the surgery. The negative effects of radiation really don't get to their worst point until about 2 months out from treatments. Then you are in full blown radiation sickness. As to the jugular involvement, check out the post today http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=3;t=000090;p=1#000007 Even though it is titled sleep apnea, at the end there is some discussion that you may find helpful.

Brian, stage 4 oral cancer survivor. OCF Founder and Director. The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant.