To All:

First, my thanks to all of you for taking the time to respond. I never expected so many thoughtful comments and so quickly. To address some of the questions. Yes, I am being treated at a comprehensive cancer center - ranked in the top 12 in the country. I have just began to seek other opinions - general oncological consensus is to have the IMRT. Monday 1/31 will be 8 weeks from surgery - I'm feeling some pressure to make the decision soon. Michelle - to address your question - almost half of the right side of my tongue was removed - and part of the floor of my mouth. They did what is called a free flap - graphing skin from my forearm to the tongue including a vein. They had to do left neck dissection to route blood supply to free flap on right side. My lymph nodes on right side were removed 14 years ago at first surgery. I am very fortunate, in that my speech is relatively clear - I am in speech therapy and for those who know me they can clearly detect a difference - s's and ch's are the toughest. Some dry mouth but not unbearable.
It is surprising that so many who do not smoke or have never smoked end up with oral cancer.
Uptown - to answer your question about my reasons for not having it - mostly my concern on side effects - fearing more loss than what has occurred already. I love eating and my profession requires speaking clearly. I've hit a crossroads of choosing between a medical improvement and quality in life. It was encouraging to hear positive comments about the taste buds and salivary glands. It has been very helpful to hear the comments from all of you and your real life experiences.
Has anyone had any experience with amifostine?
Have any of you heard of proton therapy? I understand it's relatively new - only 3 or 4 centers in the U.S.
Again, Thanks to all of you for taking the time. I wish everyone the best and my wife and I will keep you in our prayers.
Ron