Here is another perspective, Scribe. My tumor was not tonsil, but back where the wisdom tooth would have been. I opted for surgical excision, with a graft, and modified radical neck dissection. When that healed, I did 7 weeks of radiation with concurrent chemo, for which I asked. My feeling was that I wanted to do everything possible to eliminate the cancer the first time through. None of it is fun, but as part of the big picture, it is a small amount of time out of your life. Treatment ended last August and I have been going full steam ahead just as I was BC for the best part of a year now. After lymph node removal, there is little or no pain because of the numbness, and while there is great swelling from lymph with no place to go, that gradually recedes. More than a year from my surgery, I only am aware of it at the end of a long day when I am quite tired. Neck dissection was explained in good detail just recently. Look for posts by Fr. Mike when he asked the same question. I know this is a very scary time for you and your family, but know it is something you can do, one day at a time. Also know that any statistics you may run across with regard to survival are just numbers. The only statistic that matters is you. This is a fight you can win, so get ready to head into battle. It is my position that the better informed one is, the easier things are, so ask any and all questions you have, and those of us who have gone before you will endeavor to answer them all. As Raymond advised, the idea of a PEG tube for feeding, water, and medication is a scary deal, but it could not only make treatment easier for you, it could save your life. You may not be able to take food or water or meds by mouth for a while, and you need all to heal from the assault on your body. Those of us who had them still lost weght, and if I had lost more, that would have created additional medical problems. (Can you tell that is kind of a soap box issue with me?) As you read the posts here, know that everyone is different, and reacts differently to the same treatments. What may have been a trial for someone may be easier for you. Now take a deep breath and never foget that there are many, many of us who were where you are now, who are doing just fine.
Joanna
