Frances
My husband's tumor(lymph nodes) was touching the carotid artery but not wrapped around it. The CT scan showed the tumor was right there but they couldn't tell if it had invaded the atery etc.He was told if during surgery they see it is wrapped around the atery they would stop the surgery, and radiation and Chemo would have to do the work. They were very concerned because my husband wanted to take a 2 week break/vacation with the kids before the surgery and the ENT surgeon told him it could be too late for a succesful surgery if he waited.
We decided to have surgery 4 days later. The tumor was peeled off the atery. He had radiation and cisplatin 3 weeks after surgery and so far so good!!
Good Luck Frances you will be in our prayers!!
Sherrie and Dan