jj, you asked, so here goes. I had a very talented surgeon and plastic surgeon, but it is the radiation oncologist who I am convinced saved my life. I say this because without the radiation, I am sure the tiny cancer cells that the surgeon did not get -- and NO surgeon can guarantee to get every single one -- would have by this time caused me grief. I had a right side tumor inside my mouth. I received bilateral radiation because this cancer switches sides very easily. Karen is right in that it is not painful. In the last weeks, some very fair people, like me, develop burns, but medication can handle that. My take on the whole situation was that I only wanted to deal with this ONCE, so I opted for the big three -- sharp knives, evil death rays, and poison, aka surgery, rad, and chemo. Yes, do opt for IMRT if it is available. I had a lot of rad and can today spit, if I choose to. Having gone through the surgery, I think you owe it to yourself to have radiation too, and to both sides. SCC is a nasty and aggressive cancer, and you really don't want to give it a chance to get going again. Radiation is not a picnic, but it is not the worst thing you will ever have to do, and we will be here to answer all your questions. By the time I was ready for my first treatment, I knew every little thing that would happen, thanks to the kind and generous people here, thus was free from anxiety. Information is power! We can do that for you too. The PEG issue is both pro and con. I had one and am very glad because my mouth was too sore for me to eat, drink, or take meds. I can open it just fine now, so that is not an issue either if you are aware that you need to keep opening it wide throughout treatment. Ultimately, the final decision is yours, but please consider this matter very, very carefully. You are, I think, gambling needlessly with your life if you decide not to undergo radiation. Okay, I am now stepping down from my soapbox. Good luck to you, jj!

Joanna